Page 35 of Sky Song
“Yep. I talked to some people, and they think I might have the fines written off if I agree to perform community service.”
“That’s good news!”
“Depends on the community service.”
“If I knew I didn’t have to pay my fines, I’d quickly become a fan of cleaning the portable toilets the morning after a creative youth festival.”
“I should be so lucky. But no, they will send me to schools to give speeches about the dangers of reckless behavior.”
Cricket shook her head at Terrance. “Compared to cleaning the toilets? Sign me up.”
“I’d rather pay the fines.”
Salty shuffled in and dropped her greasy canvas bag in a corner with a thud.
“Hi,” she uttered with sub-zero enthusiasm. Her watered-down brown eyes skipped over Terrance and settled on Cricket. “Heard you now drive to work, Miss Big Pile of Special.”
Yanet. Who else?
“Hi yourself.” Cricket refused to explain the rider. Besides, Salty wouldn't care enough to know the reasons.
But Terrance jumped on it. “You drive? I had no idea you could drive. You licensed? What modes?”
Cricket threw her hands up. “I learned a long time ago, okay? The ground mode only. I had an errand to run that was a bit far, and I drove to work since the rider was already paid for. Not that it’s any of your business,” she grumbled, thinking about her “errand.”
Snapping a pair of rubber gloves onto her hands, Salty gave her one of those sneering half-smiles that delivered a dose of vile contempt. That woman was the most miserable person Cricket had ever met, and she’d met a lot of people in her twenty-five years.
Terrance read her annoyance loud and clear and also went to work. His choppy cloud of hair, partially tamed by a blue bandana he tied around his head, shimmered under the overhead lights and threw shade on the threadbare mustache he’d recently taken to growing. “Where’s Kim, anyway? I need my assignments for the day,” he said without enthusiasm.
Salty shrugged with a total lack of concern.
Cricket sighed and reached for the assignment screen. “Let me see what’s urgent for today.”
Kim never showed up, and Cricket ended up not only doing more than her usual share of samples, but also cleaning the lab fridge where something leaked during the previous shift. She was still at it when Salty picked up her dingy satchel and left, with Terrance following after an intense but wasted attempt at cozying up to Yanet who had sashayed through the lab to the medical supply room.
Once out of the lab, Cricket walked fast in a rush to get home. She knew why she was in a hurry and berated herself a little for her foolish anticipation. Lyle didn’t say he would be back tonight. But what if he came?
Reaching her street, she slowed down and listened for the telltale yapping and growling of Mr. Sulys’ pet, but all was quiet in the gathering darkness.
Cricket kept her eyes open on the subject of the alien youth she’d seen and tried to chase. But once again, nothing was amiss, and only the tall hibiscus-looking flowers in the middle of their communal garden swayed slightly in the evening breeze.
Paloma’s window glowed with a muted purple light, and Cricket headed for her neighbor’s.
“You’re back!” she exclaimed when Paloma opened the door. She hadn’t realized how much she missed Paloma.
But Paloma’s face reflected none of the warmth Cricket expected. “Hey, Emma. Come on in.” The invitation lacked any warmth. It lacked any emotion whatsoever.
Unsure what to think, Cricket followed Paloma inside. “Did your brother bring you back?”
“I chartered a rider. Peter was busy.” Paloma sat down with her back to Cricket and resumed the game Cricket’s arrival had clearly interrupted. A three-dimensional vicious female avatar dressed in furs proceeded to swing medieval weapons and dodge falling boulders.
“I see. Did you have an okay time with your family?”
“I guess I did. It went as expected.” The medieval sword lowered in an ark to cleave an equally grotesque opponent under the realistic sound effects of a battle. Paloma tucked one foot under, and her leg twitched fast and uncontrollably.
She was stonewalling Cricket. Yet she let Cricket in, so she obviously didn’t want to be alone.
“So… I’ll just sit here, okay?” Cricket moved a pile of worn clothes to make space for herself on the couch.
