All characters in sexual situations are 18 or older. Thanks for reading!
*
The apprehension in the minivan as they drove home was palpable. Kate parked in the garage and turned toward her son. She smiled, as much to reassure herself as him. "We probably shouldn't have missed dinner, but I don't regret hanging out with you, sweetie." She ran her fingertips across his cheek.
"He's going to be mad, isn't he?" Nick knew the answer, but wanted her to tell him he was wrong.
"Well, we did miss dinner. Usually I cook for him, so..." Kate shrugged her shoulders. She got out of the car.
"Usually we cook together." Nick got out, too, and followed her toward the door.
"I do love cooking with you, Nick." Her smile flickered like a flame about to go out. "We've shared so many wonderful things." She inhaled, opened the door, and stepped inside.
Fred waited for them in the kitchen, an open pizza box on the table in front of him. Anyone who knew the man, could see a storm was brewing. Kate and Nick certainly knew him well.
"Sorry we're late, Dad. I just had a rough night last night and Mom was --"
"Are you two hungry?" Fred cut off his son and waved at the half-eaten pizza.
"We ate while we were out." Kate was telling a half-truth.
"If you want a slice, take it up to your room." Fred glanced at his son. "Your mom and I have to talk."
"If you'd let me explain, Dad." Nick balled his hands into fists, his shoulders tensed. "You see, Chris showed up --"
"It's okay, Nicky." It was Kate's turn to cut him off. "You're a bit ripe from the game. Go take a shower and relax. I'll check in on you in a little while."
Nick dropped his cleats by the door and slowly walked upstairs. He could hear his parents' raised voices. He was in a such a state that he didn't notice the large tree in the middle of his room until he bumped into it. Startled, he stopped, blinked, and took a step back. The tree had a face, arms, and a dangling, twiggy cock.
"You have no dog." Enki blinked slowly down at Nick. A scowl spread across his leafy face.
"What?"
"Those creatures that have so tamed humanity that you follow them around with bags for their shit. You are familiar with these animals?" Enki cocked his head at Nick.
"Yes." Nick could still hear his parents shouting downstairs. This was a terrible time for the god to show up babbling nonsense. A revelation hit him. He had become so inured to insanity working its way into his life that this god was an annoyance more than anything else. He took a deep breath. Despite what was happening downstairs, he needed to tread carefully with Enki and treat the situation with respect. "Yes, I know about dogs."
"Dogs are a clever species. They have outmaneuvered their ancestors. When I made the rivers run with life, their population was small. Now dogs number some nine hundred million and wolves only two hundred thousand." Enki scratched at his lichen hair. "And your family does not harbor one of these clever animals?"
"We don't have a dog." Nick nodded. "I'm really grateful for all that you've done for me. Did you need something, or is this just a friendly visit?" He heard the familiar two-tone call and saw Chirpee hopping on the windowsill.
"If you do not provide for a dog, how can one have eaten your homework?" Enki held out his hands, palm up. Sprigs and leaves shot out all over his arms.
Nick opened his mouth and closed it. He breathed slowly, the air redolent of pungent forest smells. "Oh," he said at last.
"I am old, but do not think me eternally patient." The god leaned down and inspected Nick's face closely.
"Okay." Nick didn't know what else to say. He could no longer hear his parents bickering. Maybe their fight was over.
"And do not ignore Maggie Chalmers." Enki nodded sagely. "Her charms include intelligence, humor, and beauty." The next moment, Enki was gone.
"The fuck?" Nick looked over at Chirpee. "Even gods love Maggie? Don't tell me you have a hard-on for her, too."
The bird bobbed its head as if offering its agreement.
"Fine." Nick waved a dismissive hand at Chirpee. He turned and stepped out into the hall. He couldn't hear anything from downstairs. The crisis was over, and he did want a slice of pizza. Nick quietly walked down the stairs but stopped outside the kitchen. His parents were still talking.
"Not here... Fred... oohhhhhhh... Fred... Nick is home." Kate's voice sounded pained.
What was his father doing now? Nick's shoulder muscles bunched. He thought about how much the punch in the loops had hurt. It would be worth it if his mom was in trouble. He stepped out into the doorway to confront his father, but stopped when he saw them. Both their backs were turned toward him. His mother was leaning her hands against the counter, pushing her ass back as his father humped her from behind. Nick's jaw hung open. His anger evaporated.
"You like that... uh... uh... Katie?" Fred held his wife's hair.
"Yes... Fred... it's... oooohhhhhh... good." Kate had always felt that surprise make-up sex was the best sex with her husband.
Nick stepped back behind the doorway. His heart suddenly constricted in his chest. How could she? But... but... they were married. She wasn't cheating on Nick. She was just being a good wife. At least they could have done it somewhere that wasn't in the open. Nausea seized Nick as he listened to their grunts. Things were coming at him too fast. Was this what vertigo felt like? As he stumbled back up the stairs, he heard his father grunt in triumph.
Nick found his bathroom, fell on his knees in front of the toilet, and threw up. When he was done, he turned on the shower. He did his best to let his mind go blank as the hot water streamed over him. It was all too much. His sister and Chris. His mother and father. The amazing Maggie Chalmers. The last riddle. Nick wanted nothing more than to start Saturday over and fix everything.
~~
