Story- "Phrail"

Cynthia a.k.a Phrail
At the time this story was written U had the artist permission to use his artwork, if I find out that has changed I will remove the picture

PHRAIL

"Cynthia, would you move. I have to get the car loaded." Matthew Clemmens, Cynthia's dad, said as he looked at her.
"What?" She said, as she looked at him. He was only 5'4". He didn’t have a very muscular build. His black hair was starting to gray. He was in his late fifties. Today he wore a pair of faded blue jeans and a white T-shirt.
"Cynthia, don't give me that look. You know your mother wants to get the car loaded before the rain starts to come down hard. She wants to get out of here and to the cabin in the woods that she and I bought. It's higher up and less likely to flood."
"She's not my mom." Cynthia said as she stepped to the side. Cynthia was 19. She had long red hair that fell to her waist. Her green eyes, which used to always be full of excitement, were now dull since her real mother had past away. She stood 5'10", everyone couldn't believe she was so much taller then Matthew, but he insists that she got it from her mom's family. Cynthia was also wearing a pair of faded jeans. She wore a bikini top instead of a shirt. Beth, her step mom, hated it because she could see her tattoo, which covered almost all of Cynthia's back. Cynthia's tattoo was her "guardian angel". It was a design her mom had created and it was something that let Cynthia hold on to her, when Matt got rid of all the other memories.
"I knew you were gonna say that dear. But please try to give Beth a chance." He said as he put the box that he had in his arms in the car.
"Dad it's not my fault we don't get along. I have tried, I really have. Besides, I don't think she likes me." Cynthia said innocently. "What else needs to be done?"
"Not much. Do you have all of your things already in your car?"
"Yea I do. Plus a few of Tom's."
"I didn't know he was coming."
"Dad he's your step son and you didn't know he was coming. I would think Beth would have a fit if he didn't
"I thought he'd be staying with his father is all."
"No I told him he could come with us." Beth said as she brought out a box from the house. She had shoulder length blonde hair. Her blue eyes showed her love for Matthew and her hatred whenever she looked at Cynthia. She was the same height as Matthew. She had on a bright pink skirt with a lighter pink shirt. She was in her early fifties. "Besides Tom-tom wanted to ride with Cindy."
"Cindy, who's Cindy?" Cynthia asked, knowing full well that Beth meant her.
"You silly." Beth said trying to joke with her. "Tom-tom just loves the way you drive, I don't know why."
"Beth, I'm more then happy to take Tom. I have the room. One thing."
"Yes?"
"It's Cynthia, not Cindy or some other form. Cynthia is the name my mom gave me and it's the name I go by."
"Well, fine." She said in a snit.
"Ma, when we leavin'?" Tom said as he came around the side of the house from the back. He had a few more of his things with him. "Cynthia, will you be able to fit a little more in your van? I forgot this earlier."
"Sure Tom I can." Cynthia said as she took the garbage bag from him. She opened up the hatch to her van and put it on the pile in the back. Cynthia shut the hatch and turned around. She watched Beth as she fussed over Tom. She shook my head. Here Beth was fussing over a 17-year-old. Thomas, his given name, was 6'2" so he wasn't happy when he had to lean down so his mom could wipe off his face with a tissue she got wet by licking it with her tongue. His hair was more of a sandy blonde like is father, where as Beth's was more of a white blonde. He had an athletic build. Tom, like Cynthia, got his height from the other side of the family. Today he only wore a pair of black shorts Cynthia had bought him the pervious day as a belated birthday present.
"Cynthia what are you staring at?" He was as he quickly brushed away Beth's hand.
"I'll tell you later Tom-tom," She said. He knew Cynthia was mocking Beth and he enjoyed it.
"Alright Cindy." He said right back. They both laughed. Beth just looked at them. She had a disgusted look on her face like usually when she knew they were mocking her.
"Knock it off you two." Matthew said in as much of a stern voice as he could muster. Cynthia could tell he was glad she was trying to lighten the mood, even if it was the wrong way to go about it.
"Come on let's get back inside and have a bit to eat." Beth said.
"Actually Tom and I were gonna go out to eat and then head up to the cabin right away." Cynthia said. "We wanted to get things unpacked and such. We'll air it out and it'll be ready by the time you guys come up." Tom knew that was her cue for him to get in the van before they had a chance to protest.
"Are you sure dear?" Matt asked.
"Positive dad." Cynthia said as she got in the van and started it. She rolled down my window and waved at them. "See you there."
