Defiance (Significance #3)(30)

We heard the whistle and were just about to go again when I saw Caleb by the door. My breath caught and I found myself running to him.
Eighteen
He met me half way as I slowed to a walk. "Hey," he said quickly. "I know you're confused, I can feel it, but come with me."
"What's going on?" Jen asked from behind me and Caleb shook his head.
"Come on," he told us and gripped my hand tightly. I blew a calming breath at the contact, but wondered what he was hiding from me as he still had his mind closed off.
"This is what I'm hiding," he said and threw my bedroom door open only to drag Jen and I in quickly and shut the door.
"What the-" I cut myself off as I saw Caleb's secret. "Dad?"
"Hey, there," he said and seemed glad that I looked happy to see him.
"Of course I'm happy to see you," I said and hugged him hard around his middle even though I couldn't read his thoughts. "I was so worried."
"Ah, I'm fine. Ken showed up and we hopped the first plane out. Caleb met us at the airport." He leaned me back to see my face. "I'm fine. No crying, now," he said sweetly.
"I'm not," I lied and sniffed. "I'm just glad to see you. I really missed you, Dad." 
"I really missed you, baby girl." He hugged me hard this time and I opened my eyes to see Bish behind him. He smiled at me, but his eyes glanced nervously over to Jen as well.
I let go of Dad and went to Bish, only to be lifted into a massive bear hug. "You're collecting enemies left and right, aren't you?"
"It seems that way." I choked on a sob. "I'm so sorry."
"What for? You didn't do it," he reasoned as he set my feet back to the floor.
"But they went after you to get to me."
"And if I'd been home when they dropped off their little present, we'd be having a very different conversation. So what? They just thought they could rattle you, but they can't, because you're not weak like they think you are."
I twisted my mouth to the side, not wanting to disagree, I was just so happy to have them both here and alive and fine. I couldn't hear Jen and Bish's thoughts, but I assumed that they needed some sort of hello. They both stared at each other wistfully and surprisingly unabashed. I stepped back a little, but Bish didn't release my arm.
"Hey," he said, his voice holding none its usual gruffness. He seemed lighter and brighter now that he could see her. But there was a strain in his neck, a tightness about him.
"Hey." She licked her bottom lip. "I'm…really glad you're alright. And you, too, Mister Masters."
"Me, too," Dad joked.
Bish looked at me before looking back at her. "You look so great."
She blushed and it made her even prettier. "Thank you. We've been uh, playing soccer." She rubbed her hair self consciously. "I'm probably a mess."
"Nah," Bish said and it sounded like a sigh.
"Well," I said to thwart the awkwardness, "I have no idea what to do with you guys, but I'm so glad that you're here. I know the council won't be happy about it."
Dad spoke up first. "Caleb told us all about it on the drive. He's going to try to explain to them the situation. We'll be fine, don't worry about us. I'll sit around this room the whole time if I have to, but Caleb here seemed mighty worried to get back to you with a quickness. Are you ok?"
Caleb. In my haste to greet my father and make sure they were alright, I'd forgotten Caleb. I turned to find him leaning his back against the door, just watching us and waiting. He smiled when my eyes met his. I made a quick path to him and took his hand. I dragged him with me to the bathroom and closed the door. Pushing him against it I devoured his mouth with gratefulness and love. I couldn't tell what he was thinking in the charmed room, but he kissed me back and held me so tightly around my waist that breathing was not feasible, so I was happy for now.
When he switched places with me and pressed me against the door instead, I was even happier. His hand pressed my lower back into him and his other hand rested against the door to brace himself. He pulled back a little, leaving his forehead against mine.
"I'm not complaining, not even a little, but what was that for?"
"For everything," I answered. "You took care of everything yesterday to make sure that my dad made it out safely, you held me all night long while you healed me, then you lied to Rodney about going to a motorcycle shop so that you could personally be there to get my dad for me."He smiled. "I had to make sure he got here alright. I knew how much it meant to you, so I did it myself."
