Terms (The Experiments Book 3) (6 page)

“Sarge, have you like see my friend Sss Bill?”

“Rickie, you think maybe he left?”

“No Sarge, we’re playing hide and go seek, I can’t find him.”

“Well, he’s not in here.”

“Can I look?”

“No Rickie, you cannot look. He isn’t in here. Keep looking.”

“But I called out for him to come in.”

“Perhaps he didn’t hear you. Keep looking and then call out again …”

“OK.”

“Quietly.”

Rickie halted midway to withdrawing from the doorframe. “If I call out softly, he won’t hear me again. See ya.”

The door closed and after a shake of his head, Jake resumed his reading. He only got a page into it when the phone rang.

Without hesitation, he lifted it. “Cal?”

“Hey, how’d you know it was me?” Cal asked brightly over the phone.

“Considering I have been waiting for your call.”

“I’m sorry. I was at the hospital. Then Aldo took me out to dinner.”

Jake grumbled.

“What was that for?”

“You know how I feel about that.”

“And you know it doesn’t matter. So how are things?”

“I miss you.” Jake said.

“Jake,” she snickered his name. “We were just together for seven months. I would think you’d be tired of me.”

“Cal I can see you every day for the rest of my life and not get tired of you.”

“You’re sweet.”

“Yeah, but I try to keep it brief.” Jake said. “How’s Billy?”

“Better. Fever broke. Antibiotics are kicking in.”

“Good. Good.”

“I tried to send you an email from my phone, but it bounced back. Is everything OK?”

“Oh, get this,” Jake grunted. “Fuckin’ Chuck didn’t pay the internet bill. So we don’t have email. But you aren’t affected since you have that yoo-hoo …”

“Yahoo.”

“Yes, that yelling email. It doesn’t affect you. It should be on by the time you get home.”

Cal laughed. “You’re funny.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You’re right.” Cal paused. “How is Rickie?”

“Childish. He’s playing hide and go seek with his new friend.”

“Ah that’s nice, he made a friend. Rickie needs to play with kids his own age. He really hangs out with us too much.”

“Cal,” Jake said stern.

“Yes?”

“Do you hear yourself? He needs to play with kids his own age? Cal please, he’s nearly a man. Rickie doesn’t need to play with anyone. He needs to get a job and be mature.”

“Are you going to do that to our own children? Kick them out when they get old enough, tell them they need to work.”

“Absolutely, but it will be unnecessary.” Jake said.

“Why do you say that?”

“For starters, any child I raise won’t have a doubt in their mind about what they are going to do when they are eighteen.”

“Military?” Cal asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Well, I’ll let you go. I know you have to work  I’ll call you in the morning when I get up.”

“Cal? If I am not around. You never know what morning is.” (this sentence doesn’t make sense)

“Oh! Listen to you.”

“I seem to be the only one who does listen to …” Jake groaned. “Son of a bitch.”

“What?” Cal asked. What’s wrong.”

With a wince, Jake heard Rickie shouting again. “Goddamn kid. He’s running around the house shouting All-E, All-E In free.”

“That’s hysterical. Is he sure his friend is still in the house?”

“That is the exact same thing I asked him. Rickie said, ‘yes’. I’m pretty sure Rickie will hit the phase where he’ll give up and bribe the kid to come out. Right now he’s driving me nuts.”

“Jake, he always drives you nuts. Get some sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Cal said. “Love you.”

“I love you too.” Jake hung up the phone, only after he stared at it as if some picture of Cal would appear.

“Sarge!” Rickie burst in the door.

“Knock!”

“Sorry.” The door closed. Rickie knocked.

“Come in.”

“Sarge!”

“What?”

“Are you sure my friend isn’t in here? I’ve been looking for an hour. Are you hiding him?”

“Rickie, I would know if your friend was in here,” Jake said. “Do I look like the kind of man that would harbor, aid, and embed a Hide and go Seek player?”

“Uh .. yeah.” Rickie shrugged.

“Go.” Jake pointed.

“Fine. I’ll keep looking.”

“And shut my door.”

