Free Earth Blend by Lori Pescatore Page A

munching on the fruit. “So, you have my
ears.”
    Julie took a deep breath before beginning.
“Okay, I know you are not a Blend but I need to talk to a sane
person.”
    “ Should I be offended that you talked
to Marcus first?”
    “ Just look at it as confirmation of my
many moments of idiocy.”
    Eli smiled but kept quiet, letting Julie
lead the conversation.
    “ Marcus thinks I'm overreacting, but I
am worried about Austin.” She continued. “I mean aside from what I
know he is dealing with... there's more. He's acting strange...
moody. He actually ran in an all-out panic.” Julie paused for a
moment. “Well, I guess that it isn't that out of the ordinary. I've
done that.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Crap, maybe Marcus
is right. Tell me I did not just say that.”
    Eli let out a slight chuckle. “Maybe your
concerns should be shared with your Uncle. He, more than anyone,
would be a better judge of what is normal for Austin and
yourself.”
    “ I thought of that, but then isn't it
more like dealing with revelation kinda stuff?”
    “ Your bodies may react differently in
certain situations.”
    Julie nodded, “That makes sense. Okay I will
call Uncle G after work.”
    “ I'm going to be done early. Seems
someone is making my patients get well faster.” Eli smiled. “Why
don't we grab a bite to eat together. Your Uncle's cooking has
stimulated my appetite.”
    Julie thought back to the time at her
Uncle's cabin. Austin and herself had jumped from a helicopter to
escape Luke who was attempting to kidnap them. The injuries
sustained were too massive for their own bodies to heal. Uncle G
took them back to his cabin. With Marcus' help, she and Austin
recovered nicely. After much cajoling, Eli did eat with them.
    “ I'd take you up on that offer, but I
start a new job tonight. I got hired at the cafe in
town.”
    “ Oh, I didn't know you had experience
in that line of work.”
    “ I don't. Dave said I could learn
along the way. Apparently we are both desperate.”
    “ You know, Julie, I could have easily
hired you here at the hospital. I could use a
secretary.”
    Julie looked around his office. “Sure you
could. That's why your office is such a mess.” She gestured around
to the impeccably clean office.
    Eli was about to add something else, but
Julie cut him off. “I appreciate the offer, Eli, I really do. But
we've been over this. I'm going to do this on my own.”
    “ Did you ever think of going to school
for medicine or nursing?” He asked.
    “ Yes, actually. That is a long term
goal of mine. I'm going to work and save up the money for
school.”
    “ I'd be more than
happy – ”
He began but Julie held up her hand.
    Eli tried another angle. “What about
your Uncle I'm sure – ”
    “ Stop,” She laughed. “I'm going to do
it my way or no way. End of discussion.”
    Eli smiled, he would let it go, for now.
“Stubborn.”
    Julie smiled and popped one last grape in
her mouth before hopping off the desk. “See you later, Doc.” She
said as she left the office and went back to work. She was in a
good mood despite her concerns over Austin. She at least had a plan
now. She would call her Uncle after her work at the Cafe. Talking
with Eli had made her feel better. She continued on the rest of the
day performing her duties with a smile.
     
    After dropping Julie off, Austin drove
around for a while before deciding to go back to the Laundromat to
try talking to his mother. Entering the business, he greeted a few
patrons before heading for the back office. The door was shut but
he could hear voices shouting loudly. He opened the door and was
shocked at who he saw. “Dad?”
     

8. Protecting Secrets
    Jacob, Austin's father, turned to see his son standing in the
office doorway. It had been three years since he last saw his son.
He smiled at how much the once fifteen year old boy had grown into
an eighteen year old young man. This was what he wanted for him; a
normal life with normal