ODDILY (21 page)

No…when?

Recently, and I doubt that she had a birthday party.

Maxim smirked as he thought of the childhood he and Nexa had experienced. What was a celebration of birth when their father came from a place that conquered aging, disease and death?

Oddily placed a lavender dress on the counter and was heading outside to join Maxim when Nexa stopped her, insisting that she pick out more clothes. She ended up with three dresses, two pair of jeans, a bunch of feminine tops, undergarments, and some accessories. The sneakers with wedged soles were her biggest joy because they made her appear taller, and Nexa threw a small bikini into the mix of clothing even after Oddily refused to try it on for her.

Nexa bought several things for herself as well; however, her taste was different from the norm. There was a clean, simple look about her that gave her a composed grace, as though she came from another time and place. With her angelic features and the serenity of her clothing, she seemed to be able to calm the souls of those around her.

Maxim had been waiting, leaning against his car when Nexa, Oddily and the store assistant came outside. Their arms were full of garment bags and boxes, and he grinned after he saw the joy in Oddily’s face. She looked beautiful in her excitement, and he planned on keeping her that way.

He sauntered over to the back of his car and popped open the trunk, first taking the boxes from Oddily, and then the assistant unloaded her arms. Maxim went to help his sister, but she already had her things under control.
Thanks, sis,
he gave her a hug.

I’ll see you at home later.
Nexa realized her comment sounded more like a demand, but she didn’t care. She needed time alone with him when he wasn’t so distracted.

Maybe,
Maxim winked, and then headed over to his car. He opened the door for Oddily, but before she climbed in she turned and grabbed him, burying her face into his chest. “I don’t know how to thank you,” her voice was muffled.

“
You already have,” he kissed her on the head, “and, by the way, Happy Birthday!”

Maxim drove out of the parking lot with the next stop in mind—a cell phone for Oddily. But when he noticed her slump in the seat, he became concerned and pulled over to the side of the road. He took her hand into his and asked, “Are you okay?”

“
Yes, I think so, but I’m too tired.”

“
I’ll take you back to the lodge,” Maxim released her hand and returned to the road.

“
You’re not mad at me, are you?”

“
Of course not,” he rested his hand on her thigh while butterflies fluttered in her stomach from his gentle touch. “These last twenty four hours have been difficult for you, Oddily. I’m sure you need time to recover.”

“
Will you stay with me?” she glanced over at him with pleading eyes.

“
I need to run some errands, but I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Oddily tried to give him a peck on his cheek, but Maxim turned his head at the last minute and planted one on her lips.

“
Mmmm, you bought some of that good tasting lip-gloss. What flavor is this one?”

“
Watermelon,” she beamed, and then became serious. “Are we headed for the bungalow?”

“
Yes, for today.”

Oddily was glad, because the idea of going back to the custodian’s office left a dreadful sadness in her.

After Maxim had dropped her off at the bungalow with a soft, lingering kiss goodbye, Oddily wouldn’t rest until she had put all her new things away. When everything was in its place, she happily dressed into one of the new outfits along with her favorite tennis shoes. Truthfully, she wanted to wear everything at once, but decided to flop on the bed and enjoy what she had put on. Every few minutes, she jumped up and touched the clothing to make sure they were real; but eventually, even that became too much of an effort and she fell into a sound, dreamless sleep.

28

It took everything in Maxim’s ability to leave Oddily at the bungalow. She remained a mystery to him—her heart and soul as charming as her sweet, pixie face. All the ugliness of her life had not taken this away, and she shined in her lonely existence; but her loneliness was about to change. He was determined to find a way to bring her into his world and share the unimaginable mystery of who he was and what he was to become.

After completing all of his errands, Maxim headed back to the bungalow. He found Oddily on the bed fast asleep and smiled when he saw high-sneakers on her feet. He stepped back into the main room and grabbed the Chinese food he brought from town. A short time later, Oddily entered the room with half opened eyes.

“
Hi,” she smiled dreamily.

“
Hello, sleepyhead—did you miss me?” he cocked his head at her.

“
Sure, if I hadn’t fallen asleep.”

“
Are you hungry?”

“
I’m starved,” she rushed over to the food containers and gasped when Maxim grabbed her, pulling her onto his lap. His lips slowly began to trace her jaw line from her earlobe to her chin. She allowed her head to fall back as he followed the contour of her neck to the hollow of her throat. His kisses were tender causing her body to tremble.

Suddenly, he pulled away from her. “I hope you like Chinese food.”

Oddily, flushed and breathless, took a seat on the couch, and ate in silence until she eyed a booklet on the coffee table. It was from the ‘Department of Motor Vehicles’.

“
What’s this for?” she picked up the pamphlet and flipped through the pages.

“
I got it for you,” he said between mouthfuls. “Monday, after school, we’ll go and get your driver’s permit.”

“
But I don’t own a car,” she stared at him perplexed.

Maxim stood up, then pulled Oddily to her feet, and guided her to the front door. He waited at the doorway, allowing her to step out first, and had to plug his ears when she spotted the brand new car with a large red bow. Oddily screamed with such shock and delight at seeing the tag with her name, she drew quite a bit of attention from others strolling by.

Oddily ran over and circled the car several times with her hands clasped over her mouth. It was one of those adorable Smart cars in a beautiful shade of crayon green.

