There Must Be A Mistake Ch. 18

"I'll take care of that other matter within a week."

"That's my girl. I love you Patricia. You should talk to your friend that might not only be a local policeman."

"I will take care of it dad. Even when you're under stress you can be funny."

************

85. Affection or Love

"Christian Chase you are a dead man. I should never have allowed you to talk me into going on that boat. I almost drowned, I am nauseous, and I am all wet."

"I love looking at you all wet, but I think I'd better by you a T-shirt or sweatshirt to cover you. Your breasts look marvelous the way they are. I am the only one that should see them, not every person in Canada."

Cassie looked down and screamed. Her white blouse and tiny white bra had turned transparent, and her nipples could clearly be seen.

"Buy me something you asshole, or you'll never see them again."

"You forget Cassie, this is the first time I am seeing them."

"You pervert, buy me at top."

A few moments later Christian came back with a sweatshirt.

"Can I have one more look before you put this on?"

"That's crossing the line Christian."

"I won't give you the sweatshirt."

"I hate you Christian. Hand me the sweatshirt, and look closely, because this is going to be the briefest look imaginable."

Cassie bent at the waist and threw the sweatshirt on, before putting her arms in.

"I didn't see anything Cassie. You bent down; you cheated."

"I did not. If you were lying on the floor, you would have gotten in eye full."

"Next time you make a promise, I'm going to have you write it down and have it notarized. That was breach of promise and you know it."

"Poor Christian, dying to see his sister's tits, and he missed out."

"You do realize how good I am with computers and their accessories. I could install hidden cameras in the bathroom to watch you tinkle and shower. I could keep those for my private collection or post them on YouTube. I could make you a very popular young woman."

"You should never make empty threats big brother. Doing that would hurt you as much as it would hurt me."

"I hate it when you use logic to defeat my ill-gotten ideas."

"You get to sleep, and cuddle with me every night. I know you want more, but I'm not ready yet. I love you Christian. I love you more every day because of the way you treat me. My problem is you have treated me this way every day of my life. How am I supposed to find the difference between the two? Is it the love and affection I have for my brother, who has always treated me special; or is that special love I should feel for the man I want to marry? I haven't been able to isolate those two feelings. I'm just not sure, and until I am I can't say 'YES'."

"I will not rush you. I have loved you for a very long time. You have only known about this special love I feel for you for a little more than three weeks. I don't want you to jump over the falls if you're not sure. Take your time; it is a very big decision."

"I'm hungry Christian, what do you want to eat?"

"You want me to lose weight remember? In order to do what you want I have to have a low-calorie lunch. Let's go back to the hotel, and I'll eat you."

"Three tries, using three different tactics, in three weeks. The answer is still no, because it's crossing the line."

"Can you blame a man for trying?"

"If you were any other man I would've slapped your face. I didn't slap you, did I?"

"So at some time in the future, I have a chance of crossing that line."

"Maybe, perhaps, possibly, perchance, mayhap, it could happen, it's a possibility, neither yes, or no, you might have a chance."

"Sister, I believe you stole my line, and studied the dictionary at length just for this moment."

"Brother, it was not just for this moment. It fits several scenarios and I could have used it at any one of them."

"Would you like a pizza?"

"What happened to your diet?"

"Your legs were closed."

"Stop that Christian; I couldn't walk if my legs were closed."

***************

As they sat in the Italian restaurant waiting for their meal, they talked about everything they had ever done together. Cassie's mind was awhirl with the little things her brother remembered about her life in detail. It was like he catalogued her every waking hour, and never said a word. He knew every attempt she made at having a boyfriend, but could not get Callum out of her mind. Each failed attempt, and each crying night. It was always Callum, and there was not a thing she could do about it. She was as hooked on him, as he was hooked on her. She never knew about the nights he went to bed and didn't sleep because he was crying over her.

Thankfully, lunch arrived; a large pizza, extra cheese with green olives, and a large bowl of minestrone soup.

Cassie attacked the pizza, while Christian slurped his soup. They continued talking during their meal, but on lighter subjects. When they were full they sat back and looked at the devastation in front of them.

