But Walter was getting up there in years and even businesses in Sunrise, Arizona were feeling the Amazon pinch. So how long would Walter remain open? And who else would tolerate Jace’s significant absenteeism and other requirements like dim lights? He doubted anyone and a flare of panic filled him like it often did these days when he thought of the future. But he pushed it down. Maybe the doctors at the base would find some tweak to the medicine that would fix him. Maybe he would be able to parlay his story into something that could make money.
Yeah, right. Do I think I’m going to self-publish my book and become Richard Castle overnight?
He shook his head, which was as much a mistake as furrowing his brow as the pain of the migraine seemed to slosh around in his skull. He stopped the movement and held himself very still before picking up the sunglasses and firmly putting them on. He was glad he had because the moment he opened his bedroom door, the bright clear light of an Arizona morning blinded him as the big windows at the end of the hall didn’t have their shades drawn as they normally did.
Keeping his head down, he dashed halfway down the hall and zipped into the bathroom. He heard his parents talking together at the end of the hall where the kitchen was. Neither of them had seen the sunglasses. He sagged against the back of the bathroom door for a moment. He caught sight of himself out of the corner of his eye in the bathroom mirror. He turned his head and nearly laughed.
His dark brown hair was sticking up in every direction from sleep. His gray eyes were hidden by the sunglasses, but his thick, expressive eyebrows lifted in amusement. He had a strong jaw and high cheekbones. His olive toned skin looked even darker due to the sunglasses. He was reminded of Tom Cruise in Risky Business when the actor had danced in his underwear and sunglasses. He was in nearly the same outfit. Not quite as cool though. That caused a grin to light his face. The grinning hurt too. He sighed and let his face relax.
The medicine will kick in soon. It will be okay. You’ll be fine.
He forced himself to get ready. With only the frosted small window in the bathroom for light, he was able to take off the sunglasses to brush his teeth, shave and shower before dressing quickly. He, again, toyed with the idea of not putting the sunglasses on when he exited the bathroom. His headache was a dull throb at the base of his skull now. The tinnitus, too, was just a low ringing in his ears. If he was careful, things might remain this way: manageable. He slid the sunglasses on and popped his head out of the bathroom. The shades to the windows in the kitchen and eating nook were now closed. They had realized he was awake.
They’re forced to live in darkness because of me, he thought bitterly.
But he was grateful for the lack of light. He took the sunglasses off and hooked one arm over the neck of his t-shirt. He then strode down the hallway to grab some food before taking off to work on his bike.
His mother was seated at the three person wood table. She was in her dress blues. A dark blue skirt and blazer with crisp white shirt and tie. There was a cup of coffee in front of her and the remnants of toast. His father was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter in his green flight suit with his booted feet crossed at the ankles. They both stopped their conversation to greet him.
“You’re up early,” his mother said.
“Walter’s granddaughter is having her tenth birthday. He agreed to have it at his place so I told him I’d work the whole day,” he explained as he splashed some of the coffee from the pot into his dark blue to go cup.
His parents were quiet at this for far too long. Jace gritted his teeth.
Wait for it. Just wait for it.
His mother’s voice was strenuously neutral as she asked, “Is he going to let you close early?”
“What? No, why?” Jace grimaced when he asked the last.
His father’s handsome square-jawed face smiled at him. “Because that’s a sixteen hour day, champ.”
And I can hardly handle half that. That’s what he is thinking.
Jace kept his own voice easy as he shrugged and said, “Should be slow today with the base on alert about those Naruto-runners. The run to get past security is one today, isn’t it? They’re going to find all those spaceships you’re hiding.”
His mother gave out a laugh that was laced with annoyance. “It’s so ridiculous. Hardly anyone showed up at Area 51 and those who did attempt anything were caught right away. Nothing more will happen here considering we’re not half as known for having alien technology.”
His mother put air quotes around “alien”. Jace wished his parents were working with alien tech, but no, it was all human made. He would be the first one there otherwise.
“Area 67 may have less people who know about it, but they’re more passionate,” his father stated mildly and took another sip of coffee. “So I wouldn’t discount what they might try.”
A flicker of worry crossed his mother’s face. She tucked a loose brown curl behind her ear. It had slipped out of her bun already. “I just want to ensure that no one gets hurt. The people who come here are mostly harmless.”
She stood up and grabbed her cap. “Do you want us to give you a ride to work?”
Jace had just put some toast into the toaster. He shook his head. “I’m going to ride. Besides, you guys need to get on base.”
His mother hesitated and he felt his parents give each other worried looks. Jace pretended he didn’t see as he grabbed butter and grape jelly from the bridge.
“Okay, well… if you need anything you’ll call, right?” His mother’s voice was artificially bright.
He replied in kind, “Sure. Absolutely.”
How about never? I won’t ruin Walter’s day or my parents’.
His mother headed out of the house while his father lingered behind, rinsing out his coffee cup.
