25: Access Denied

The very next day, Veioray, Everant and Alma find themselves being summoned to appear before the Malvorect. It's a public meeting with Malvorect Lahan standing in the center of the community. Zezna is standing just behind the Malvorect looking smug.

"[Malveckt Eknor (Everant) and Malvek Ture' (Veioray)]," the Malvorect addressing them formally. Malvorect Lahan is an intimidating woman. She is extremely tall, well over two meters, the oldest person in the community; therefore, also the most respected. She has no life-mate and therefore no children either. Only females have the freedom to choose never to take a mate. She is a career woman and oozes authority as she addresses Everant and Veioray, "[Zezna has come to me with concerns.]"

They do not respond. Everant stands taller and Alma moves closer to him. All three stand there together waiting to hear what the Malvorect has to say. She will tell them when they may speak.

"[I recall three months ago your son, Evan, departed on a camping trip to do some cataloging]," Malvorect Lahan ensuring her facts are correct. "[Yet two months ago you departed with Malvek Ture' and his daughter, Vor, in order to find him. Am I correct thus far?]"

Everant nods yes silently. He will not answer any unasked questions. He has no idea what all Zezna has said.

"[Yet you return yesterday with neither young adult]," Malvorect's tone is serious, "[This has Zezna greatly distressed. If I were a mother waiting for my life-mate to return with my child, and then he did not do as expected. I would be distressed as well. Alma, are you not concerned?]"

"[Yes, Malvorect Lahan]," Alma admits, "[I am very concerned. Yet, I have faith and trust in Everant's judgment. He has assured me Evan is excellent. We are planning to visit him soon. If Zezna has such concern for Vor, she should accompany us with her life-mate, Veioray.]"

"[This seems reasonable to me]," Malvorect Lahan agrees. It's obvious Zezna only told her what she thought would be enough. "[Zezna, you must try to put some faith and trust in your own life-mate's judgment. Malvek Ture' is a knowledgeable male with good judgment. Go and survey the situation for yourself. You may be distressed over nothing. Also, remember Evan and Vor are young adults. They may choose for themselves now.]"

Zezna nods respectfully to Malvorect Lahan. Malvorect Lahan walks away and the rest of the community disperses. Zezna stands there seething in her own juices. She's not even sure of what she was trying to accomplish, but she's sure this wasn't it.

Zezna watches as her only friend, Alma, and Everant walk away with their daughter, Evma, skipping between them. Her little hands holding her parents' large hands. Zezna doesn't know what feels worse right now. The way Alma looked at her as she walked away, or the way her life-mate is looking at her. His eyes filled with anger, disappointment and loss of trust.

"[Come, Zezvor]," Veioray taking their son's hand. Then he leaves Zezna standing there alone with her thoughts. He's too angry to even try to speak with her.

26: Relocation

Back on the other side of the river, the Johnson family has decided to do more than go visit Eve and Evan. They have decided to relocate downstream to a spot near Eve and Evan. Ben is fixing some minor repairs to the shuttlecraft that makes up the core of their dwelling. With the repairs fixed, it will fly again. It's just too far to expect Nate to walk, although he has insisted he could do it.

The decision to relocate and not just visit was made partly because Jude, the ever-worried mother, is concerned her daughter may need her in the future and she can't stand the thought of not being available. They are too far apart. Plus, Eve and Evan can't ever come visit them. Knowing her daughter has chosen to spend her life with a Malyon has made Jude sensitive to the Malyon bashing her friends and neighbors do. Ben, Erin and Nate have become sensitive to it as well. It is hard for Ben and Erin to hold their tongues; doubly difficult for Erin, who has never held her tongue about anything before in her life. And as predicted, Erin socked Adam directly in the nose. He was trying to get information from Erin about Eve, but it backfired on him.

The Johnson family isn't alone in suddenly feeling out of place. Dr. Matos has become sensitive to the Malyon bashing as well, causing him to spend more time alone in the medical center going over scans, etc. It seems he can't get through the day without hearing some derogatory remark about Malyons. He became very fond of Evan and knows he's perfect for Eve. Then there's his new friend, Veioray. He really enjoys sharing philosophies with Veioray. Veioray is an eloquent speaker and Dr. Matos misses hearing him tell stories of Malyon history.

By the end of the week, Ben has completed all the necessary repairs. He announces it at the midday meal.

"Well, she's ready," Ben smiling, "Everyone pretty much all packed up?"

Everybody nods at the unusually quiet table.

"I think we're all just a little nervous," Jude says managing a smile.

"But we're ready," Erin adds, "We need to get out of here. People I thought were my friends are driving me crazy."

"You ready, Sport," Ben asks Nate.

Nate nods, "I'm ready."

"Then we just need to make sure everything we're taking is in the shuttle," Ben a little nervous himself, "and tear down the dwelling extensions around it."

"Can we do that right after we're finished eating," asks Nate.

"Yes, we can," Ben answers, "We should be there in time for the evening meal."

"Yeah," Nate excited, and even Erin smiles.

The whole village gathers to watch as Ben and family tear down the extensions from around the shuttlecraft. As they're finishing, Adam's father comes forward as an unofficial representative of the village.