"Cassie, you ate half of a large pie? How do you stay so tiny?"

"I don't know, maybe it's in my genes?"

"Your ass certainly fills out those jeans."

"I'm not going to humor you by answering that. Aren't you going to have any pizza?"

"I was told I have to lose weight. I was told I couldn't eat what I want to eat, so I had soup instead. If I start eating pizza, I won't finish until I eat the box it came in."

"That's the biggest part of your problem Christian, you have no control."

"I am sleeping with the most beautiful woman on God's green earth, and I have not raped her 1000 times. Don't you dare tell me I don't have control over my body."

"I'm sorry Christian, I stand corrected."

"Your apology is accepted. Let's have them wrap up the pizza, and take it with us just in case you get hungry again. This way you'll have a choice of eating the pizza, or me."

Cassie grinned. "You never stop, do you?"

"Friends have sex all the time."

"We are not just friends; we are brother and sister, and therein lies my problem."

"I have always considered us friends, as well as brother and sister. I never treated you any differently because of our familial relationship."

"Why didn't you have any friends of your own Christian?"

"I was more interested in computers. No one else in town seemed to have the same interest level except dad. We spent countless hours together, while you were at college. We had an absolute blast patenting everything from toys to subroutines to detect identity theft. Many Fortune 500 companies use our computer packages to protect their computers from being compromised by an outside source."

"All that stopped when I came home?"

"Mom and dad thought it was wonderful that I wanted to spend time with you. I worked on my computer at night, and got 4 to 6 hours sleep every morning, because you got up late."

"You did all that because of me."

"How many times am I going to have to tell you, I was in love with you then, and I am in love with you now. I would go through heaven and hell just to be with you."

"This is so hard Christian. I have always loved and adored you as a brother. You have always protected me. You have been there when I was hurting, and when I was happy. I am just so confused."

"I am going to take you back to Patti's. Being this close to me is not helping you, it's hurting you. You need space. I'm going to go home, pack up my things, and move. I'll set up shop somewhere, open my own business, and start a new life. At least now we know where each other stands. You haven't said yes, but you haven't said no. That gives me hope that one day you may come to me. My door will always be open to you, because nobody else could fill that space in my heart that is reserved for you."

"I'm sorry Christian, I really am."

*******************

When Laura received the text that they were coming back early she knew something went wrong. Their plans for the couple had not panned out the way they hoped it would, and she was worried her family would have to pick up the pieces of two broken lives.

When they parked by the garage, and the two of them started walking towards the house, they were holding hands and smiling.

Patti asked, "What's wrong with this picture?"

Anna said, "I don't know mom, but I think we should keep our mouths shut, until they tell us what's going on."

"Welcome back, are you too hungry?"

"I have him on a diet; he's only gained two pounds while we were on vacation."

"I did not; I lost five pounds chasing after her."

"I repeat my question, are you hungry?"

"Yes we are, because she refuses to let me eat her."

"Christian stopped that."

"It's true is in it?"

"Patti do you have something bigger than your paddle. I have to knock some sense into my brother's head."

"There will be no hitting in this house until after we find out what went on in Niagara. After that, it's no holds barred."

"Mom did you say no holds barred, or know holes barred?"

"Anna for a virgin, you have a very filthy mind."

"How do you think I've remained a virgin mother? If the right guy doesn't show up soon, I'm putting an ad in the paper and selling it to the highest bidder."

"Remember little girl, your father has a ton of money, and his equipment would send you around the world; twice."

"Mom that would be incest."

"You are the one selling it on the open market. Doesn't that make you a prostitute?"

"You always look at the dark side."

"Isn't that what mothers are for? If the mother shows the child what she's doing, she may turn to see the light."

"You are no fun mother."

"Yes, I know, especially when I'm right."

Laura asked Cassie, "What happened up there, and what did you two decide to do?"

Christian replied for her, "Nothing, and Nothing."

"Would you care to expand upon those two 'Nothings'?"

"Cassie, I believe that explains everything that went on in Canada, don't you?"

