1. Future Perfect - Chapter Two


    Date: 2/6/2016, Categories: Novels, Author: BrassRing

    ... filter it through a chamois skin. It absorbs the water and filters any particles that might be in there.” “Could you help us set something like that up?” Faith asked. “It would really help with the generator.” “Sure,” I said. “Any time.” “I don’t know if I want that much gasoline on the farm,” Kelly said. “It’s a risk,” I said,nodding. “Why don’t I come out and pick you up tomorrow and you can come see the setup?” Everyone looked at each other around the table. I had been nervous to come here. Apparently they were just as nervous to leave their farm. “Well,” Kelly said, “I would like to see the reservoir again.” Kyle looked at me and said, “Sure, Bruce. That would be great.” “Great,” I said. “We’ll have a big lunch. If anyone wants to swim, we can stop and get swimming suits on the way.” I thanked them for their hospitality and stood to leave. The younger girls, Amanda and Bethany, had put their dogs away so that they would leave Biscuit alone. He and I headed to the truck and Kelly and the girls escorted us while Kyle, Celeste, and Faith waited on the porch. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you again,” Kelly said. “You too,” I said, feeling awkward. “Will we all fit in your truck tomorrow?” she asked. “We could, I suppose,” I said. “But I have a better one we can use. I won’t bring the dog either.” She knelt down and let Biscuit lick her face. “He’s such a sweetie!” she said. “He’s an idiot,” I said. “But he’s my best friend.” Kelly looked up at me with sympathy. ...
    ... Maybe pity. She stood up and gave me a hug. “Maybe we can be friends again,” she said. “I’m sure that you have loads that you could teach the girls.” “Yeah,” I said. “That would be great.” I hoped that I sounded convincing. Truthfully, I was used to being alone and didn’t like change in my routine. Still, the girls were lovely and would be nice to have around. Even the young ones, who were so full of energy and fun. Kelly hugged me briefly. I think she could tell that I was overwhelmed with the attention, but she was an affectionate person. “We’ll see you tomorrow,” she said. Amanda and Bethany gave Biscuit one last kiss each on his head and said goodbye. The dog and I got into the truck and backed out of the driveway, waving at everyone. * What a family. I couldn't imagine that Kyle knew how lucky he was to be surrounded by vibrant, healthy, lovely women. They all obviously loved him and doted on him. I wondered what was wrong with him. He seemed frail and sick still, but he would have gotten over the sickness almost ten years ago. It must have done some permanent damage to his body. They would have to do something soon to find husbands for the girls. I was sure that they were thinking about repopulating the species and the girls were wasting good childbearing years. I know that sounds chauvinistic, but it was simply a matter of survival at that point. Maybe that was the real reason that they wanted to get a radio up and running. “We can talk about that more tomorrow,” I said to ...