Page 70 of Catch a Kiwi
Thethirdthing I noticed was that Esther had stopped dead before even getting to the door, and it was still open. I turned back to her and said, “Come on, then. I’m Roman d’Angelo,” I told Daisy and Gray. “This is Esther.”
“Good to meet you,” Gray said. “Gray Tamatoa.”
“I noticed,” I said, and shook hands.
“So did I, mate,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind having a yarnabout alternative power sources, if you’ve got time. Stay for dinner, if you can.”
Esther said, “No.” Still outside the open door.
I said, “Is there a problem?”
Daisy asked, “Heavenly?” Which was odd.
“No,” Esther said, and turned around and walked away. Then she came back and said, “I’ll call for an Uber.” She pulled a white envelope from her purse and handed it to me. “This is what you need.” She handed Summer a business card and said, “Ring me tomorrow. I have information about jobs and shops and so forth to send you, and some questions as well.”
“What?” Summer said. “Why …”
“What?” I said.
Nobody answered either of us. Daisy said, “It’s all right, Heavenly. We’re all out, too. You’re safe with us.”
Esther said, “My name is Esther.”
“Sorry,” Daisy said. “Esther. My sisters are in the kitchen. You won’t know them, because you left too long ago. We’re Loyal and Blessed Worthy’s daughters, but we have new names, too. I was Chastity, and my brother was Dutiful. You may not remember us, as Dorian—Dutiful—and I were only about thirteen when you left. I’m sorry, I’m just shocked. I didn’t know you were alive.”
“I was dead, was I?” Esther said. “No surprise. And I remember you. And your father.” Her tone was grim, and I thought,What?Again.
Summer was looking between them, and now, four more girls came out, presumably from the kitchen, as one of them was wearing an apron. Delilah said, “Hi, Roman. Pretty awesome place, huh, even though it doesn’t have five bathrooms and a swimming pool. Of course, we’re in a caravan. I realized when we got here that I’ve literally never lived in a house. I haven’t evenbeenin a house that often, except when Ivisited Summer and, of course, when we stayed with you, but Summer decidedthatcouldn’t last. I’d think I was doomed to live my life in trailers, but that’s why I’m going to college, right?”
Daisy told Esther, “These are Frankie, Priya, and Dove, and Summer’s cousin Delilah. All of my sisters are out, but only one of my brothers. My mum still won’t leave, and I wish she would. We could sit on the porch if you like and have a cup of tea, and I could fill you in.”
Esther said. “I don’t really?—”
Daisy said, “I understand, because I did the same thing. Wanted nothing to do with any of it. Feels better not to have to hide it anymore, though. I realized it’s not my shame, it’stheirshame.”
Frankie said, “Personally, I prefer hiding it. I’m nobody’s sideshow. Refusal to engage. That’s a concept.”
Delilah said, “What exactly is going on? Is anybody going to tell me?”
Daisy said, “We’ve all come out of Mount Zion.”
“I heard that,” Delilah said. “I just don’t know what it means.”
“Roman can tell you,” Daisy said. “Let’s go outside, Esther. We’ll take a walk, if you like. It’s peaceful in the gardens.”
“All right,” Esther said, clearly still reluctant. “For a bit.” I’d never seen Esther at a loss in fifteen years, but she was at a loss now.
Frankie said, “I have no interest in this conversation. I’m going back to the yurt to do my homework. I dumped the burnt sauce and washed the pot, Summer. Go for it.” And after a moment, reluctantly, “Thanks for rescuing me. And if you really wouldn’t mind helping me later?—”
“I wouldn’t mind,” Summer said. “After dinner, I’m all yours.”
Priya said, “I’m going to stay here. Sorry, Delilah, if you wanted to watch that show.”
“Nope,” Delilah said. “I want to hear the story.”
“You won’t hear it from me,” Frankie said.
“I guess I’m staying over here, then,” Delilah said. “Who knew it would be so exciting?”
