Minutemen

Day 2: Reaching Out

            Snowy took Jacks phone as he made their breakfast. Eight a.m. on the nose she dialed the hand written number. She waited as the phone rang.

           "A little early for a call, isn't it? Who is this?" the sleepy voice asked as she shouted away from the phone, “WHERE'S MY COFFEE!!

          "I'm sorry. I was given this number to call. I am Snowy King. I am a model in need of an agent. I have just moved here a day ago. Should I call back at a later time?”

          "Snowy? Your shitting me, it is really Snowy? I thought she was yanking' my chain!" A long slurping noise came over the line as she continued, “Ahh, God, I can see again!”

           "If you are interested you could get my pro-folio from Legacy Model and Talent Agency 2411 Cogswell Drive, Lansing  (517) 485-9999.”

         “You know its EIGHT AM on Sunday, right? Hell, what was that number again?” she again shouted away from the phone, “PEN! Thanks babe.”

          Snowy repeated the information adding, "Early bird catches the worm. Plus, I want to start as soon as I can."

          “Nobody starts this early on Sunday.” The crunching and chewing noises could be heard, “Look, first thing tomorrow morning ... you got the card ... hell, better make it nine, just tell the receptionist who you are.”

          “Office it is. I am looking forward to meeting you.”

          “Yeah, sure kid, just don't be late.”

           "I'm never late.” Snowy jumped up and down, "Jack we are busy in the morning. I have an appointment. I got to find something to wear!"

           "Snowy..."

           She looked at him

          "This time you go alone, we can set up a taxi."Jack rubbed his head as he spoke, "I need to find out details of our life. I have to find out when we have to start school again, there training stuff. All the details, there is no definitions. You go get your agent. I will get our game plan. Need me you know I am there. I can’t be in two places at once.” He paused, “This is not a good idea, we should stay home till the change.”

She nodded confused, ignoring her headache as she sat to eat her breakfast. Her fear started to whelm inside. No way could she go without him.

 >>>>>>>>> 

(off camera)

>>>>>>>>> 

          “Hey, just got her call.” The woman spoke.

          The male voice inquired, “When is she coming in?”

          “Tomorrow morning.”

          “That sounds good.  Hey, you seen the kid?” he asked

          “No, not yet but Nathaniel is a pretty good judge of beauty.”

           Laughter started his words, ”Alright, I'll give her a shot.”

           “Don't just take her for my sake, make sure she's going to earn it.” She insisted.

           Yeah, no problem, it'll take me about a minute to suss her out and I'll tell her if I can't use her.

           “Good. I think I might come along. I am curious about this one. You looking for a little work? I got half dozen clients that would kill to get you, you know.”

           “I think not. See you tomorrow.” He hung up the phone.

 >>>>>>>>>> 

next door

>>>>>>>>>> 

           Bell hunched over the piano, occasionally hitting a few off notes as she uses the keyboard as a desk.

          “Bell, honey, you gotta eat.” called out the elderly woman.

           “Sure Gran, just a sec.” 

            “NOW girl,” ordered Gran.

            Bell half smiled then laid the pencil and pad on the console, before going to the kitchen for breakfast. She stopped at Phillip and kissed him on top the head, then received a hug from Ariel.,

             Gran sat a plate full of pancakes on the table. Bell hugged her. "Thanks Gran."

           Bell helps Phillip with the dishes as Ariel sits at the piano with Gran and practices

           Ariel asked, “I gonna be good as Bell, Gran?”

           “Someday, you practice like she do, you will,” assured the woman.

 >>>>>>>>>>> 

           Snowy does a light fashion show for Jack of her three top picks for the morning as she is doing that, there is a brief flash of bluish light coming from the house next to theirs.  It was followed by a blood curdling scream and another flash of light. The two step outside to investigate.

           Over the fence they see a blue-white flash about twenty feet off the ground and what looked to be a girl made of electricity appeared, hovered for a second then vanished. A voice they recognize as Ms. Keely's was calling 'Paige! Paige!"

            Snow commented, "Great another female neighbor." She turned and went back in the house.

            Another flash of light and the girl appeared just a few feet from them on the other side of the window. Flash and she's gone again.

            A guy about his age dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and day-glow orange shorts pops into view then vanishes.

            The girl popped out in the middle of Jack's backyard about ten feet off the ground. The guy in the Hawaiian shirt popped out right next to her and grabs her around the waist.

             "And I thought that was rule one." Jack chuckled.