Maxim opened the door for her. “Get in, and let me know what you think.”

After taking a seat behind the wheel, Oddily began to squeal some more while viewing the interior. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her. This had to be a dream.

“
Ouch!” she rubbed her arm.

“
What happened?”

“
I pinched myself, and I’m really awake.”

“
Do you like the color?” He flashed a gratifying smile at her.

“
It’s perfect,” she started to cry.

“
I hope those are tears of joy,” he gazed upon her with tenderness.

“
Oh, Maxim,” Oddily jumped out and fell into his arms. “I am so happy!”

“
How about we go for a ride?” Another squeal erupted, and Maxim took her new outburst to mean, yes.

Pulling out onto the road, Maxim explained what the various dashboard gadgets were, and Oddily became an eager student. He encouraged her to explore for herself the stereo, heater, air conditioner, lights, windshield wipers, and she discovered that what appeared so complicated wasn’t hard at all with a hand on approach.

“
What type of music is your favorite, Maxim?”

“
Classical.”

Oddily attempted to remember what that sounded like with no luck. “I’m not sure I know what Classical is.”

“
Here, let me give you a sample.” Maxim pushed a button and an ensemble of music blared in the car. A symphony of musical instruments created a dramatic effect. “This is Mozart. What do you think?”

“
The sound is so sophisticated.”

“
How about you—what do you listen to?”

“
Mostly pop music because Starla plays it all the time.”

Maxim you must come home immediately,
his sister’s pleading voice invaded him.

Why, what’s wrong?

We have three trespassers.

Sure there is,
Maxim wasn’t alarmed. He believed this was a ploy to make sure he came home tonight.

No, I’m being serious! Listen to me; I’m not even going to explain myself. Just drive down the length of the outer boundary to our property along Meadow Road; and believe me, you can’t miss what I want to show you. I’ll wait for you at that location and please come alone.

Maxim’s happy mood shattered knowing he had to shorten his time with Oddily, and considered how he was going to tell her. Could he honestly risk telling her the truth about him and his sister’s telepathic gift, and that Nexa needed him right now? And could he admit that his sister didn’t want Oddily to come with him without jeopardizing her fragile feelings? No—not yet. He shook his head in frustration and chose to remain evasive.

“
I need to take you back to the lodge now,” he gave Oddily a sideways glance.

“
Sure,” she smiled brightly, as she fidgeted with the stereo. Hip-Hop music started to blast through the speakers.

“
I’m going to have to call it a day,” Maxim’s voice showed his disappointment as he turned the car around.

“
Oh!” Saddened by his statement, Oddily lowered the sound of a song she had been enjoying.

Maxim felt like a jerk for his less than tactful approach and wondered why his advanced IQ was failing him.

“
Is everything okay?” She tilted her sweet face up to him, touching his arm.

“
Yes—fine,” he forced a smile and gave her a quick kiss. “Some unexpected business has come up.”

Oddily accepted his explanation with her usual graciousness and continued to search radio stations, but the trip back to the lodge remained quiet, except for the youthful melody of Pop music.  Maxim would have enjoyed the upbeat sound, but his mood became ominous as he silently mulled over his hush-hush existence. How long would he have to keep his secret life from her?

It wasn’t until Oddily stood at the door of her bungalow that Maxim spoke, handing over the keys to her new car and a hundred dollar bill. “Here, dinner’s on me.”

“
Maxim, don’t feel bad.”

A lump formed in his throat because of Oddily’s show of concern.

“
You are so damn sweet,” he murmured, grabbing her worried face into his hands and kissing her hard—then he was gone.

* * * * * *

Maxim drove along Meadow Road looking for whatever he supposedly was to run into and sure enough, he couldn’t miss the site. He pulled into the makeshift dirt parking lot and Nexa was at his side when he climbed out of the car.

What’s all this?
He stuck his hands in his pocket as he surveyed the primitive rides, game booths and concession stands.

The event is called, Carnival.

Is this the invaders you mentioned?
Maxim appeared to be perturbed because, in truth the festivity wasn’t on their property.

Let me explain,
Nexa began.
I was in the control room and from one of the monitors I noticed three guys messing with Mighty Joe. The tank was already on shut down for the night, so I decided to sit back and observe them. I didn’t have to watch long before they became bored and returned to the carnival.

Good—I assume you moved Mighty Joe after they left.

Of course, I did.

Maxim glanced up at the Farris wheel and pointed,
that must be how they viewed our property. Have you found out how long this amusement site is going to be here?

Yes, they pack up everything early Monday morning.

Good, we’ll keep the adjacent land on lockdown until they go. Now, what about the three trespassers? How did they get over the barrier?

Nexa pointed to the location.
They pulled their truck up to that giant tree over there and used the hood of the cab to climb over.

That was easy.
Maxim frowned.
Others will do the same unless we can get a hold of them before they spread the word.

Relax,
Nexa smiled, smugly.
I already found them, and
t
heir memories have been altered.

So we’re done here.
Maxim’s spirits lifted at the thought of returning to Oddily.

No…I don’t want you to go.
Nexa read his mind and started to pout.
You’ve been ignoring me ever since you laid eyes on that girl.

You’re jealous!
Maxim laughed at this outrageous realization and his heart softened.
I give in. What do you want to do?