Cynthia pulled out of the driveway and looked back in the rear view mirror. She let out a sigh when they were on the way to get something to eat.
"You seem glad to get away Cynthia." Tom said making the observation.
"Well, she's been driving me nuts. I wish I had enough to move out on my own, but…" She didn't finish her sentence.
"But what?"
"But I couldn't leave you there by yourself. That wouldn't be fair. You're a release for me and I'm sure it's the same with you."
"It is. But like I'd admit that to mom." He said. "Hey let's stop at Millie's Chicken Shack. I heard it's got good food."
"Okay," She said as she made a lane change and turned into the parking lot. "I think we better lock it. I don't want to take chances."
"Good idea." Tom said as he hit the lock button.
"Hey Tom, I have a question for you." Cynthia said as they headed into the diner.
"Sure what is it?"
"How much does your mom like my long hair?"
"I think I know where you're getting at." He said as he held open the door for me. "Yea she likes it, I mean she'd be really happy if you'd let her play with it."
"Ok, that’s all I needed to know." Proclaimed Cynthia.
"Excuse me, you're going to have to put on shirts kids." A waiter said as he saw us enter.
"Oh, but it says a top. I have a top on." Cynthia said. "It's not like my boobs are hanging out. But if you insist."
"Yea if you insist." Tom said. They want back outside and put on shirts then went back in and tried again.
"Young lady I realize that your…umm…weren't hanging out. But our rule is you must have on a shirt." The waiter said as he started to stare at Cynthia's breasts. He didn't even try to hide it.
"Is there a manager I could speak to?" Tom said. When Tom said that Cynthia had an idea. She quick put one of the three rings she had on her right hand on her left ring finger and nudged him. He looked at her and nodded.
"Yes one moment." The waiter said puzzled.
"What can I do for you?" A man said as he came over.
"You a manager?" Tom asked.
"Why yes I am."
"My name is Thomas Dunn. This waiter was staring at my fiancée's breasts."
"You look a little young to be getting married." The manager said.
"Are you doubting us. My father will hear bout this and he'll shut you down."
"And just who is your father Mr. Dunn?"
"Who is he!? Honey, did you hear that? He doesn't know whom my father Georgery Dunn is."
"Georgery Dunn, the food critic, is your father?" The manager said his eyes getting wider. "Please follow me. I'll give you the best seat and I'll have a talk with the waiter."
"I should hope you'll have more then a talk." Cynthia said sounding serious. "He invaded my private space with his eyes and I detest that."
"Yes, more then a talk." The manager said and left.
"Thomas, darling, you were great." Cynthia said as she patted his hand, which he had put on the table.
"So were you Sweetie." He said joking.
A new waiter came to them and only looked at Tom. He refused to look at me. "What would your fiancée like Mr. Dunn?"
"Well why don't you ask her yourself?"
"Ms. Umm…what would you like?" The waiter said shyly still looking down at the pad of paper that he had.
"I think I'll have a chicken sandwich with a order of chicken dumpling soup. How about you Thomas darling?" Cynthia said knowing they had to keep the act up.
"Well I think I'll have the same, only make the sandwich with mayo and the soup chicken noodle. And a glass of nice cool milk." He said.
"Oh a nice cool glass of milk sounds good. I'll have one also."
"Alright I'll be back shortly with your order." He said as he hurried off.
"I think you enjoy calling me darling." Tom said with a grin on his face.
"So what if I do?"
"Just wondering." He said. "Now what did you have in mind with the hair thing? I know you had a reason for asking."
"I was thinking of stopping and getting it cut before we went up to the cabin. If you don't mind."
"What stopping or you cutting it?" He said. "No I don't mind stopping and it's your hair."
Just as Cynthia was about to answer the waiter came back with their order. He quickly put the food down. He gave Tom the bill and left.
"Here I'll get it." She said as she reached for it.
"Not on your life dear." Tom said as he picked up the check. He looked at it and snickered. He handed it to her. "Alright you can pay for it."
"Okay." Cynthia said as she took it. She looked at it and saw why he was snickering. They had given the meal to them free of charge due to the "problem" that they had had with one of the staff. They ate the rest of the meal talking about small things. They got up handed the slip to the waitress at the register. She took it and smiled.
"Have a nice day Mr. and Mrs. Dunn."
When they got outside they both started laughing. They went to the van and got in. Cynthia pulled out of the parking lot and headed to the nearest salon.
"I can't believe they fell for it." Tom said still laughing.
"I know. And after that he would even look at me. We need to do that more often. One way to save money." She said. "Is your dad actually a food critic?"