            "Calm down, Paige" Boy yelled at her.

            "I can't stop!" she screamed.

            "Yeah, you can...just concentrate on me.”

            They hovered above the lawn for a few seconds then the girl's body seems to burst and the electricity is gone. The boy dropped to the ground with her in his arms. The girl was crying, her face buried in the boys neck.

            The guy looked over at Jack "Hey, nice day, huh?"

            "Yeah the changing is in the air, seems like I am not alone. I'm Jack."

            “Josh! the naked girl is my sister, Paige...sorry about this...she just got her powers.”

            “I"M NAKED!” screamed Paige.

             “Oh, shut up, I seen you before!” Josh teased.

             “JOSH I'm gonna kill you!”

            Jack chuckled, "The first time is rough, on number four right now."

            Josh grinned, "I better get her inside before she kills me.” Pop, he's gone

           "Nice to um, see you Paige." Jack held back his second comment.

           “From over the fence he can hear her wailing "He saw me naked!!!"

           Jack laughed.

           “I was covering the good bits!” retorted Josh. 

             Jack headed back to his house. Snowy was singing along at full voice to the radio, as she picked out her dress.

           Jack turned off the radio," Come on let’s get ready to go. I need to get some stuff.”

           Jack dialed Mal's number

           “Hello?”

            “Good morning, Mal. I was wondering if you could give us a ride. I have to be back by 11:50," requested Jack.

           “On my way now but you are going to have to wait until we get Paige settled.” Mal warned him. “Seems she's decided to be a meta this morning.”

            "Yes, I know she is in the changing mode. It gets easier."Jack assured. "Well I guess I could send you with just Icy. I have a date at 11:50 to jam.”

            “Josh said more the teleporting around the house mode.” Mal pulled up into the driveway next door. She  stopped, opening the glove box removing two items.

             Jack walked over to Mal as she pulled up in the Keely's driveway. She handed him the two plastic boxes.

            “Just remember to turn it off.” Mal advised him.

            "Thanks, I try and get her to wear it.” Jack looked at the boxes.

           “Now it will come on if you get a call, so you don't have to leave it on. There is no off the hook mode.” She explained.

          "Sure there is, you stick in your pocket."

          “There is that. Now, let me see if I can calm Paige down.” Mal turned and started to the house when a black SUV rolled up.

           "If she needs a lullaby, Icy does them well. If her gift is needed I can send her over.” Jack stated as he watched the car too.

           She stopped, turning to the SUV, reaching it as Miller got out. “You are not needed, Agent Miller, we have this in hand. “l

           Jack turned to intercept Miller. “Mr. Miller, remember me?”

           Miller spoke sounding agitated, “Of course I do, though we have not been formally introduced.”

          “Well, I really must thank you.” Jack declared.

          Miller looked surprised "For?"

           In the distance there was a roar of a high performance engine approaching.\

            "For giving me the opportunity to be part of all this, I was taught to fear the governments. Please accept my thanks," he held out his hand.

           Miller turned at the sound, speaking over his shoulder "I am only interested in what is good for my ...our country, if it happens to help you, all the better." Miller took the offered hand as a low black car rolled up the street, pulling to a stop behind the SUV.

           "We all want to do what is right for our country, land of the free home of the brave. My Uncle served. That is how he became a Bio Chemists, with the college plan.”

            "Then you follow a tradition of service." He spoke looking nervous.

            "Isn't it the greatest honor to serve your country?"

            The car disgorged the huge form of Nat Ryan and a tall, slender girl with curly black hair. She gave  Miller a devilish grin.

            “I served in the Marines, myself.” Miller commented not taking his eyes off the two arriving.

           "Wow. Sniper division?" Jack tried to hold his attention.

            The girl greeted, “Hello, Agent Miller.”

            Miller's voice turned colder than Jack "Ms. Collins ... Mr. Ryan"

            "Oh excuse me I must go to my sister, we should talk again Mr. Miller. I live right over there" Jack head back home.

             Miller gave Jack a look of puzzlement.

             Nat approached Miller, “Hey, Reg, come for the graduation party?”

            “Just verifying we have a new manifestation.”Miller replied

             Jack gave Snowy her ear wig, "They probably think I am loony. I made nice with Mr. Miller."

             Snowy nodded, “More than likely but it always works, How do I use this?'

              Jack put his in, “On snowy, hello my queen.. off snowy”

              As they play with the earwigs, Miller concluded his 'visit' in about 60 seconds then gets back into the SUV and rode off.

