A Hidden Truth

Birthday Wishes

[Juniper]

    After some time, there was a buzz in the entry. It was the gate bell. I went to answer it since the boys were now drawing out sailing patterns and battle plans for when Remy’s boats attacked others.

    “Hello?” I called out through the intercom.

    “This is Sheriff Ramirez. I need to come see Mrs. Merritt.” Came the reply.

    “Yes, sir. Just one moment while the gate opens. You can park in front of the house. I’ll get my mother.” I hit the open button for the gate and turned to get her.

    I entered the kitchen and found mama sitting with Twyla, chatting while waiting on a timer. They often talked and even had their lunch together during the week when everyone was gone. It was good to know she had some sort of friend if I wasn’t there.

    “Mama, the sheriff’s on his way down the drive. He says he needs to talk to you.”

    She started shaking. “Where’s Hank? Has anyone heard from him? He said he had an errand in town. Did he get in an accident? Oh, lord. Not again.”

    “Come on, mama. We need to go find out. I bet everything is fine. Maybe he just wants to talk to you about making something for a bake sale. You know how popular your desserts are. It could be something as simple as that. I don’t think Hank’s hurt. You know he’s a careful driver.” I said as I held out my hand.

    A flash of anger crossed her face, but then it settled back into her normal expression. She took my hand and I guided her to the foyer. We got there just as Teddy was answering the door.

    Sheriff Ramirez was a solid looking man. He had wide shoulders and moderate muscles. His skin was dark and there were a few scars on his forearms which were revealed by the short sleeves of his uniform. He took off his hat and sunglasses revealing short, glossy black hair and dark chocolate colored eyes. For a man in his mid-forties, he looked like he was in his early thirties.

    He nodded to my mother and I after shaking Teddy’s hand and introducing himself. I looked around, but Jaxon and Remy weren’t anywhere to be seen. Sheriff Ramirez crossed to where we were standing.

    “Mrs. Merritt? Hope you’re doing well tonight.” He smiled politely.

    “Sheriff. I lost my first husband in a car accident with my father. I was completely fine until you came here. Now, you need to tell me if I’m planning another funeral.” She replied coolly.

    “No, ma’am. I’m sorry I worried you. That said, your husband is in the county jail and won’t be arraigned until Monday at the soonest.” He told her, solemnly.

    Her hand went to her mouth. She stood there and stared as tears welled up in her eyes. I didn’t know if it was relief or anger.

    “Sir, what was he arrested for?” I asked politely.

    “Well, a deputy pulled him over for speeding. He was going forty in a thirty. When the deputy got out of the car to issue the ticket, so did Mr. Merritt. He was directed to return to his vehicle and started yelling at the deputy for pulling him over. Then Mr. Merritt grabbed him by the collar, and flung him into the road. There were some slurs and threats before he got back in his truck and drove away.

    When we found him again, he was threatening a high school student and another deputy with a baseball bat. We subdued him quickly, avoiding the charges that would’ve come if he’d acted on his threats against the boy or officer. The taser caused an… unfortunate personal incident and he’s asked for clean clothing and underclothes. Which is why I’m here, ma’am.” He explained.

    I was shocked. That’s what Teddy meant by they didn’t do it in the way we’d been planning. I pressed my lips together to keep from grinning. Two nights. They got me at least two nights.

    “Mama, why don’t you go get clothes for Hank? We’ll see to the sheriff. Take your time.” Teddy said indicating the stairs with his hand.

    She nodded, released my hand and went upstairs quietly. We watched her progress and, when she disappeared around the corner, turned to the sheriff.

    “Would you like anything to drink while she’s getting those for you, sir?” I asked politely.

    “Some water would be good. I was a little nervous. Your mother isn’t well known for keeping her temper when it comes to her family.” He chuckled.

    “Sadly, an inherited trait. The arrest was his fault, though. She won’t make a stink because of it.” I assured him and led him to the living room. “By the way, who was he threatening?”

    “I’m not supposed to say, but the crowd was large enough, you’ll know soon with how fast gossip spreads. It was Clayton Reed and your brother, Carson. I heard you and Clay had words earlier today, as well.” The sheriff raised his eyebrows.

    “Clayton and I had a disagreement. He approached me at school yesterday and told me to stop staring at him. I told him I didn’t but I’d agree since it was upsetting his girlfriend. Then, she threatened me in the parking lot. I told her the same thing. Today, he came up to me while I was having lunch with my friends and told me he knew I liked him because my brother, Carson, told him. I got angry. Maybe Hank went after him because of it. I feel terrible. Is Clayton alright?” I asked.