Rickie did.

Jake laid there, book open, listening to Rickie yell out. “All-E, All-E In free, Dude. Come on. Play fair!” as he raced up and down the hall. Figuring he had enough of reading as it was getting late and he wanted Rickie to stop, Jake placed down his book. He set his alarm, swung his legs over the bed, stood and walked to the closet.

He opened it. “OK. Long enough. I want to go to sleep now and Rickie’s driving me nuts. Turn yourself in.”

Bill stepped from the closet and nodded. “Th-th-th-thanks, S-S-S-Sarge.

“Not a problem.”

Bill ran from the room and once he hit the hall he called out for Rickie, “D-D-D-Dude.”

Chuckling at his personal revenge at Rickie, Jake shut the closet door and went to bed.

Cedars of Sinai Hospital - Los Angeles, CA

August 31
st

Cal’s comment of ‘Greg Brady’, made Billy laugh so hard, he coughed. He was sitting in a chair and that helped his breathing. Color back, circles decreasing, even the cold sore blisters weren’t as irritated as they were two days earlier.

“Greg Brady,” Cal repeated.

“No way.”

“Yes, way. You look just like him. Your hair is way too curly, like Jake’s, to be long. Only you don’t get length you get poof.”

“What am I supposed to do then?”

“Get a haircut,” she shrugged. “Tell Caldwell you want a haircut.”

“You think they’ll get me one.”

“Without a doubt.” Cal pulled up a chair and sat down by him by the bed. She glanced at her watch. “You do know I have to leave soon?”

“Yeah. I do.”

“But I’ll see you on the island,” Cal said brightly. “Jake checked the weather forecast for when we are there. Said it’s supposed to be beautiful. The warm weather, the relaxation will do your pneumonia good.”

“Do you think we’ll see each other there?”

“Billy, please,” Cal snickered. “It’s an island. Besides you won’t be alone. If you don’t see me, you have Rickie.”

“Rickie? Why is Rickie going?”

“It’s a Caldwell experiment,” Cal replied. “He can go.”

“He’s not pregnant.”

“Neither are you.’

“Ok. Ok.” Billy nodded. “I have a reason to be there.”

“So does he. Caldwell says he is welcome to go and Jake wants to get some work done so he’s sending Rickie.”

“To watch you.”

Cal winked. “That, too.”

“Me and Rickie with a bunch of pregnant women. I bet he tries to get laid.”

Cal laughed, and then jolted “Oh.” She laid her hand on her stomach. “That was weird.”

“What? Pain?”

“No, a kick. It felt like a goal kicker. Whoa.” She moved her hand about her stomach. “One of the twins is definitely stirring.”

“May I?” Billy asked and extended his hand.

“Sure.” Cal replied.

As Billy reached out to touch her, he saw her shirt move. “Holy Cow, Cal? Is that normal?” he pulled back his and.

Cal smirked. “Like an alien in there.”

“You know what? That’s not funny. Caldwell had a hand in it.”

“But it was your sperm, so it’s not an alien and …” She looked at her watch. “I really have to go. The car is out there and I have a flight to catch.”

“I know.”

“Your sister should be here before …” Cal looked up to the knock on the door. “Speaking of which.”

Billy’s sister Suzy stood in the doorway holding a balloon. “Hello?” She sang out brightly. “Sorry I am so late. Oh my God. You two look great!” She rushed to her brother. “I’m sorry I am late. Traffic was a bitch.”

Cal said, “Hence why I should leave and I am so glad you got here. Billy hates being alone.” She reached for her purse on the bed.

Suzy ran her hand down Billy’s hair. “I’m just very happy you and Jake paid for my trip.”

“Actually …” Cal closed one eye. “That was Aldo. Jake just made the arrangements. And I got to go.”

“I understand,” Suzy said. “It was great to see you again. You look …” She paused when Cal stood up. “Pregnant.”

“I am.” Cal said brightly, and then kissed Billy on the forehead. “Get well. See you in a few.”

“Safe trip.” Billy clenched  her hand.

“I will.” Cal stood straight. “See you, Suzy.”