"Yea basically. He goes around and finds new places and tells the others about it and they have a get together and eat out."
When they got near the salon Cynthia had to do a lane change again. She drove a little more and then signaled to pull into the parking lot.
"You gonna wait here or coming in?" She asked as she got out.
"I'll wait out. I want to be surprised." He said.
"Okay, I shouldn't be long." Cynthia said as she headed in. When she walked in a young lady greeted her.
"Hi, I'm Erika. How can I help you?"
"Well Erika, I'm getting tired of this mop on my head called hair. It's to hot in the summer and a pain to take care of. So I was hoping you'd be able to help me."
"Well I think I can. Won't you come this way." She led Cynthia to a work area. "Please have seat. Now how short did you want to go?"
"I was thinking about shoulder length." Cynthia said.
"Alright." She went to work. First she put Cynthia's hair up in a ponytail and then she cut right below the elastic band. She did a little more trimming and she was done. "What do you think?"
"Looks great thanks. How much do I owe you?" Cynthia asked.
"That'll be $10.95." She said. Cynthia handed her fifteen and told her to keep the change. Cynthia walked out and to the van when she got there Tom stared at her.
"What?"
"It looks great. I think you look prettier with shorter hair."
"Thanks." She said blushing. She started her van. They drove to the cabin in silence. Tom seemed to be nicer to her in the last few months. When she thought about it. He had been dropping hints all the time. She was stupid enough and didn't pick up on them. He had a crush on her. Cynthia wasn't sure if she felt the same way. But she knew she wouldn't act the same around him, now that she knew.
"Hey Cynthia." He said startling her.
"Yea Tom."
"I need some advice…well a friend of mine does and I don't know how to help him."
"Ok what does he need advice on?"
"Well his dad recently got remarried, after getting a divorce. And the woman he married had a daughter from a pervious marriage also. He's fallen in love with his step sister and he doesn't know what to do."
"Well," she said. What do I tell him, Cynthia thought. It's himself he's talking about I'm sure. And I'm the girl. I don't know what to tell him. "Does your friend know how the girl feels?"
"He thinks he does but he's not sure. He's pretty sure she doesn't like him. I mean why should she?"
"Tom I'm going to ask you something and I want you to be honest."
"Alright…"He said not sounding too sure.
"This wouldn't happen to be me and you you're talking about is it?"
"Well…umm…yea." He said looking at his hands.
"Oh Tom. How did you ever decide that you loved me?"
"I don’t know. I guess it was because of you're being so nice to me after our parents got married."
"Tom I want you to know I don't exactly feel the same way. I like you as a brother and all. But I don't think I love you like a boyfriend, at least not yet. I need to figure my own feelings out. But that is how you want it to be don't you?"
"I guess. I don't know. I just know my feelings and that's what they are."
They had almost gotten to the cabin and she noticed that Matt and Beth weren't there yet. Cynthia backed up and parked the van. She just sat in the van for a while. Tom had gotten out as soon as she had parked.
"Cynthia, are you going to open up the cabin? You have the key." Tom said.
"Yea." She mumbled as she got out of the van. She thought about this. Maybe I did love Tom. He was a great kid. He was always there for me. When Dad and Beth couldn't make it to something of mine, Tom was always sure to be there. And when I had decided to get the tattoo, right before dad and Beth got married, he came with me. He had been there for me all the time. Every time he was there, some shape or form. Weather it was the roses he had sent me at my graduation or the little notes he had left on my bedroom door. She walked up the steps in a daze and unlocked the door.
"Are you okay?" He asked her, looking concerned.
"I think so. Just thinking is all."
"About what if I may ask?"
"You may I don't know if I'll give you an answer darling." Cynthia said as she went back to the van and unlocked the hatch. She tossed him his football. "Come and help me unload this stuff."
He came over and we started unloading the van. They didn't talk much. But she figured it was for the best. She didn't think they had anything to say. I'm sure Tom was thinking himself a fool right about now. But if he was a fool then so was I. Because I could see, that maybe I was in fact in love with Thomas. I wasn't going to mention anything to him because I wasn't sure. Matthew and Beth pulled up just as we were taking in the last couple of boxes.
"Hello Cindy and Tom-tom." Beth said as she waved from the window.
"Oh great…here comes hell." Cynthia mumbled under her breath. Tom chuckled.
"Hi Dad, Hi Elizabeth." She said, knowing Beth didn't like being called Elizabeth.
"It's Beth not Elizabeth, Cindy." She said.
"My mistake. It's Cynthia not Cindy, Elizabeth." Cynthia told her.
