Activated Pt. 19

I pull Michael aside, "Start thinking of excuses, you are sleeping over tonight." I don't think he's very surprised at that.

I have to hand it to them, the bus is here at exactly 11am. It's a party bus but I'm just renting it so we can all go over, I made sure to choose the one without the drink bar or decorations.

The traffic isn't so bad and we arrive around 11:45. I remember the first showing, I was so worked up that night and I feel all the same right now. That night I was worried that people wouldn't like the 20 or so paintings I did, now it is just the one but this is so much bigger.

We walk inside and Mr. Kline waiting for us to guide us to the main hall. They have a pile of copies of the Times piece written about me. I see my painting covered, up on a single step platform with a lectern and microphone. Why did I agree to speak?

I see a familiar face and they make a beeline to talk to me, I make the connection and this is going to be a little awkward.

"Hello Miss Bard, how nice to see you again."

"Mr. Stevens?"

"Correct, we talked at the first showing. How are things in the Vinyard?"

"Ah yes, I was sort of under cover that night. Sorry about that. Yes, I'm Euterpe, cat is out of the bag. What brings you here today?"

"I am the sponsor, well my foundation is, I have been following you since that night and even picked up an amazing piece this summer, the one you did in greyscale."

"Oh Wow! Thank you for this, it is an incredible amount of trust you have placed in me as a new artist."

"I don't think so, I expect to be proven right soon enough."

"If you want, I can introduce you to the girl in your picture but I warn you, a very good chance she'll break into crying."

"I'd like that, not the crying, just the meeting."

As I was talking they brought out some food, nothing fancy, some sandwiches, soft drinks and water, but breakfast was a few hours away and lunch seemed like a very good idea.

While getting a sandwich the reporter came up to me. "Afternoon Miss Bard, are you excited?"

"About to explode."

"After the unveiling do you think you can spare a few minutes to talk?"

"In for a penny, in for a pound. I expect we'll have a moment or two."

"Thank you, if not I will understand."

I make eye contact with the Senator and his wife but before I could make my way over there Mr. Kline asked everyone to be seated. Oh crap, this is the moment.

"Thank you everyone. Speaking on behalf of my gallery and staff we are all thrilled to have you here to share this moment. Almost a year ago I was contacted about this amazing new artist, as you can imagine I hear that all the time, this time they completely undersold the artist's talent. Over the last year I forgave them that, her talent is often beyond words. I know most of you are her friends and it is fitting you are here for her today, she really needs little introduction, I present to you Calliope Bard, Euterpe."

The room starts to applaud as I move to the platform. Don't feint, don't feint! Michael actually helps me, talking my hand and leading me to the microphone.

"Thank you, thank you all. Thank you from Mr. Stevens who sponsored my work here today, to Mr. Kline and the staff that have been so good to me, to my friends here in the audience. I could probably go for 30 minutes thanking you all and know that I love each and every one of you."

"A few weeks ago I was contacted about a commission for a painting to place in the Smithsonian, part of me still is trying to absorb that. I reached out to my friends for ideas, and my friend Jennifer delivered. I'd like to read the story and legend then we'll show you the painting."

"Lincoln at Richmond"

"On April 14, 1865 Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at the Ford theater, among the contents of his pockets was a confederate $5 bill. This is a fact, and there are many theories to explain why the leader of the Union would have a confederate $5 note in his pocket. This is one of the legends."

"On April 4, 1865 just two days after the confederate forces withdrew from the capital of both Virgina and the rebellion, Richmond. President Lincon, his son Tad and a military force arrived to tour the smoldering capital. Some of the residents cowered in their homes but a mass of former slaves streamed into the streets, cheering and shouting for attention, they called him 'Father Abraham' and reached to just touch him in reverence. This much is in our history books. The legend goes that one older former slave caught the president's attention and pressed that very $5 bill into his hand, shouting above it all that he had been saving up to buy freedom for his family, he no longer needs it because the president has bought it for him. The president vowed to keep it with him for the rest of his life."