"Yes, that about sums it up."

"You two realize I have a gun, and I am licensed to use it. Details, you two, give us the details."

"If you want us to tell you what happened while we were in bed together the answer is, "NOTHING."

"If you want us to tell you if we made a decision about our future together the answer is "NOTHING has been decided. Cassie's emotions are too confused at this time to make a logical decision. I am leaving to give her the space and time she needs to make that decision.

I'm going home to pack up my toys, and move to either Nevada, or New Mexico. If and when she makes her decision to join me she will. If she doesn't she won't. We know we love each other. It's a very hard choice for her to decide if she loves me only as a brother, or if she can love me as a husband. Only she can make that decision, and she can't do it if I am around."

Patti asked, "Is this what you decided too, Cassie?"

"Yes it is. It's going to be very hard to see him go, but it has to be that way. He knows everything about me, down to the smallest detail imaginable. I never realized how deeply he loved me until we had this time together. I need time to wrap my head around this and make a conclusion using it, instead of my heart. If I only used my heart, I would have said 'YES' two weeks ago.

"Has Callum asked about us?"

"Yes he has."

"Is that answer, the equal to my answer 'Nothing'?"

"You could call it getting even."

"Please tell me what he said."

"He wanted to know if you two were getting married or just going to live together."

"Don't tell me he knew. I would feel like a complete idiot."

"When would you like to start feeling like an idiot? He's with Junie why don't you talk to him?"

"What could I possibly say to the man I always loved, and never loved me."

"I'm sure you two will figure something out."

"Do you want me to come with you Cassie?"

"No Chris, I want to do this myself."

**************

"

Hello Callum, how is Junie doing?"

"All the readings are nominal Cassie. She seems to be doing great. Two months into stasis, and not one problem. We still have a long way to go."

"She knows we're here for her, and the last thing she saw was your eyes. She's going to make it, I'm sure of it."

"How can you be so sure Cassie, I have doubts every second."

"I know, because if I had your ring on my finger, and the last thing I saw before I went to sleep where your eyes, there is no way on this earth I would die before I got back to you."

"Why wasn't it me Callum? You knew I loved you, and you never looked back at me. Why?"

"I have asked that question to myself more times than you can imagine, Cassie. You are the most beautiful girl in Cottonwood, and you wanted me. The most beautiful girl in college, and you wanted me. I could never understand why that connection never made it in my mind. I could have taken you to my bed every night and been very happy. However, I knew in my heart I would never marry you because I did not love you that way. Why, I don't know why. I just don't know why.

I looked at the way Christian looked at you, but I could never look at you the same way he did. His eyes ate up every inch of your body and soul like no other man ever could. I knew he loved you before you went off to college with me. I wanted to look at you that way, but the feelings weren't there. Those feelings were never there while I screwed around with every other woman that passed me by.

Then all of a sudden Junie walks into my life, with a shattered history, a destroyed spirit, and a broken heart. I look at her eyes she melts my heart. I knew instantly I had to have her in my life forever. The feelings Christian has for you, I felt for Junie. It hit me so hard I never recovered. Finally, that day in the computer room, I couldn't take it anymore. I picked her up threw or over my shoulder walked to the pool, and kissed her. I don't do that Cassie. I never have, at least not in public. When I got her out of the pool, and kissed her, that was it for me. I was sure.

I made an imprint of one of her rings in a bar of soap. I brought it to a jeweler, and had him make up a ring for her. I had a feeling she would fight me on it, which she did. However, I insisted, and she finally said yes. If she doesn't walk out of this box in 10 months, I don't know what I'll do."

"Cal, Junie is going to walk out of that box, straight into your arms. You gave her a new lease on life. You made her whole again. She loves you as much as you love her. You will both have long and happy lives together. Don't think about it any other way."

"Thanks Cassie, I needed that assurance, and coming from you it means more to me than you can imagine."

"You know Cal, I thought I came here to talk about me, and we wound up talking about you and Junie. Patti said we would find something to talk about. That woman must have a crystal ball somewhere in this house."