               Snowy giggled, “Easier than that box, I think I broke it. It's smoking."

               Jack looked at the broken screen, "Yeah it's dead."

              Mal disappeared into the house next door and was followed by Nat. Ms. Collins though, walked up to their door and knocked.

              Jack opened the door, "Can I help, you?"

             "Hello, Jonathan, or do you prefer Jack? I am Wren Collins. Might I speak to Ms. King for a moment?"

             "Sure, she’s over by the junk pile." He bowed gesturing her to enter.

              “Junk pile?” Wren questioned as she entered, immediately see the trashed computer. ”Oh, I see, indeed it is junk.” She smiled at the smoking computer. “A problem?”

              Snowy tried to bag up what was left of the computer, making a bigger mess. "Yeah, it doesn't work." Snowy actual took notice of Wren. "Who are you?"

                “Ms. King, I am Wren Collins, I believe you received a card from me yesterday from Malin.”

               "Yes I have an appointment tomorrow." She stated, her fear rising.

               “As you are new to the area, perhaps I might give you a ride to the office?” offered Wren.

               "That would be wonderful; Can you be here by six?" Snowy hated the idea, Jack whispering the response in her head.

               “That might be a little early as the drive is only about 20 minutes but if you wish, yes.”

               "Since I heard the traffic is awful, I figured a two hour cushion. I am never late." she said matter of fatly. "Could you get us a few more of these cursed machines? I was told we need to learn one."

               “An excellent practice, I am sure Samuel will appreciate your punctuality.” Wren smiled, "Indeed, perhaps Q might fireproof it.”

               "I punched it and hit it with Jack's hammer." Snowy dusted her hands off done with making the mess worse.

              “That does tend to slow it down somewhat.” Wren mentioned.

               "Can you answer Jack's questions?" Snowy requested, wanting them answered so he was free in the morning.

              “Yes.” Agreed Wren.

               Snowy headed for the bathroom.

               Jack gave Snowy a look as she left, "Should you be Ms. Collins or Wren?

              “Wren, if you please.  She is your cousin, correct?”

               He was still wearing yesterdays clothes, "Yes. Why? Does that surprise you?"

              “No, actually, I was merely going to comment that she a very attractive young girl and I believe Samuel will agree.”

              "They did a few shoots with both of us, as kids. Not my gig, she kind of likes it.” He shrugged.

             “That might be of interest as well, you complement one another. Is she interested in just modeling?” She questioned.

             "No she is going to be a bio chemist like my Uncle. She already knows more than most. Right after our band hits it big." He did not understand he question fully, “Now my questions.  How do I enroll us in school? I want to wait a week give her time to adjust.”

             “You are enrolled, You may start when you are ready.”

             "Week from tomorrow and can you get our classes and books early? I want to see how far ahead we are or if we might have to catch up.”

            “Miller has retrieved your school records but your class schedule can be adjusted to suit your individual preferences.”

            "We go to the same classes at the same time and no phys ed." He stated.

            “You may stop by the school any time in the next week and review your choices.” She informed.

            "When will the ashes arrive?"

            “We don't do phys ed.” there was a coldness in her tone.

            "What day s and exact time is this training and where?" He asked

           “Miller has not seen fit to inform us as to the disposition of your uncle's remains, however I shall make sure they arrive no later than Saturday if we have to send a plane to pick them up. He was a veteran?”

            Jacked nodded, "Once we have them I need a secluded place for a ritual we wish to perform to lay him to rest. We will use our powers, so I don't want any one alarmed.”

           “As you wish .. as to training, it will begin on your first Monday, merely an evaluation, nothing more. Nathaniel will speak with Malin, Mark and Christiana to determine what type of training would best aid you. When we train, we use the school gymnasium...it is specially re-enforced Fire proof...sound proof...but not quite Nathaniel proof.”

           "When do we have to start paying the credit card, is there a bank account for us, are we paid monthly, bi weekly or weekly?  And we need new cell phones, one each."

            “Pay is deposited on the first day of the month and is at the US government rate of a GS12, I believe that is about $75000 per year.” Wren explained.

             "We get atm cards or checks to get it out?"

            “You received the cards from Nathaniel yesterday, $5000 was deposited in your accounts at that time.  You also received cards from Malin yesterday afternoon. A matching amount is available through those as well.”

             "So the credit card is the bank card, so no bill?

