Everyone having sex is at least 18. This is a work of fiction. I made it all up. This story more so than most of my writing is proof that I write fiction. That means that no, I am not in the Army, I don't live in Canada, I have never been on a dog sled, and this story will most likely never happen. It is a heck of a story, so check reality at the door and enjoy it for what it is.
Warning: this is a self-edited story. I do use Grammarly to help reduce my ability to murder the English language. Special thanks to goducks1 for his help.
*****
Chapter 32 -- Surprise
The next morning is tranquil. I make coffee but no big breakfast. Everyone eats a bagel, a bowl of cereal, or just some toast and fruit. Nobody is talking, and Mary and Penny arrive late. I say hi as I walk out. There is a ton of new snow that needs to be removed. The crew used snowblowers, but you need a shovel by the doors. I need to bring in a bunch of wood and split more to replace what I used. It's hard work, and my muscles are sore. I am getting soft, I need more of this hard work.
I spend all day working around the lodge. Not many people are out. It's cold, and there is a ton of snow. It's hard walking around unless a path has been cleared. A few horses are up front, so I bring them about, out of the cold wind. I get them some feed and water and brush them off a bit. I know these are Penny's and her boyfriend's horses. Odd, I don't even know his name. I laugh at myself, I never cared enough to ask. How childish, I will ask him later.
The sun is going down, I go inside and straight up to my bedroom. In my washroom is a six-person shower and a two-person soaking tub. I am cold, smelly, and my muscles really ache. It's hard even taking off my damp clothes. I should probably burn them rather than have someone wash them. My clothes and I smell terrible. The tub has been filling up with scalding hot water. I turn a light shade of pink as I step in. Oh yes, this feels good.
I lean back and enjoy the salts that I have been taught to use. I don't know why I use them other than I was told that is how to use a tub properly. Right now, it smells like lilacs, and my muscles feel fantastic. I lean my head back, and I almost immediately fall asleep. I feel much better, but the tub is still scalding hot, someone must have drained and refilled the tub. I lean back and enjoy. I fall asleep again.
I wake up in a lukewarm tub. Time to get out. I shuffle into the bedroom where I dry off and put on some clothes. As I walk downstairs, the family is watching TV in the living room. I find a plate from dinner in the refrigerator. I pull it out and heat it up in the microwave oven. I bring the plate and a glass of filtered water into my office. Time to check my email and get some work done. I have a class next week, and I need to verify travel schedules.
Mom came into the room and sat down in a chair.
She tells me, "DeeDee sat with you for an hour tonight. George sat in the tub for his back issues, and she found it peaceful to be in there while you were soaking. You and her husband have much in common. She refilled the water for you. Mary and Penny have not shown their face much today. Kim did a lot of texting but hasn't been willing to talk about it. Don't worry, it will work out. Trust me."
Mom snickers, "Kim is in a good mood. You saved her and then fucked the hell out of her. I don't think even death would wipe that smile off her face."
Even I smile at that.
I explain, "I still feel bad for Penny and Mary. There wasn't any happiness in their faces. It kills me to hurt people I like."
Mom corrects me, "People you love." She pauses. "I understand what you mean though. I don't think they're unhappy with you. I think it had to do more with their boyfriends. Once you talk to them, all will be better. They can't resist you. Just smile!"
If only it were so easy.
She gets up, and on her way out, she gives me a big hug. Mom's always gives great hugs. She looks back and gives me a knowing smile before closing the door. I never close the door. That must be mom's cue to me that a mystery is afoot. As a child, mom made up this game where she would give Kim, and I clues, like a treasure or scavenger hunt, to get cupcakes, Rice-crispy treats, cookies, or a special treat like picking out the night's movie. We had to figure out the clues to get the big prize. Typically, if you got the clue right, it took you to the next puzzle.
A few minutes later there is zero surprise in my eyes when an envelope is slid under the door. On the outside of the envelope are the words, "Open me," and it's done with words from magazines. There is a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors for each letter and they are glued to the envelope. Inside of the envelope is more of the same. Damn, this took them a long time and a ton of magazines.
The note reads, "The army claims that you are a rescuer. Two evil boyfriends have kidnapped everyone in the house and have endangered their lives. You need to save everyone. You have played Robin Hood; can you now play Sherlock Holmes? How many can you save? This mission, should you accept it will take you outdoors, over land, over water, you will fight beasts, and some situations will be dangerous. Be careful, a dead soldier saves nobody. NO WEAPONS will be needed. You will be watched, should you cheat, you will be shot in the ass. Be good and save your family or they will all die a horrible death. Your first clue is: half baked."