Page 20 of One of Six

It doesn't matter how I act if I'm sure Bea is taken care of. At least that's what I tell myself.

I hear my brothers talking as they leave the boat with the girl. I’m angry at the unexpected feelings churning in my gut as I climb up onto the wheelhouse. I already have some pillows up here.

Unless you know me, no one would think to look up here, which is why I like it so much.

I lie on my back and stare up at the dark sky. It's a clear night, so there are a lot of stars. Until tonight, when I helped Mermaid Girl onto the boat, I thought the stars were the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

Now I know differently.

11

BEATRICE

I wonderabout Essex as his five brothers take me to their home. I'm curious about where they live. I've been kept away from boys because of my family's obsession with image. It should bother me that I feel comfortable around these Redd men. Ever since I met them, I've felt like I belong. It's the strangest feeling.

Nothing good will come of my association with them if my family find out. No doubt they will, after what happened tonight. I'm not sure what to do. They saved me when Jason stood there and watched. What was wrong with him?

Galen steps forward and opens a gate. I gasp at the beautiful house in front of me. It's a two-story ranch with lights intertwined in the spindles of the wrap-around porch. Torches light the way along the walkway to the steps leading up to the front door. I see an abundance of flowers everywhere I look.

"This is the most beautiful house I've ever seen," I whisper in amazement. "It feels like a real home." My eyes remain focused on my surroundings as I feel the men's eyes on me.

"Who do you have there?" A woman's voice draws my attention to the front door.

"Mom, this is Bea," Galen says. "Bea, this is our mom, Maggie Redd."

I run forward and offer my hand. "Mrs. Redd, it's nice to meet you."

Her eyebrows rise in surprise, but she shakes my hand, her eyes narrowing to her sons behind me. "Do I want to know why there is a pretty girl on my doorstep wearing Essex's clothes?"

"I can explain," I say.

"Inside," Atilio says, coming to my side. "She needs something warm to drink after her fall in the ocean.”

Mrs. Redds face flashes with surprise. "Come into the kitchen." She puts an arm around my shoulders and leads me into her home.

In the kitchen, she helps me sit down and sits across from me.

"Thank you," I say a few moments later as Boone sets a cup of coffee in front of me.

"So how did you end up with my sons?"

"Mom..."

"Atilio, I'm sure Bea can speak for herself." She reaches over and pats my hand. "I'm not angry, Bea. I'm curious." She smiles.

I return her smile. "I had a date at the country club." I wince. "We walked to the end of the jetty. A few words were exchanged, and then, well, he hit me. I lost my balance and fell into the water. I can't swim."

“He hit you?” She swallows hard. “One of my sons will teach you to swim."

I continue, "Nico was in the water and he saved me. He took me back to the boat. It was a huge relief."

"Please call me, Maggie, and I'm not sure how to get you home without your parents knowing the situation."

"You know who they are?" I ask, surprised.

"Everyone knows who they are." She pats my hand. "Your father will cause problems for my boys if he finds out about tonight."

"I don't want that. Maybe I could go back to town. Tell them a couple on a boat dropped me off at a dock on the way. I don't want any trouble for them." I wave my finger where the men hover.

---