"I see you guys are almost done. Just in time to help us." Matt said. He looked at Cynthia a little puzzled. "I like what you've done Cynthia. It looks good on you."
"Thanks Dad. It was a spur of the moment thing." She said as she looked at Tom.
"Cindy! You cut your hair! Your beautiful hair!" Beth said. Cynthia could tell she was going to cry.
"Yea I did. I like it short. Don't you?" Cynthia knew Beth didn't like it short. Cynthia didn’t' even cry over cutting it and here Beth was going to.
"But why?" Beth asked.
"Dad can I help you with something?" Cynthia said avoiding Beth's question.
"Sure. Just start unloading the boxes. We'll figure were things go later. Tom you want to grab something too?"
"Sure." Tom said as he took a box out of the car. He headed inside. Cynthia followed with the box she had picked up. She set it on the floor in what she assumed was the living room. She hadn't had a chance to look around earlier.
"Hey Dad I'm going to look around, k?" Cynthia asked as she stepped inside the doorframe.
"Alright. Why don't you and Tom explore together?"
"You want to Tom?" She asked over her shoulder.
"Sure."
They looked around the cabin. It was a simple place. On the main floor there was the living room, a kitchen and a den. The living room took up most of the main level. She noticed there was a radio on a table in the corner.
"I wonder why there's a radio in here?" She asked.
"Your dad probably knows." Tom said. "This cabin has a simple layout.
"Most cabins are. Let's go look upstairs." Cynthia suggested.
"Alright." He said as he ascended the stairs. She followed him.
"I wonder what's all up here. Probably the bedrooms and a bathroom, I would think."
They got to the top of the stairs and Tom went to the first door on the right and peeked in.
"It's a bedroom." He said. Cynthia went and stood behind him and looked in.
"So it is." She went to the first door on the left and opened it. "It's the bathroom."
"I'll get the next door on this side." He said as he walked down to the next door and opened it. "Another bedroom."
"So this one." Cynthia said as she opened the other door on the left side. "That's it. There isn't an attic or a basement. I wonder what rooms we get." She stepped into the room she was looking at and notice a door. Cynthia walked over to it and opened it up. It was walk-in closet with a door on the other side. Cynthia was curious and she went and opened it. It led to the bathroom. She closed that door and walked through the closet and stepped into the room shutting the door behind her.
"Hey Tom, there's a door from the master bed to the bathroom. It's through the closet." Cynthia said and then all of a sudden she felt a cold draft. She didn't like it and hurried out of the room.
"Cool. That's gotta be nice." Tom said. Then noticing her rushing out of the room. "Cynthia are you ok?"
"I'm not sure. But I felt a cold draft and it didn't feel good." Cynthia said as she shivered a little.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine." He said reassuring her. "Let's go back down and see if your dad and my mom need any more help."
They headed back down stairs. Tom led the way he kept his one hand in back of him for her to hold on to if she felt the need. She knew that her feelings for him were more then she had let on. She truly loved him. She didn't know how things would work out for them. But it was worth a try. She just hoped Tom would agree.
"What do you guys think?" Matt asked them when they got downstairs.
"It's great Dad." Cynthia said.
"Perfect Mr. Clemmens." Tom said. Cynthia knew he wasn't comfortable about calling him dad yet or by his first name for that matter.
"Tom-tom, you can call him Matt or Dad." Beth said.
"I know Mom. I'm just not comfortable with either at the moment."
"Well alright."
"Take your time Tom. You can call me anything, just don't call me late to dinner." Matt said. He chuckled over it and so did Beth. But Tom and Cynthia just looked at each other.
"Hey Dad I was meaning to ask you what's up with the radio in the living room?"
"That's incase we need help or something. It gets us the ranger station. There's some cute rangers up here Cynthia." Matt hinted at her.
"Thanks dad, but I have someone already." She replied to his hint.
"My baby girl has a boyfriend and she didn’t tell me?"
"Dad chill. He doesn't even know yet." Cynthia said.
"Well let's get settled in a little more. Then you two can go pick out your rooms." Beth said.
"I'll take the one across from the bathroom." Cynthia stated.
"And I'll take the one next that one. You guys can have the one adjacent to the bathroom." Tom said.
"What are we having for supper?" Matt asked Beth.
"Well I thought we'd have sandwiches. I'm not in the mood to cook." She said.
"I think I'm going to take a walk in the woods before supper. Tom you want to join me?" Cynthia asked him as she winked.
"Sure loved to." He said as he headed for the door.