"I present to you Lincoln at Richmond." Mr. Kline uncovers the picture showing President Lincoln surrounded by a crowd who overwhelm the few Union soldiers around him. The room is silent for a few seconds and then I hear crying from Jen. I'm glad Michael is here to help me step down, my faceplanting now would probably ruin the mood. I see Sandy in the front start to clap and that is all was needed to break the spell, the entire room erupts and I feel a little like Lincoln for a moment.

The first person to come up to me was actually Greg, "Calliope, my ancestors came from Richmond, they might have been in that crowd. Your picture is amazing. I can't thank you enough for inviting us to share this moment with you."

I smile and nod to him, I am going to need a few moments to speak. Michael has his arm over my shoulder and is holding my hand, I am so glad he is here.

Everyone came up to me to tell me how amazing the picture was, a line had formed to look closely and examine it starting with the people from the Smithsonian. After a moment they made their way over to Mr. Kline to make arrangements no doubt.

"Miss. Bard, may I have a word with you?"

"Mr. Stevens, of course."

"Mr. Kline was very right, it is hard to put into words the masterpieces you create. Thank you from my foundation and I, we knew you would produce something amazing but this is beyond anything I could imagine."

"Thank you sir. I think I need to sit down."

"Oh please get some rest." He makes eye contact with Michael, "Do take care of this one, she is priceless, but I expect you already know that."

"Thank you sir."

Mike leads me over to a chair and I see Sandy coming over. "Cali, do you need something to drink?"

"Yes, I think so."

She reaches behind her back and hands me a mixed berry juice box, I smile as I take it from her. Well played my friend, well played.

We're sitting there when Mr. Carlson the reporter comes up, Sandy's expression is on the boarder of a glare, the protector.

"Miss Bard, I understand if you aren't up for it."

"Maybe a few questions."

"You mentioned your friend Jennifer provided the inspiration, any other sources?"

"Just the many history books I read after her idea to research, he was a great man. Did you know he actually had a patent for an invention?"

"How long did it take to paint?"

"An evening, once I got to a certain point on a project I have to get it on canvas, I just keep painting till I'm signing my name. I tend to tune out the world on some of these projects."

"Are there any similar projects coming up?"

"Boy I hope not, I need time to recover from this one. I do have another open showing in late December, Mr. Kline's office should be able to provide the date. I'm afraid I don't actually know the specifics."

"Just for me, will we see you there?"

"Not sure, I think my undercover time is at an end. Some people can handle it, big events just suck the energy out of me. I was only up there for a few minutes and it seemed like hours."

"Thank you Miss Bard, we'll probably have something in the arts section when they hang it in the Smithsonian, I'll let you know."

"Thank you."

I stick my hand out to Sandy and without hesitation she puts another juice box in it. Alex managed to calm down Jen until she found out Mr. Stevens bought the picture. I feel a little better about my own outbursts, I have it together compared to Jen. For the next hour it was about the same, I got hugs and everyone took a close look at the painting. The only thing that interrupted the cycle is when the staff came out with freshly baked cookies. I even lost my bodyguard for a moment, she returned with a small plate of them to share with Michael and myself.

My strength returned I made my way over to the Senator and his wife.

"Miss Bard, thank you for inviting us."

"I keep telling you, call me Calliope." I get some smiles out of that, "I'm not sure if you are busy but I am having a dinner at my house, you are certainly welcome."

"I'm sorry Miss- er, Calliope I am afraid I am not, I have to go back to the 'wretched hive of scum and villainy' that is congress."

"Calliope, can I bring the kids over?"

"Oh Heidi, of course you can, Caroline and Catherine are wonderful. And you are bringing them by tomorrow for me to paint, right?"

"Yes, that would be amazing."

"I would like to talk to you about that commission."

"Don't you dare, you are friends, it will be my pleasure to paint them for your family. You are friends now, that is how it works."

"Well, thank you."

"Heidi, we're probably leaving soon, want to swing by after 3pm?"

"I need to get the kids and rub it in that they missed out on some delicious cookies. 'It will be boring', ha!"

About this point Rebecca noticed the Senator.

"My goodness Miss. Abrams, so good to see you. How are you feeling?"

"I am good, I am enjoying school and am surrounded with friends."

"I can't tell you how good that makes me feel, you have a few fans and I'm going to tell them I saw you lighting up the room."

She takes his hand and squeezes it.