"What's going on," Adam's father asks.

"We're moving," Ben answers.

"Moving," repeats Adam's father in disbelief.

"Yes," Ben confirms.

"Why," asks Adam's father.

"To be near Eve," explains Ben.

"Got room for one more," asks Dr. Matos with a backpack and a satchel in each hand.

"Of course we do," answers Ben. He was expecting Bob. This was already discussed.

"When will you be back," Adam's mother asks Dr. Matos.

"Never, if I can help it," Dr. Matos' answer sends murmurs through the gathered crowd of villagers.

"What will we do without a doctor," someone asks.

"I'm not taking the medical center with me," Dr. Matos responds, "You'll survive without me. Just like I learned to live without Nina."

"But what if there's a medical emergency," a woman asks, "The only person who could run the center completely on their own was Eve and she's gone."

"You'll do the best you can. When my wife, Nina, died giving birth and the baby didn't survive either, I had to adapt to life without her and the child we had planned to raise together," Dr. Matos responds irritated, "You will adapt." And with that he enters the shuttle. Nate and Erin follow his lead.

"We're going to miss you all," Jude sincere, "But we want to be near our daughter."

"That's understandable," Adam's mother stepping forward away from the crowd, "but the doctor…"

"Has his reasons," Ben finishes for her, "What do you think you can do? Keep him prisoner."

"Listen, this is very personal," Jude adds, "If he thought you needed to know, he'ld tell you. And we've said more than we have to. We don't owe you any explanations." Then she turns and enters the shuttle without saying good-bye.

Ben looks back before shutting the shuttle door. He pauses to listen to Adam when he steps forward out of the crowd.

"Would it be possible for me to come visit Eve sometime in the future," asks Adam.

Ben puts a hand on Adam's shoulder, "As much as I think she would like that, I don't think it would be wise."

"Please, tell her I wish her and her baby well," Adam request, "and that I miss her." Adam's nose is still discolored from where Erin punched him.

"She'll be happy to hear it," Ben smiles and shuts the shuttle door.

As the shuttle powers up, everyone in the village backs away. But most of these so called concerned citizens don't even bother to watch it lift off the ground. They're already busy gossiping about their latest speculation of why Eve left and who's the father. The most prevalent rumor at this time is that the doctor must have fathered Eve's unborn child. Adam doesn't pay any attention to the latest rumor. He's too busy watching the shuttle rise above the trees. His faith in Eve's goodness will become a source of trouble for him, because he will be unable to withstand the negative things that will be said about Eve. Especially, what his own father will later say.

Adam's not the only one to see the shuttle rise above the trees. On the other side of the river, Everant and his family along with Veioray and his family have begun their journey to Evan and Eve by squine. They see the shuttle rise above the trees and fly off downstream.

Adam doesn't take his eyes off the shuttle until it's completely out of site. But out of site doesn't mean out of mind. Eve and her family will continue to occupy his mind. This preoccupation will create a riff between himself, his community and his father, because no one will ever be able to persuade him to have a negative thought about Eve.

Everant and Veioray keep the squines moving at a fast gallop. They hope to cut the journey down to nearly two weeks.

The Johnson family arrives sooner than expected. It only takes them a couple of hours. Ben lands the shuttle in a clearing that's at least 500 meters downstream from Eve and Evan. It's a larger clearing a little farther from the river than Eve and Evan's clearing, but it will do just fine.

"It's hot," Jude as she steps out of the shuttle.

"It's warmer down here," replies Ben.

"Bet Eve is spending a lot of time swimming," Erin as she steps out of the shuttle.

"Hello," Mr. Chan emerging from the trees. He gets passed around for hugs, "It's so good to see you all."

"Where is everybody," asks Dr. Matos.

"I was working on a present when I saw the shuttle over head," explains Mr. Chan, "John and Vor were out gathering. The trees are very thick in some places. They may not have seen the shuttle. And I'm fairly positive Eve and Evan didn't see the shuttle. Besides the way the trees canopy their clearing, they are inside their home practicing breathing exercises for the birth. They will be happy to see you all."

"Will she let me feel the baby kick," asks Nate.

"I'm sure she will," Mr. Chan taking Nate's hand.

It's not a long walk to Eve and Evan's clearing, but until there's a well-worn footpath it will take a little longer than it should. The two shoats, Maw and Girdy, are lingering outside the dwelling. A small ball of fur is near the door. The two squines can be seen behind the dwelling eating leaves from the trees. Erin turns loose a male shoat they brought with them.

Jude pauses, "Ben, I'm nervous."

But Nate can't wait to see Eve, he bolts toward the dwelling. His little legs pumping as fast as he can manage as he heads straight for the door. Erin's not far behind him, except she's not quite running for the dwelling's door.

"Pixie!" Nate shouts after he burst through the door.

Eve is sitting on the sofa with Evan behind her. They were practicing breathing just as Mr. Chan said.

"Nate!" Eve happily surprised. She throws open her arms and catches him. Then she plants kisses on his precious little face and scuffs up his curly dark brown hair.

"I missed you, Pixie," Nate holding Eve's face, "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Eve smiling brightly as her eyes well up with happy tears.