"We won't be gone long." Cynthia said as she shut the door behind her.
Tom and Cynthia walked in silence for a little bit. She knew he wanted to say something but didn't know how.
"What's wrong Tom?" She questioned. Breaking the silence.
"I…I didn't know you had a boyfriend." He said.
"Silly, you're my boyfriend. That is if you want." Cynthia said.
"If I want? That's a silly question Cynthia." Tom said. He took my hand in his and we walked some more.
"Let's sit for awhile in that grove of trees up ahead." Cynthia suggested.
"Ok."
They went to the grove of trees and sat on the soft green moss floor. Most of the trees were some sort of pine. Cynthia wasn't sure the kind exactly, she wasn't up on her knowledge of trees. Tom sat next to Cynthia and he kept a hold of her hand. He leaned over and softly kissed her on the cheek. She smiled.
"Cynthia, can I kiss you?" He asked quietly.
"Sure, if you want." Cynthia whispered. He took her face in his and kissed her gently, yet forcefully. She put her arms around his next. They kept kissing. They had lain back on the ground. He held her in his arms. He softly kissed her lips and neck. He was about to take off Cynthia's shirt when they heard a noise.
"What was that?" She said sitting up quickly.
"I don't know. But I think maybe we should head back to the cabin." Tom said getting up on his feet and then offering her his hand. Cynthia took it and he helped her to her feet.
"Well what ever it is. I think it's heading this way." She exclaimed. Tom and Cynthia started to run towards the cabin. Cynthia glanced over her shoulder and saw what looked like a wolf only a little bigger. "Tom it looks like a wolf."
"Well I just got you I don't want to lose you, Cynthia." Tom said as he held on to her hand and they started to run. When she looked over her shoulder again it was gone.
Tom and Cynthia were still running when they got to the cabin. There was a man standing talking to Matt on the porch. The man and Matt didn't notice them. They walked up the porch steps.
"Hey dad." Cynthia said a little out of breath.
"Hey sweetie. This is Dr. Henry. He just came to warn us that some of the dogs they were observing at the clinic had gotten lose."
"Yes, about half a dozen got out, I'm afraid. No one at the clinic likes it when they escape. Don't get me wrong this is the first time. We've just been dreading it. We feared the worst and I'm afraid the worst happened. The ones that were the furthest in the programs, the ones that had been in it the longest, got out. They are more aggressive then the newer ones." Dr. Henry said getting it all in one breath. He was in his late twenties to early thirties. He had brown hair that was cut just above his ears and hung a little in the back. He had on a white lab coat. Under which he had on a navy blue shirt and a pair of black jeans. His brown eyes looked handsome as the looked at me.
"How long have you been in the program Dr. Henry?" Cynthia asked curious. He looked so young.
"I've been with the program for about four years now." He answered. "Folks please be careful when you go in the woods. Don't go alone and take something that could be hurtful."
"Thanks for the warning Dr. Henry." Tom said. He had come and was standing next to Cynthia.
"Not a problem, if you should see one, use the radio in the cabin to tell the rangers. They'll notify us and then meet us at the problem site." He said and then he left.
"Now would you mind telling me why you were out of breath?" Matt asked.
"We raced back to the cabin, Matt." Tom said a little uncomfortable. But he told Cynthia later that if he was going to call her dad something it'd be Matt before dad. "Cynthia won."
"You let me win. So it's your won fault." Cynthia said laughing.
"It's good to see you two getting along so well." Matt said patting each of them on the arm. Then he walked back inside.
"Closer then he knows right?"
"Yea, closer then he knows." Cynthia answered. "Do you think what I saw was one of the dogs Dr. Henry was talking about?"
"It might have been." He said taking her hand. They went inside and headed towards the kitchen. "Hey ma what's for supper?"
"Tom-tom, you'll have to wait. I can't find the chicken for the sandwiches."
"I'll go upstairs and unpack." Cynthia said letting go of Tom's hand and heading upstairs.
"That sounds like a good idea. Want any help?" He asked.
"Sure." She said. He followed her up the stairs and she heard Beth tell Matt that they seemed to be getting close and that she hoped it wasn't too close. Cynthia smiled when she heard Beth say that.
"You want to do your things first or mine?" Tom asked.
"Let's do mine first. After all it was my idea." Cynthia said as she opened the door to the room. There was an old bed in the room. She recognized it. It used to be her grandma Clemmens'. They started to unpack her things when Tom held up a picture of her that a friend had drawn.
"To Phrail from Zebu." He looked at her puzzled.