I turn to Michael who has been at my side, "I'm going to call the bus, it'll be here in about 10 minutes."

He lets me go and steps up to the platform right by the painting, "Hey everyone, those going with us, the bus will be here in about 10 minutes to head back to Mount Parnassus."

Mr. Kline comes up to me, "Thank you for this, maybe the best day for this gallery. We will be in touch when they schedule the installation at the Smithsonian and about the December showing."

"Thank you sir, I will remember this day fondly."

We all make our way outside and the fresh air revitalizes me, I felt so frail back there and I feel more normal now. The bus pulls up and we load up for a quiet drive back to the house. I pull Sandy aside on the drive back. "I'm having dinner tonight catered, can you set them up with the security system?"

"Will do boss, you really went all out."

"Worth it, I could live off the smiles I saw today the rest of my life. By the way, the juice box, well played."

"I wish I had some Funyons but I finished them off because they are awe-some!" She even pronounces that last word sing-song.

We got back home and I just collapsed on my chair in the living room. Maybe 15 minutes later Heidi and the girls arrived, Sandy and Michael offered to take them on a tour of the workshop, I got a burst of energy before but for the next few minutes I'm happy to just sit here and recharge.

Around 5pm the caterer shows up, Sandy is ready to add them to the system for a limited time so they don't get locked out of the house when they go to the truck for supplies. "I'm not saying they could be tazed by the drones, but better safe than sorry." Ah, the protector.

Sandy PoV

We sat down at the main table, my brother on one side of Calliope, I was on the other with my Michael holding my hand under the table. My parents were here too, and they were beaming in pride as if she was another daughter. She kind of is.

"I guess I should thank everyone before we start to eat, I haven't spoken to this many people ever before."

There is a tapping on a glass and Calliope stands up.

"I just want to say a few words before we start and I will be brief because it smells soooo good. I just want to thank you all for being here with me today, my friends, my family. I want you to know I couldn't have done any of this without you. Enjoy dinner and don't think anything of it if I won't talk to you, I think I'm all talked out for today."

I reach over and squeeze her hand in support as she sits down, my brother leans over and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

The cattier was really good, they took orders for the main course while appetizers and salads were brought out. I just took Mike out to a fancy dinner for his birthday a few weeks ago and I feel like I skimped, this was amazing.

I was at a loss for the desert option and went with a crem bule. Calliope leaned over, "Don't worry, they are packing up the leftovers for lunch tomorrow." Very good because that cheesecake was a close second.

After dinner I caught up with Mom, "I'm going to help out here tonight and I think both Michaels are also. I didn't talk with Betsy but apparently, we're having leftovers for lunch before the NC crew flies back to our schools. Calliope wanted you and Dad to come over for that too."

"You kids have fun. We will see you tomorrow."

Betsy decided to stay over also which did present a problem, she was going to share the room with Becca and the only other room upstairs is the cat room. I have an idea and I can't wait to spring it on Mike.

After dinner the cartiers packed up the leftovers and cleaned up. By 8pm you wouldn't know they were here unless you looked in the fridges. A few of us talked, a few of he decided to play cards, there were smiles and laughter all over the house. While I destroy them at Uno I find I am not as good at Texas hold'em.

As the evening went on I fell behind. "Sandy, I don't think you have enough to call, going to fold?"

"How are we with alternative stakes?"

"What you got?"

"Possibly the only known picture of Calliope Athena Bard in a two piece bikini."

Calliope heard this and rushed over, "You said you were going to delete that photo?"

"Slipped my mind." I pushed my cell phone into the pot. "Call."

Jen was looking over Alex's shoulder, "I was there, it was a really good picture."

"Et tu Jennifer?"

I ended up winning that round, at which the house rules were changed to disallow alternative stakes. That win didn't help me in the long run, 3 hands later I busted and Alex ended up the big winner. Calliope, cornered me after I busted, "Now are you going to delete that picture and any others from vacation like that."

"Oh sure." And I caught out of the corner of my eye my brother nodding to me, I got the hint, he wants that picture.

