Free Graham Ran Over A Reindeer by Sterling Rivers Page B

screen door grated on Graham’s ears.
    “Mom? Dad? We’re here!” Rudy announced and bent down to undo the laces of his boots.
    Following suit, Graham tugged on the strings then toed his boots off. A sound of glee caught his attention and he watched as Mrs. Snowden wrapped Rudy in a hug. She’d always looked young beyond her years and Graham figured it had something to do with her heritage. Her blond hair was pulled back into a single braid and her sky blue eyes twinkled… at least until they settled on Graham.
    “Mrs. Snowden,” Graham managed. He couldn’t help thinking about her turning into an animal.
    She narrowed her eyes at him. “When have you ever called me that?”
    “Mom, don’t tease. He’s terrified enough,” Rudy huffed.
    Clearing his throat, Graham fidgeted under her intense glare. “Mom Abby?”
    “That is better,” she said, her expression scrutinizing. She did a once over on him and he couldn’t help shaking in his socks. Her hand connected with his sweater and she pulled him into a hug. “It’s been too long. I’m more upset with you for not keeping in contact with us than anything else.”
    A whole lot of stress blew away and Graham managed to relax as he fell into the comfort she offered. He reminded himself that she was like a second mother, a kind and gentle woman in place of his own. How many times had she soothed him after his own mother had died? So she turns into a caribou? Big deal.
    Holding him at arm’s length, she said, “You have grown, boy.”
    “Yeah, I guess I have. It is weird how time flies so quickly.” He offered her a clumsy smile still feeling like a prey animal under the sight of a predator. “And I’m sorry I didn’t keep in contact. I’ve been taking a lot of road jobs and the last one took me down to Washington.”
    “Well, you’re here now,” she said as she patted his arm. “And my husband wants to see you.”
    Graham looked to Rudy for support and the man smiled. When his mother disappeared into the kitchen, he said, “Told you. Nothing to stress over.”
    “Then why did you hesitate to tell me our plans had been changed without our permission this morning?” he finally asked, getting right to the heart of the matter.
    Rudy didn’t seem to know how to answer that, so he simply shrugged.
    Shaking his head in disbelief, Graham followed Rudy into the kitchen. His nose lit up with the scent of food and spice, his stomach complaining for an entirely different reason. He spotted Rudy’s dad, Anik at the stove stirring something in a big pot. He stopped what he was doing and looked up, his slate eyes flashing. He looked every bit like a younger version of Doc Snowden and Graham couldn’t help but to wonder how old they really were. Tentatively, Graham slid a speculative glance toward Mom Abby. Rudy had said he had a human parent and the process of deduction demanded she was likely the one he was referring to. Graham had gone to her with adolescent problems before, so maybe he had an ally in this whole thing. He was sure she could offer him advice about receiving the gift.
    Do I want that? He had no idea.
    Rudy’s father came forward, his eyes dark and shrewd as he examined every little detail about Graham. Should have taken it easy on the hair, he thought. He did his best to smile becomingly, but he was sure he failed. The man’s eyes darted to the side and his tight expression was replaced by a welcoming smile. Graham watched as the man embraced Doc Snowden, and it was like twins interacting.
    “Graham, glad you could make it,” the elderly Snowden said. His hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail and the weariness Graham had noted last time was gone. “Sorry to have derailed your plans. Much to talk about, you know.”
    “Yeah,” Graham muttered, wishing he could avoid the whole thing. He needed time to absorb everything and come to terms with the existence of shape-changers… and whether or not he saw himself besides Rudy as one.