"I forgot I had that." I said. "Zebu was a friend I made when I ran away from home. I stayed with him for awhile. I was nicknamed Phrail because it was my first time out on the streets and I wasn't used to the hardness of it."
"When did you run away?" Tom asked.
"A few days after my mom died. I couldn't handle my dad. He kept yelling at me and blaming her death on me."
"How did she die? If you don't mind my asking."
"She was in a accident. She was bringing me the lunch I had left on the counter. Some one ran a stop sign and totaled the car and mom too."
"I'm sorry." Tom said touching my hand gentle. "What made you come back if your dad kept blaming it on you?"
"Zebu talked me into coming back. He said he regretted never going home to talk to his parents. I'm glad he talked me into coming home. I tried to get him to come with me, but he said he was used to living on the streets."
"How long had he been out on the streets?" Tom asked.
"He was going on his third year if I remember correctly." I said laughing. "He got his name because he was from Africa and he had a little hump from leaning over to make the jewelry that he sells. One of the necklaces I have he made. It was his gift to me before I came back."
"Have you seen him since?"
"On occasion, but he doesn’t wave or anything. Sometimes I just want to go up to him and give him a hug and thank him for making me come home. But I don't think dad would be pleased with me. I never told him about Zebu."
"Have you ever thought about running away again?"
"Yea," Cynthia said. "When dad said he was going to marry Beth."
""You're kidding right?"
"No. I thought it was too soon and had threatened to run away again. I knew Zebu would let me stay with him. He was good about that."
"Did you have a thing for Zebu?"
"If I did it was childish. I was what, sixteen at the time and he was twenty-one or twenty-two. I knew it would never work."
"I'm gonna call you Phrail from now on." Tom said.
"Not around my dad. He's still not happy I ran away and he knows it was his fault I ran away too."
"Supper is ready." Beth called upstairs. Tom and Cynthia got up and headed down. "What have you two been up to?"
"Cleaning Phra…I mean Cynthia's room and putting things away." Tom said catching himself.
"That's nice. Now take a seat at the table. We're going to eat like a family." Beth said placing a plate of sandwiches on the table. Matt sat at the head and Beth opposite. That left Tom and Cynthia sitting across from each other. They sat down.
"Let's say a quick grace." Matt said. Cynthia looked at him wide eyed. They never said grace, at least not after Catherine, Cynthia's mom, passed away. "Cynthia, would you please."
"Dad do I have to?" She asked.
"Yes you do."
"Alright." She said. "Lord, we thank you for the food which we are about to eat for there are others out there less fortunate. Thank you also for the quality time we are about to share, for time together is seldom. Amen."
"Amen." Matt and Beth said at the same time. She saw Tom mouth it.
"Matt you help yourself first." Beth said. Matt helped himself to a sandwich and then handed the plate to Tom. Tom helped himself and then handed the plate to Cynthia.
"Beth would you like to take one first?" Cynthia offered.
"Why thank you Cindy. Don't mind if I do." She reached for one and Cynthia moved the plate out of her reach. "What the?"
"Listen Elizabeth. It's Cynthia." She told Beth and then offered the sandwiches again. Beth took one and looked at Cynthia.
"Sweetie that wasn't very nice." Matt said.
"Listen dad. I've put up with being Cindy as much as I can." Cynthia said as she set the plate of sandwiches down. She excused herself and ran upstairs. She went to her room and laid down on the bed. She just stared at the ceiling wondering if anyone would come after her. Cynthia heard a chair scraping the floor as it was pushed away from the table. There was some talking and then someone was coming up the stairs.
"Phrail ya okay?" She heard Tom ask from the doorway.
"I guess." She said sitting up. He came and sat next to Cynthia taking her hand. "I just wish your mom would get it, that I want to be called Cynthia not Cindy."
"Give mom a chance. It's not often that she meets someone who wants to be called by his or her given name. I mean she calls me Tom-tom and I'm seventeen."
"Why don't you tell her you don't like being called Tom-tom. I mean I would think she'd listen to you, her own son."
"Don't count on it. I've tried before. It has yet to work. For some reason, she thinks I'm still five or six, the age where I actually liked being called Tom-tom."
"I don't know if I can handle it." Cynthia said wiping a tear away with her free hand.
"Don't cry. I'll help you through this." Tom said leaning over and taking her chin, turning her head so she faced him. He gave Cynthia a kiss. "I love you Phrail. I won't let my mom get to you."
They laid back on the bed and he held her in his arms. They must have fallen asleep, because when she woke up it was dark outside. Dad and Beth were looking down at them. She nudged Tom, knowing they were probably busted.