It was starting to get late and we all headed to our rooms except Mike and I. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, plus the main bedroom and of course the cat room so Betsy was going to share that 3rd room with Becca but I know secrets. I lead Mike over to the pantry in the kitchen and down into the wine cellar. I think she just liked the concept of a wine cellar because I haven't seen her touch wine in all the time I knew her. I triggered the hidden switch, and a passage opened leading to the shelter.

When we got to the main room Mike just said, "Sandy is always right."

"I like the thought but about what specifically."

"You said this house was amazing and while I didn't doubt you it is even more than I thought."

"When we were designing the house it was originally going to be just a safe room but there was a news story about a safe room being breached. I made my case to Calliope that we wanted something comfortable, secure and able to handle the whole family. Those bedrooms upstairs are going to be kids rooms eventually, maybe a few years but eventually. Down here we have bedrooms, a full pantry, a kitchen, backup generators and a well for water. That room is the security center where the brains of the house are."

"Wow."

"Yep, we're not quite done but we spent most of the summer working on it after they finished. Over there is an elevator that goes up to the workshop, even has security doors so you can't tell there is a basement level and more importantly you can't break through that way."

"You were so right, this house is amazing."

"All I could think of is her living all alone, with my brother visiting from time to time, I want her to be safe. It helped she wanted her dream house and we could spend a lot of money." I smiled at that. "Reason I brought you down here, other than show off, is there are 5 very comfortable bedrooms. Well, 4 of them, the backup cat room doesn't have a bed in it or even any cat toys, it is low priority setting that up. We actually have to keep the cats out of here, apparently this breed gets in someplace once and they think it is there's forever. The master bedroom down here is very comfortable, let me show you where it is."

We get to the master bedroom and Mike turns and looks at me, "Take off your dress." He's taking charge? I kick off my flats, pull my dress over my head, and I'm standing there looking at him wearing only my favorite emerald earrings. Mike walks up to me and taps me on the shoulder, I didn't even think about it as I dropped to my knees. I got the hint and started to remove his pants. I took his dick into my mouth, and looked up at him as he took off his shirt and tossed it on the ground. "Ok, get on the bed, on your hands and knees." Oh, I like this position! He also climbs up on the king sized bed and lines up behind me, I don't have to wait long before he pushes into me. He reaches down and cups my tits, it ruins the rhythm but it feels so good. He let's go and resumes pounding away at me. I'm a little surprised when he starts to rub my asshole, about 10 seconds of that is enough to push me over the edge. I don't hold back my screams and moans, the room is soundproofed and we're the only ones down here, I could be as loud as I want and I really wanted to let go.

When I catch my breath, "Sandy like, Sandy like a lot! Where did that come from?"

"Not sure, I just figured I'd mix things up. I'd like to get under the covers now and cuddle with my amazing girlfriend."

"Who am I to argue with that?"

"Tomorrow morning you are going to run off with Rebecca, do remember you need to come back for me, I don't want to be stuck down here."

"Never, I found you and I'm keeping you."

We settled into the very comfortable bed and each others arms.

+-+-+

I wake up at 6am and sneak out of the bed, heading up to Rebecca's room where I happen to have some clothes in the closet from this summer. As I sneak in the room she is just waking up. "Hey there, I didn't remember I left my clothes at my house when I decided to stay here. I have some running clothes here in the closet thankfully. You up for a run?"

"You bet, I'll be ready in a moment."

In a few minutes we're down stretching for our runs. We head off into the crisp fall air.

"Sandy this weekend has been so great."

"Yeah, this has been something to remember. Watch out up here, they have dogs, it is like a minefield."

Last thing you want is to run through doggie doo.

"I never imagined something like this, school is great, I have all these new friends."

"Awwww, I thought I warned you, talking about stuff that makes us want to hug is not good while we're running."

"Well, I'm giving you a big hug when we finish."

" Duly noted."

We run on mostly in silence the rest of the way, getting back at the house about 20 minutes later. Almost as soon as we finished our stretches Becca swoops in for a big hug. "Sandy, I am so happy you are in my life."

"[We are blessed to have you in ours as well Rebecca.]"

"[Jennifer's teaching, I would swear you are from Haifa too.]"

We laugh and hug some more there outside, eventually going inside. "I'm going to lie down for a bit, see you are breakfast."