            “Correct.”

            "Uncle John took care of our money. It's a little new to me." He tired to explain.

            “As to cell phones ... we ... avoid them.”

            "She needs one for her career.”

           “They are fine for unimportant calls, anything you do not mind having Miller in on.” Wren warned.

           "I need one for my own reason."

           “And he will listen in. I suggest that you use the cards Malin picked up for you for anything private.”

           Jack just smirked “Gottcha boss lady.”

           “I am not the boss lady.”

            He chuckled to himself, "As you wish."

            “It is as I wish, yes. Nathaniel has ordered two mopeds. They will arrive tomorrow at noon Helmets will be with them.”

           "Thank you," he grinned, "Would you mind allowing a little show for Bell?"

          “Such as?” she inquired

          "It is minor, just Bell upset Snowy. Snowy wishes to prove her point without you killing her. And it has to be a surprise to Nat."

           “Without killing HER?”

            "Yes, Bell said you would. Only reason I am letting you in on it. I believe you could, but you might be pissed." He casually spoke, "One time thing I promise."

            “That would be most unfortunate.” 

              "Bell picked Nat as the target, Not Icy."

             “Explain.”

             "Bell basically threw what Icy perceives as a challenge. So she plans on executing it next time she sees Nat. It would spoil it if I tell you what."

             “I am sorry, but I require specifics. But I will promise, no one will be killed.” Wren guaranteed.

             "Fine spoil sport. She is going to steal a single kiss and walk away." He couldn’t figure out why a simple kiss on the cheek was such a big deal. "She has no interest in him. Not her type."

            “That would have been very unfortunate. Tell me, can she fly?”

             "No, but I will grab her”

             “Can you fly?”

             "Yes. in a manor. But I can see you have no sense of humor, the shock value would be awesome to all and she would do it with no powers."

             “Jonathan, the last girl that kissed Nathaniel, If you had not warned me, both you and the cousin would have had an interesting view of California ... from 60000 feet. I will not allow her to do this.”

             "Yeah, thought you would say that. " Jack seemed to go into his own head. He had seen Mal kiss Nat but Wren had not been present. He was confused.

             “Do you have any other questions?”

             "No you told me more than I asked. Thanks. We will start school a week from Monday and I will get her to her appointment, If that's okay?"

             “As you wish but the offer stands.” Wren stated.

             "No thank you, We can find our way. We do appreciate all the help you have given us."

             Wren nodded, "I am sure that I have upset your cousin's plans but it is best to know the outcome before making such an attempt ... that goes for others in the teams as well."

              Jack headed to the door opening it.

             “I suggest calling Miller, he will provide a car and driver for you He has few other uses.” Wren suggested.

             "I'll find a way.” Jack replied back.

              Wren stepped out the door, "It was present meeting you and tell your cousin to break a leg tomorrow."

              "Thank you Ms. Collins, it was a pleasure.” Jack gave a slight bow to her.

              She walked down the path of the door, up the sidewalk then up the path to the house next door.

              Jack took out his cell, ordering a cab for now and one for 6:30a.m. The cab arrived. Jack escorted Icy to the taxi, she held a firm grip on his arm. Giving her a kiss on her cheek, he reassured her she could do this. Sending her off to do errands, he headed to the garage watching the clock, playing a few tunes, practicing different styles.

             Over the sounds of his music came a bang on the garage door. Sling his guitar behind me, He lifted the door. There stood the Nubian princess in tight jeans and a crop top, flip flops.

             Bell asked, “Whatchu call dat?”

             Stepping out of the sun, just enough to keep a hold of the door, Jack replied, "A prelude to a nightmare, you are early. You said 12:05” He closed the door, the garage still cooler than a normal one

            “Let me hear it.” She requested. “Whatchu keeping in here? Bodies?”  Bell rubbed her arms, “Whatchu playin?”

            "You like ice shows?" he asked.

             She looked over his gear "Never had no ice shower, just that shit that come outta the fire plugs.”

             "It's okay, I am down in the dumps. Let's pick a rhythm and go at it."

            “Which one I play?” She pointed at the guitars.

            "Whichever you wish, Uncle John bought them for our band. No band here." Jack started playing some southern blues, with an electric twist. He wished Ben was there. ""Or are you more pop?" He switches up. "Or more like cooper?" He started singing welcome to my nightmare. His voice just a bit scarier but sounding like the artist.