    I handed him a glass of ice water from the pitcher on the sideboard. He nodded and sipped it. I wondered how they’d gotten Carson and Clayton to help. Maybe they’d just happened to see them together and decided to use the turn in luck. It occurred to me, it might have been the plan since before Clayton approached me. I’d have to find out later.

    “He’s fine. A little shaken up. I don’t think he’ll be bugging you again.” He chuckled.

    “Good.” I smiled.

     Remy came running into the room from the backyard. He looked around, saw me, and jumped to wrap his arms around my waist, burying his face in my stomach.

    “What’s wrong, baby?” I asked as he sobbed.

    “I killed Jaxon, Juju! He’s dead! I kicked his head with my ninja moves and he died!”

    “Honey, how do you know he’s dead and not just knocked out?”

    “He’s not movin’ an’ he’s not breathin’.” He wept.

    “Let’s go see. Maybe you just caught him between breaths.” I told him and pulled him off. “Though, you better hope he’s alive. You just admitted to murder in front of the sheriff.” I said seriously.

    He looked up at the sheriff with fear and started saying how sorry he was. I held his hand and led him to the yard, where I saw Jaxon sprawled out in the grass. Teddy and the sheriff followed and watched from the porch with smiles as Remy pulled me toward the ‘corpse’.

    I tucked my skirt under me and knelt down. Jaxon’s eyelashes were beautiful. A tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. I nearly laughed.

    “Hmm… first we need to check if he’s breathing. Put your hand right in front of his nose, Remy.” I directed.

    He followed my instruction. I saw Jaxon working to hold his breath.

    “Anything?” I asked.

    “No, Juju.” He pulled his hand back.

    “I see. Let me check his heartbeat. Do you have a stethoscope?”

    “I don’t even know what that is, Juju! I only got a microscope.” Tears were welling in his eyes.

    “It’s okay. I’ve got this.” I told him.

    Leaning forward, I put one of my ears to Jaxon’s chest and closed my eyes. His heart was racing. I put my hand on his stomach and his heart beat even faster. I opened my eyes wide and sat up.

    “Oh no, Remy! He’s not breathing, but his heart’s racing! There’s only one diagnosis.”

    “Wh-what is it, Juju.” His voice quivered.

    “You killed him and he’s come back as a zombie!” I exclaimed.

    Jaxon growled. Remy yipped and ran away. I laughed and Jaxon grabbed me by the waist, twisting and rolling me under him as I squealed like a kid. His hands held my upper arms against the grass in a surrender pose and his leg ended up between mine. Jaxon snuffed near my ear, making me shudder.

    “Mmm… brains.” He groaned.

    He pulled back and winked with a grin. I nearly giggled, but, suddenly, Remy jumped on his back.

    “I’ll save you from the zombie, Juju!” He yelled.

    I stared wide eyed into Jaxon’s eyes. The impact had driven his mouth onto mine. The weight of my little brother on the upper part of his back, kept Jaxon pressed into me. He opened his mouth a little running his tongue across my lips.

    Closing my eyes, I tried to control myself. Unfortunately, I couldn’t resist having him so close and opened my mouth, touching the tip of my tongue to his. It was enough to encourage him and he pushed his tongue into my mouth. I moaned as he moved his knee against my core and explored my mouth with his tongue.

    The kiss was explosive. I’d been French kissed before, but this was different. It never felt like this when Hank kissed me. Or when my fifth grade boyfriend had. 

    I needed to taste him and feel him against me. I pushed my mouth harder against his, letting my tongue roll over and around his. Tasting coffee and mint. He groaned and moved his hands behind my head and to the small of my back.

    I put my arms around his neck and held him tight. My fingers twined in his long hair. He moved from my mouth to my chin and neck, nibbling and kissing as I whimpered. The hand he’d put at the small of my back slid around to my front and slipped up as he grasped my breast, teasing my n****e.

    It brought me back to the real world, even though it should’ve dragged me further down. I realized, my brothers, and the sheriff, were nearby. I was being inappropriate in full view. Though, it was lovely to be touched by someone who didn’t make my skin crawl, I certainly didn’t want it to go any further.

    He looked up with heavy lidded eyes and swollen lips when my body stiffened.

    “Juniper?” He breathed.

    I pushed him up and away from me. When I sat up, he reached out for me again. I hauled back and slapped him as hard as I could, then scrambled up and ran to my room. 

    As I went past, my mother, Teddy, and the sheriff were looking at me in shock. I could feel my face reddening and I wanted to hide from the world. Upon reaching my room, I locked the door and threw myself onto my bed.