"What time is it?" Cynthia asked innocently.
"What are you doing Tom-tom?" Beth asked.
"Nothing Ma." Tom said as he yawned. "I was comforting Cynthia and we must have fallen asleep."
"Cynthia Marie you have some explaining to do." Matt said in a stern voice. Cynthia knew he wasn't pleased. He only used her middle name when he was upset.
"What's there to explain?" Cynthia said. "Tom came up to comfort me. He said he'd stay with me till I felt better. Needless to say I was lying on the bed when he came up. So he laid next to me. I must have fallen asleep."
"How do you explain my son's arms around your waist?" Beth said. Cynthia knew she wasn't happy either.
"I didn't feel him put his arms around my waist." She said.
"I fell sleep next to her ma. I must have rolled over and did it. I don't even remember doing it." Tom said.
"Tom-tom, go to your room." Beth said. Tom got off the bed and patted Cynthia on the shoulder. He walked past Matt and Beth and headed to his room. "And you Cindy, need to think about what you could have done. He is a minor you know."
"Nothing happened Beth." Cynthia said. "It's up to you weather you believe me or not and I guess you don't."
"No at this moment I don't." She said as her and Matt walked out of the room and shut the door behind them.
Cynthia got off the bed and sat on the floor. She looked at the picture that Zebu had drawn. It was so tempting to run away again. She wondered if she'd be able to find Zebu again. Cynthia laughed. He had found her the first time. Maybe she'd just let him find her again. Then she heard a knock on the wall. She got up and knocked back thinking it was Tom.
"Tom," Cynthia said. "Is that you?"
"Yea open up your closet door. I want to show you something."
"What's the closet got to do with it?"
"Just do it okay?"
"Ok." Cynthia said as she went and opened the closet door. There stood Tom. "How'd you do that?"
"You know the door from the bathroom to the master bedroom? Well it's through the closet. I thought why not look. And sure enough there's a door leading between the too. Now," He said taking her hand and pulled Cynthia into the closet. He shut the door behind them. "May I kiss you Miss Cynthia Marie Clemmens?"
"You may Mr. Thomas Peter Dunn." She said. He kissed her gentle, but forcefully like the first time. He took off her shirt and then his own. Cynthia placed her hands on his chest and he put his arms around her.
"I don’t see what mom and Matt are worried about." He said kissing Cynthia again and then kissing her neck.
"Beth told me I that I should be careful because you're a minor."
"So it's not like I'm gonna get pregnant." He said. He leaned down and kissed her upper chest working his way down to her breasts. He softly touched them, caressed them. Cynthia sighed. She couldn't believe they were doing this. Cynthia leaned her head back and let Tom keep kissing her. He untied the bottom string of the bikini top. He reached up and started to untie the top. Cynthia reached up and took his hand.
"Tom, we can't do this." She said.
"Why not? Don't you want this?"
"More then you know. But it's too soon." She said retying the top and bottom strings on the bikini top.
"Cynthia I thought you loved me." He said looking hurt.
"Tom I do." Cynthia said kissing him. "But I'm not ready for this. You're right you aren't going to get pregnant but I could. I’m not ready for that. There are too many things I’d like to do that a kid would tie me down. A kid would be troublesome for you too."
"Maybe we shouldn’t have a relationship." Tom said.
"No don’t say that. We just need to move slower that’s all." She said placing her hands on his chest again. He took them in his and kissed them. "You have so many things going for you it would be a shame to ruin it."
"Cynthia right now you’re the only one I’d want to ruin it with."
"Tom, let's move slower. That's all I'm asking." Cynthia said as she leaned up and kissed him.
"Alright. But I don't promise anything." He said giving her a wink.
"I'm going to go to bed. It's been a long day. I suggest you do the same." She kissed him once more and walked out of the closet.
"Phrail, can I sleep with you tonight. I'm scared of the new house."
"What would Dad and Beth think?" She said laughing. "I think tonight you sleep in your own bed. I'll check on you later."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Cynthia said as she shut the door on him. She put a chair in front of it so he wouldn't be able to open it from the inside. She took off her jeans and the top. She decided to change her underwear too. Cynthia was naked till she found a clean pair and her nightgown. She quickly changed. Cynthia went and turned off the lights and got into bed. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep.

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Cynthia woke up the next morning to find Tom next to her. Thankfully Matt and Beth were still asleep. She kissed Tom softly and he woke up.
"You might want to go back to your own room before the parental units wake up."