"Your tummy is huge," exclaims Nate amazed.

"Thanks for noticing," Eve glancing down at the bump.

"Is this your friend," asks Nate reaching back and touching Evan's face.

"Yes," answers Eve, "He is my life-mate, Evan."

"You make Eve happy," Nate tells Evan.

"I do my best," Evan smiling, "And it is good to meet you. You are good at making her happy also."

"But you're not ugly," Nate cocking his head at Evan.

"Nathan," Eve unpleasantly surprised, "What made you think he'ld be ugly?"

"People in the village," Erin answers standing just inside the door.

"You just look different," Nate continues, "and different isn't bad."

"Thank you," Evan taking it as a compliment as he helps Eve off the sofa.

Eve meets Erin half way across the room and receives a warm hug from her younger sister. Erin is actually smiling.

"My black vest looks good on you," Eve compliments Erin, who is a good 15 centimeters taller than her older sister.

"Thank you," Erin smiling broadly.

"Evan," Eve motioning him closer, "Evan, this is my younger sister, Erin." Then Eve points a finger at Erin, "Be nice."

Erin makes a face at Eve. Then puts her hand out for Evan, "It's very nice to meet you. Don't believe anything she told you about me. I'm actually a nice person."

"I will take your word for it," Evan as he shakes Erin's hand.

"What's going on out there," Eve peering out the front window over the sink.

"Mom's nervous," answers Erin.

"About what?" asks Eve curious.

"A little about meeting Evan," answers Erin, "But I think mostly about seeing you like…like…like this. Dad tried to prepare us, but seeing makes you a believer."

"Do you like stories," Nate grabs Evan's large hand.

"Yes," answers Evan, "I like stories very much."

"I'm going out," announces Eve, "At this rate, I'ld give birth before she finally got the nerve to come in." And Erin is right behind Eve out the door.

"There's my Pixie," Ben turning and opening his arms to hug Eve.

"Hi, Daddy," Eve receiving her hug and a kiss on the forehead, "I thought since you two weren't making it inside, I'ld come out."

Jude is just quietly staring at Eve.

"It's me mom," Eve smiling, "I'm just bigger."

"Look at my baby," Jude almost bursting into tears as she takes Eve into her arms, "You have always had a way of keeping us surprised," Jude kisses Eve's forehead.

"Wouldn't want to be accused of being predictable," responds Eve.

"How are you or should I say we doing," Dr. Matos noticing Eve's stomach has grown quite a bit in only about a week.

"Evan scans me every day," Eve responds, "He monitors my diet and makes sure I get plenty of rest. I feel pretty good. I urinate frequently. Did I miss anything?"

"Any back pain," asks Dr. Matos.

"Mild," answers Eve.

"Anything else," Dr. Matos giving her stomach the once over.

"Do you really want me to get started," asks Eve.

"No," Dr. Matos answers giving her a quick peck on the cheek, "You're obviously fine." Then he turns to Mr. Chan, who's been watching quietly. He knows Mr. Chan will give him a complete update, so they go for a walk.

"What's to do around here," Asks Erin.

"You can play with Fluffy," suggest Eve.

"Fluffy," questions Erin.

Eve makes a kissing noise and Fluffy pokes her head up.

"What is it," asks Erin looking at Fluffy.

"Fluffy," Eve answers firmly. She's not going into detail, "Now can we go inside before Nate tortures Evan to death."

Jude meeting Evan goes very well. But soon it's time for Eve's afternoon nap. She yawns real big.

"I hate to shoo you all out," Evan standing, "But it is time for Eve's afternoon nap."

"No problem," Ben standing up.

"Can I feel the baby kick again later," Nate ask yanking on Evan's hand.

"Yes, you can," answers Evan.

"Great!" and Nate is outside to check out the squines back behind the dwelling.

"We'll see you later, sweetie," Jude kissing Eve's cheek.

"I'm glad you're all here," Eve smiles.

"Are you my sister?" ask Erin, "I don't know if I can handle all this niceness."

"Get out," Eve orders Erin.

"Just checking," Erin smiling as she leaves. Ben smiles back at them as he exits behind Jude.

"[Alone at last]," Eve kisses Evan's palm. He slides behind her and hugs her close. Then he plants little kisses on her neck.

"[Your parents are going to arrive here next]," Eve tells Evan.

"[I know]," burying his face in her hair, "[Yet for now, it is nap time]," hands over the bump. He smiles as he feels it move.

"[Sometimes I think it plans on kicking its way out]," Eve sliding her hands over Evan's.

"[Thank you]," Evan grateful simply for this moment.

"[You are welcome]," Eve responds, "[and thank you.]"

"[Would you like me to lie with you]," asks Evan.

Eve nods yes. Then he helps her off the sofa and they lay down in their bedroom. Evan curls around Eve.

"[I hope it has your eyes]," Eve tells Evan.

"[I was going to say same thing]," Evan smiling pleased. "[Mostly I pray it will be healthy and I will be good father.]"

"[You are already a good father]," Eve snuggling into Eva. "[You take excellent care of us.]"

"[I try]," he responds.

"[You succeed]," Eve informs him.