"It's not a crystal ball, its microphones and speakers."

Cassie looked around and looked for the offending objects.

"Patti that's not fair; it's invasion of privacy."

"How do you think I kept track of Robert and the girls when they went into the barn with their beau's? The girls were easy, because the boys never got anywhere. Robert on the other hand got everywhere fast. He was like his father, only faster."

"Callum, it's the dinnertime, what would you like to eat besides the kitchen table."

"She's here in front of me."

'Slap.'

"You bastard, all those years I waited for you to say that, and you say it after you get engaged. I should take a picture of your face and show it to Junie when she wakes up."

"Don't worry sis, I'm bringing my Nikon with me, and we will show that picture to everyone at home."

"Death will not treat you kindly Christian."

"I know Cal, but for a few seconds in this life I will be able to laugh."

"Come ahead then, your death awaits you."

"Smile!"

Callum saw a super-bright flash go off.

"Turn your head a little bit more to the right please Cal. I couldn't get Cassie's palm print in from this distance. My telephoto lens isn't that great at middle distance."

"I'm going to get you Chris, and when I do, I'm going to drown you."

"By the time you find me, the pictures of your face with my sister's handprint on it will be all over Cottonwood. Vengeance is mine 'sayth' the Lord."

"You are not God."

Another flash went off and Callum became furious.

"Cassie will you watch Junie for a little while?"

"No, I'm going in for dinner. You should have been nicer to me."

"You little witch you are going to let your brother send those pictures aren't you?"

Cassie stood on her tiptoes and kissed Callum.

Another bright flash went off.

"That was perfect sis, you can leave now."

"I love you Callum, I think I always will."

"I have no idea why I can't say those words to you Cassie. You are the best friend I ever had."

"Ouch, that hurts."

"I'm so sorry. I can't tell you how sorry I am it wasn't you."

******************

Five minutes later, emails were received at the homes of Alan and Susan Robbins, and Harold and Callalily Chase.

Shortly afterwards the war was on between Alan and Callie. Their phones almost melted because of the heat of their conversation.

Within a few hours the news made it to the church, and to the ears of the Bishop. He stopped what he was doing, took out his writing tablet, and began changing the subject for this week's homily.

When he was able to download pictures, and put them into perspective, he shook his head.

"Children; and he didn't mean Callum and Cassie. He meant their parents, Alan Robbins and Callie Chase. He was going to have to restrain both of them when they came to church Sunday. Otherwise there would be a war when he discussed the problem of 'Children having to PARENT their 'parents', because they refused to grow up."

******************

"Logan, will you stay with Newton for a short time please; I have to speak to Gray. He can play with the computer all he wants. If you see it start to smoke you can toast him like a marshmallow."

"Mommy, grandma says that wasn't funny."

"Tell grandma yes it was."

"Hello Gray anything interesting happening today?"

"Yeah, I think so. Take a look at this equation. Watch how the bottom drops out, when it reaches this point."

"That shouldn't happen, Gray. The computer must be wrong. It must be a malfunction."

"That's exactly what I thought. I went to another computer and ran into the same problem. It happens every time. I need Gordon to take a look at it."

"Gordon is at the N.E.S.T. working on the star charts. Don't shoot me, but I want to try someone else."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"I'll bring him to you. Don't touch anything."

"Come on monster, daddy needs help."

"Go get him Newton, daddy's right around the corner."

Newton turned the corner and saw his father.

"Daddy!"

Gray bent down, and gathered his son in his arms.

"Hello big guy, have you been playing with our computer today?"

"Only for a little while, mommy said you needed help."

He lifted his eyes and looked at Delicious. She nodded her head.

"Okay, will you help me with this? Watch what happens with these numbers as they come across the screen. Then all of a sudden instead of continuing across they drop down. That shouldn't happen. Can you tell me why?"

"It is supposed to happen, daddy. It's how you open and close a wormhole."

Delicious chuckled as Gray searched for his chair to sit down.

"Newton, what is a wormhole?"

"It's a tunnel through time and space dad. Didn't they teach you that in school?"

"No, I was sick that day."