“Cal? This is a shock. You guys were on a deserted island.”

“Things happen.” Cal shrugged.

“A baby.” Suzy breathed out. “Wow.”

“Wow is right.” Cal held up two fingers, “Babies, plural.”

“Oh my God” Suzy blinked. “Cal? I didn’t know you and Jake … I mean from the years I have known you … you said ... never mind. I’m sorry. It’s just a shock.”

“I know. And If you think my pregnancy shocks you, wait until Billy tells you that they are his. See ya’.” Cal darted out.

Slowly, still in awe, Suzy swung a view to Billy. “She’s kidding right? Yours?”

“What can I say?” Billy shrugged. “Like Cal said, things happen.”

***

He knew something would be in there somewhere, and that was why Carter saved the newspaper reading for his flight.

Moistening his dry finger, he thumbed his way through the pages of the Times looking for the mention of it. It had been four days and every single day he checked.

There it was.

Carter smiled.

He brought his juice to his lips and sipped as he zoomed in on the article.

‘Caldwell Research Sees Success Again.’

The article was brief, and mentioned that Caldwell was wrapping up Iso Stasis Thirteen. No mention of Jake Graison or his part in the experiment. However, about three articles over there was mention.

‘Lt. Col. Jacob Graison to be honored by the President.’

Carter smiled. He read how Jake was invited to the White House to attend a dinner and was going to be honored for his service and commitment to the US Army.

It didn’t give many more details, but it was a Jake article, one Carter would save.

He wondered if Jake’s wife even knew about it. Just to be sure, he sent a message via his handheld unit.

Inform Mrs. G of the Article in Times. Pg 7. Just to be safe.

He checked the agenda, Mrs. Graison, or Mrs. Iso as Carter called her, was set to land any minute.

He felt a sense of control knowing what they did, when they did it, and without their knowledge.

Every move.

Learn.

Beat.

“Sir?” The stewardess called his attention.

“Yes.” Carter’s smooth voice responded pleasantly.

“Do you need anything?”

“No. Everything is fine.” He looked down to the newspaper with a smile. “Just fine.”

***

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Although sleek and convenient, Cal was convinced the worst thing in the world, the worst invention ever made was the cellular phone. She lived without one for a really long time, and she would have never imagined in a million years that Jake, Mr. ‘I still think a typewriter is the way to go’, would worship the cell phone.

As expected, the second Cal stepped off the plane, and turned on her phone, was the second it rang.

“Yes, Col Graison, I have indeed landed,” was Cal’s greeting.

“Your plane was three minutes late,” Jake said.

“No Jake, it wasn’t. I was three minutes late. I waited to be the last to leave. And where are you? Aren’t you supposed to be picking me up? How come I can’t see you?” she stood on tip toes looking about,

“Office. Yes. I’m not there,” Jake responded.

“What?” Cal asked.

“I got held up in a meeting. I’ll be home shortly after you get there. Adams should be there. He’s my new secretary.”

“Another one?” Cal asked. “Gees, Jake,  what the hell do you do to them?”

“Cal, the Army moves them on. Do you see him?”

“No.”

“Look to your left.”

Cal slowed down and peered to her left. There, standing by a podium was a uniformed soldier. He waved. Cal returned the wave. “Jake? How did you know that he was to my left?”

“Cal please, I’m like God. I’m everywhere.” Jake said.

“Oh my God. You made a joke. I’m so proud of you.” Cal approached the soldier.

“Thanks. But in all seriousness. He’s on the phone right?”

“Yep.”

“That’s me he is talking to. I’ll see you at home. Oh, Cal. Chuck recorded all the episodes of Survivor that we missed.”

“Really? That’s great. Did you watch them?”

“Hon, there is just something not right about watching Survivor and making fun of it alone. See you soon.”

“Bye.” Cal hung up the phone. “Adams.”

“Mrs. Graison ma’am. It is my pleasure to escort you home.”

“It is my pleasure to take the ride.”