"That might not be a bad idea." Tom whispered. He kissed her and then he slipped out of the bed. He moved the chair and walked through the closet to his room. Cynthia got up and put the chair back where it had been the pervious day. She glanced to make sure Tom had closed the door when he came in last night. He had. She took off her nightgown and threw it on the bed. She searched through her things till she found her bra. She quickly put it on. Then she slipped on a pair of green shorts. She looked through all of her shirts but couldn't find one she wanted to wear. She opened the closet door and went over to Tom's room. She knocked softly on the door.
"Yes?" Tom said as he opened the door. He stood in a pair of black boxer shorts and a white tank top.
"Had to come give you another morning kiss." Cynthia said as she put her arms around his neck and kissed him. He responded by putting his arms around her waist. He backed her into the closet and shut the door behind them. They stood in the closet kissing each other. He unclasped her bra and slowly took it off. He touched her breasts and caressed them again. She sighed as he bent down and kissed each of her nipples. She lifted his head and kissed him. He took off his tank top and she put her hands on his chest as she had before. They kept kissing when there was a knock on Tom's door.
"Tom-tom, are you awake?" Beth asked.
"I guess that's it for now." Tom whispered kissing Cynthia.
"I guess." She whispered back. She bent down and picked up her bra and quickly put it back on. "Tom can I borrow shirt?"
"You can use the tank top, if you want." Tom whispered as he walked out of the closet. Cynthia knelt and picked it up. She quickly put it on and went back to her room. She could hear the conversation between Tom and Beth.
"Yes ma I'm awake." He said as he opened the door.
"I was just wondering if Cindy was in here. You two are getting rather close."
"I haven't seen her since last night ma."
Cynthia opened her door and walked down to Tom's room. She had thrown on a green button down shirt over the tank top, in hopes Beth wouldn't recognize it.
"Morning Tom." She said as she peeked in the room. "Oh morning to you too Elizabeth."
"Morning Cynthia." Tom said. He came over and gave her a hug. "Did you sleep good?"
"What do you think?" She said. "I'm going to go start breakfast. Scramble eggs alright with you?"
"Sound good to me." Tom said. Cynthia nodded and then headed downstairs. When she got there, Matt was in the living room. He was reading a book.
"Morning Dad." She said going behind him and kissing him on top of the head.
"You're mother always used to do that." He said looking up at her. "You look stunning this morning. I really like that short hair on you."
"Thanks dad." She said. "I'm making scrambled eggs for breakfast, you want any?" She headed towards the kitchen.
"Scrambled eggs sounds good." Matt said as he shut his book and followed her. "Cynthia, I've been meaning to talk to you about something."
"Sure Dad what about?"
"About you and Tom."
"Why?" Cynthia said looking at him.
"I'm afraid you guys maybe getting a little too close. You've seemed distance since you came back from the woods yesterday. What happened?"
"Well…I thought I saw one of those dogs Dr. Henry told us about. But I didn't want to upset you if it wasn't." She said going back to making the scrambled eggs.
"Sweetie, if you did see one. You should have told me."
"Dad I wasn’t even sure it was what I saw. Tom and I had went and sat in a grove of trees when we heard it. That's the real reason we were out of breath. We made up the race because we weren't sure of you'd believe us or not."
"I don’t' know if I would have. But you sure nothing's happening between you and Tom?"
"Dad if there was, I'd tell you. But at the moment I'm not sure. We just decided that it'd be to our benefit to be friends not enemies." Cynthia said as she took off the outer shirt, revealing the tank top.
"I'm glad." He said. "Isn't that Tom's tank top?"
"It is." Cynthia said shyly. "I felt stupid. I wanted to wear mine, but I couldn't find it. So Tom said I could borrow his today until we had a chance to go into town and buy some supplies."
"That's a good idea." Matt said. "I'll make a list of things that have to be gotten. You and Tom and go into town and get them. How's that sound?"
"How does what sound?" Beth said as she came in. She kissed Matt on the cheek. Tom was right behind Beth. He smiled at Cynthia.
"I'm going to send Cynthia and Tom into town to get supplies." Matt answered.
"I'm willing." Tom said. "That is if Cynthia would like the company and help."
"Of course," She said as she placed four plates of scrambled eggs on the table. "Eat up."
They all sat down and ate the eggs. They were silent. Cynthia could tell Beth was trying to think of something to say.
"The eggs are great sweetie." Matt said.
"I'll second that." Tom said.



*So I know some of these are long, but I never seem to do chapters...gotta get better at that