"I know. That's what that kiss was for. Because you love me so much that you'd do anything for me." I touched his cheek, laughing at the scruffiness. "I have never been so grateful of anything in my life than I am for you."
He smiled, showing teeth and all of his emotions. He kissed my palm, holding his lips there for emphasis. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you." I licked my lips. "Can I ask one thing though?"
"Shoot."
"Why couldn't you tell me where you were going? Why did you have to lie to Rodney?"
"Because if they knew I was bringing humans here, they would have locked down the palace, and that wouldn't have been good for anybody."
"Oh," I sighed and clamped my eyes shut at the thought of being stuck here without him. "That's a good reason, I guess."
"I'm sorry. I know you probably thought I was a jerk for leaving-"
"You just did the sweetest thing ever for me. You risked not only trouble, but you're already on thin ice with the council. It doesn't matter what I thought, don't be sorry." I hugged him around his neck. "You are racking up so many points right now."
He laughed and squeezed me with affection. "That's what I was going for."
I shook my head at him, kissed him once more before opening the door and facing my father. He had a wry look upon his face. It was then that I noticed how good he looked. He'd been taking better care of himself, I could tell.
"Alright, first things first," Caleb said, all business. "I have to find Dad and get him up to speed. Sorry," he said to Dad and Bish, "but you'll have to sit tight until we get this straightened out."
"You brought us from one danger zone right to another?" Bish grumbled.
"Bish," I scolded. "He just snuck off to go and get you. Be nice."
"Alright," he admonished with a little frown.
"Maggie and I will go and get everything straight," Caleb said and he took my hand. I knew what that meant; I was coming with him and he wasn't letting go.
"I'll…stay," Jen offered reluctantly, "with Jim and Bish, until you guys get back. Tell Maria to stay with Mom," she told Caleb. He nodded and we started to leave. We opened the door and were met by Jonathan. He'd been waiting in the hall for Jen. 
"Jonathan?" she said and Bish's face went from passive to pissed.
"Who's this?" Bish asked, not even caring that he looked irrational, plus the fact that he wasn't even supposed to be here.
"Jonathan," Jonathan said and crossed his arms, arching an eyebrow with curiosity. "And who are you?"
"Bish, Maggie's brother." Bish crossed his arms as well.
"I hate to ask, but what's going on?" Jonathan said.
"This is my father and brother. They were in danger so we brought them here," I answered. He bowed and shook his head.
"It's not my place to question the Visionary." He straightened and looked at Jen. "Always a pleasure. Hope to see you tonight, Jenna?"
She nodded and tried to shoo him politely, but Bish's growl stopped us all. He looked at us all and then went into the bathroom, slamming the door. I bit my lip. I could imagine what he was thinking, poor guy.
"I'll go," Jonathan said awkwardly as Jen tried to shut the door, but it was too late.
"What's this?" Donald boomed and threw my door open. "Humans? In the palace?" He looked at me in accusation. "You've done it now," he said and laughed. "You've just ended your little charade. This won't stand with our people."
He turned and sauntered off, to tattle to the council I was sure. Crap!
I slammed the door and leaned against it. "We just can not get a break, not even for one day. What the hell?"
"Maggie!" Dad scolded my language.
"I'm sorry, Dad, but what the hell?" I said louder.
He rolled his eyes and sat on the settee like he was exhausted.
"Ok, well…there went that plan," I said, rubbing my eyes in irritation. "Screw it." I looked up at Caleb. "Let's just go out there, all together."
"Maggie," Dad said carefully, "I'm not sure now's the best time to throw a Hail Mary."
"No, she's right," Caleb replied, "let's go. Let's just look like we never planned to keep them hidden, that Donald just beat us to the punch."
I nodded, but Dad stood. "Hold up. You two are acting like they are going to throw you in the brig or something?" That wasn't far off. Caleb and I shared a look. "So we shouldn't have come? That's what you're saying? I thought these were your kind, your people. Why would you be so scared of them?"
"They just have rules," Caleb explained and sucked on his lip for just a second. "No human has ever set foot in the palace before. I just broke a centuries old law."