The specialist took her carry-on bag. “Just so you know, ma’am, you are not as large as the colonel described you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Yes ma’am, Colonel Graison said to look for the short women with a huge pregnant belly.”

“He did, did he? Thanks.”

“Not a problem, ma’am.”

Cal knew she’d be seeing Jake shortly after she got home, and she made a mental note to bring that little ‘huge’ item up to him.

***

By the time Cal made it home, she had a plethora of mental notes. There was something odd about the new secretary. It was the fifth one Cal had seen Jake go through in their years together, but it was the first one who was extremely talkative to her. Not only talkative, but talkative about Jake.

She would have had Adams carry the bag to the house, had Rickie not barreled out the front door, down the grass, arms waving as he shouted, “Mom!”

Cal welcomed Rickie’s greeting.

“Cal-Babe, I had missed you. And my almost siblings.” Rickie bent down toward her stomach, and placed his face near. “Hey there little dudes, did you miss me?” Rickie jumped back. “Man that one just nailed me.” Rickie snorted a laugh. “Come in the house I cleaned.”

“Did you?” Cal asked.

“No, actually my new friend Sss Bill cleaned up. The Sarge said that I have to make sure the house was clean, so I did.”

“You mean Jake didn’t clean up this morning?” Cal asked as she walked in.

“Oh yeah, but Sss-Bill and me had a little Java the hut Pizza Party in the house. Sarge came home, and freaked out.”

“Sarge always freaks out.”

“Yeah, I know. The nets back. You can email now.” Rickie allowed for Cal to enter first. “Sarge wasn’t happy about the net being gone. He wasn’t able to check updates on Guns R Us.” He snickered, turned, and closed the door. “You hungry?”

“Actually yeah I am.”

“Come to the kitchen oh, vessel of babinos, Me and Sss-Bill made some snackaronis.”

“When do I meet him?”

“He’ll be by tonight.” Rickie laid his hand on Cal’s back. “This way, in case you forgot.”

The front door opened with Jake blasting out. “Rickie! Did you not see me walking up the walk.”

“Oh hey Sarge. I did see you walking up the walk.”

“Then why did you close the door?”

“So the cold air wouldn’t get in, Sarge. You’re always telling me, Rickie close the door. I do and man, you’ve been picking on me lately. I’m so glad the Cal-Babe is home. She can protect me.” He hurried behind her.

Cal folded her arms.

“Cal,”  Pleased, Jake laid his hands on her shoulders, leaned down and kissed her. “Uh-oh. What did I do?”

“Jake, did you describe me to your new secretary as short with a huge belly?”

Jake paused.

“Jake?”

“Adams is fuckin’ fired.”

“You did!” Cal gasped.

“Cal please. I believe I used the term extremely overly extended belly.”

“You dick!”

“What?”

With another gasp, Cal turned and stormed to the kitchen.

“Cal, what is with this attitude?” Jake followed her to the kitchen.

“Um, hello.” Cal said as she stood by the island, made a dramatic stop.

Rickie responded. “Hello.”

“What?” Jake tossed his hands outward. “Oh, you’re upset because I made a stomach reference.”

“You made me sound huge.” Cal leaned in toward the counter.

“Are you denying that you are quite a bit larger than you were seven months ago?”

“No, but you’re not supposed to be making an issue out of it.”

“I’m not making an issue,” Jake argued. “It was a description.”

“Issue. Rickie?” Cal asked.

“Sarge is cold and insensitive when it comes to a pregnant woman’s feelings.” Rickie pushed a plate of  cookies to Cal.

Jake’s mouth stammered. “Rickie,” He said in disgust. “Who asked you?”

“Cal.”

Jake grunted. “And why is Adams opening his mouth anyhow?”

Cal shrugged and lifted a cookie. “Maybe he felt that he had to forewarn me that you were making fun of me with everyone on base.”

“Where is this coming from?”

“You called me fat ... and … wow, Rickie these cookies are really good.”

“Sss Bill is like the champ,” Rickie said. “I think he’s gay.”

Jake flung out his hand. “He is not.”

“Is too,” Rickie said. “And I think he has a little crush on you.”