             Bell picked up a guitar and plugs in. Strumming it a few times, she made tuning adjustments. The perfect pitch reached when she turned to crank up her volume. She urged, “Come on, show me what you got!”

             Jack cranked his amp up. “Ladies pick.”

             Bell started up the duel striking up a slow, bluesish tone. She doesn't stand still, swaying with the music and actually making faces as she plays, almost like she's singing every note. She goes into a reparative riff then passes it off to Jack

             Mimicking her, he plays it back

             She throws in some high finger work, harmonizing hers

              He followed her lead doing the same, adding a pulse to the clavier.

             Bell's fingers are flying over the very highest end. Slowing down, she played the middle, the whammy bar going. She change to a strum and picked up The Midnight Special.

              Jack joined in singing the words, playing with her till she switched up.

              Bell goes into rhythm, swaying to it as she added a vocal harmony.

              Jack sat his guitar down.

              Bell stopped too. “Whatchu hear?”

             "You are great. You should lead your own band.”

             “Shit, nobody good enough...you might do. Ya need them drums dough.”

             "No you are always one step away. You just have to keep trying. Than it hits, that one moment you remember forever. Yeah Snowy is picky on who she allows in."

              She glared at him. "I ain't white enough for no Snowy and the drifters, huh?” Bell very carefully set the guitar on the stand. Went over and pushes the door of the garage up.

            "What are you talking about not white enough. Where did that come from? I don't judge people on labels."Jack was clueless.

            “Yeah, you don't little Cuz does if she 'pick' bout who she play wit.” spat out Bell.

            "Snowy doesn't care if you are green, if you fit right. You are in."

            “Let me tell you, white boy, ain't no one this area can play like me, no one."

            He called after her, "I am not saying that. Hell you are great, just told you that. And if you call me white again expect labels tossed back at you.”

             Bell just laughed as she pulled the door down.

             He tossed open the door pissed as all hell. Frosting up he shoot into the sky on his snowflakes.

             Dual cabs meet in front of the King’s house at three o’clock. Jack popped out of the lead cab, grabbing the door of the second. Snowy took Jack’s hand as she exited the second cab. Jack’s eyes scoped the neighborhood for cars, as he unloaded her packages. Entering the garage, Jack closed the door he left open. They entered the Dining room.

             Snowy spoke first, "We don't belong here. I want to go home."

             Jack shook his head, "We are stuck here for now, live with it."

             Snowy stormed to her room slamming the door.

             Jack opened the packages sighing, not liking anything she got him but at least she tried to go alone. The few items bought did not account for the time she had been away. He stowed the case of sunscreen in the closet. With a heavy he sighed, "Ben where are you when I need you the most."

              Proceeding to each door and window, he locked the house up. He frosted the windows as he sunk into the couch. His head pounding wishing he had someone to talk to. Preparing dinner distracted him as he made a light supper for them. Jack removed the ear wig, sticking it in the desk drawer, before turning on the radio. Doubling the voice on radio he sung out in volume. Like a serine call it summoned Snowy from her room. She took her seat at the table, listening to him, letting his song aid her in the distraction from the headache.

              "I am Sorry Jack, but she did it to you to. How dare she call you a white boy. They are all to free to label us. "she was flat and calm in tone.

              "I've been called worse. I just don't need her kind of drama. We can’t be ourselves around them. You need to figure out how to get along. I need time Snowy, two days isn't enough time. You have to make friends with someone." He held his head as he joined her.

              "Maybe if someone comes along, that isn't so..... " she struggled for a word and gave up.

              “At least you went out alone, you didn’t even call me.” He smiled at her.

              “Had the driver go in for most of it, I waited in the car.” She picked at her dinner.

              "I know we are an odd pair. You just got to be more open. I need to get some stress off. You have to try." He pleaded.

               Snowy took out her ear wig dropping it in the drawer with his. He handed her new cell phone.

              "Thanks for the clothes. Mind picking out what I am to wear tomorrow." he sweetly smiled down at her.

              Snow took the piles to his room, hanging them up

               Jack opened his old cell phone and dialed Mal.

              “Hello?”

              “I am sorry.”  he said.

              “For what?” she asked.

              "You know what. I am not use to this, Yet. Kind a lot to do in two days. I don't have any one else to talk to. I understand if you don't get us either."

              “So, you get me? Or Nat? Or Bell? How did that go, by the way?” Mal asked. 

               "No, I guess not. Bye.” He looked at his cell phone feeling alone.