Thunder and Lightning

Thunder and Lightning

"I woke last night to the sound of thunder.

How far off I sat and wondered...

Ain't it funny how the night moves."

- Bob Seger / Night Moves

Chapter one -

A loud clap of thunder woke me. Blinking my eyes, and rubbing my face, I turned to look out my bedroom window. A flash of lightning lit up my room, followed by an instantaneous repeat of a thunderclap, telling me the storm was close - very close. Moments later, I heard my father's voice.

"No, God dammit! She's too old for this shit! Go to your room, Julie - now!"

Julie, wailing in protest, ran past my room with her feet pounding down the hallway. The storm, the argument, and the crying all served to fully wake me, and I sat up in bed. This family storm had been building for quite some time. My father's reaction on that night, in 1976, was akin to a volcanic eruption - he'd had enough.

Swinging my legs off the bed, I stretched and yawned, before reaching for my water glass. Holding the glass after drinking, I waited for the inevitable. Sure enough, it came as a soft, barely audible, knock on my door.

Rising, I went to the door, and opened it, finding Julie - not unsurprisingly. With a sweep of my arm, I invited her in, just as another lightning discharge happened. The resultant thunderclap sent her running to the chair at my desk, shaking like a windblown leaf, with legs drawn up, and arms wrapped around her knees.

"He's right, you know," I whispered, taking a seat on the edge of my bed.

Still sniffling, she nodded her head. "Yeah, but he didn't have to be so mean, and swear," she whispered back.

"Maybe, but you are sixteen after all... so look, you can stay here until the storm               ends."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, take the bed. I have a sleeping bag in the closet."

I grinned, watching her rapid, one-foot hop from chair to bed.

With just her eyes, and nose visible from under the bedding, I heard a muffled question. "You are sleeping by the bed, right?"

"Go to sleep, chicken little," I said, but nodded at her question.

Waking to my mother's touch, I rose up resting on my elbow.

"She been here all night?"

Half rolling, I looked up to see Julie's arm hanging off the bed.

"Guess so, I told her she could stay until the storm stopped," I replied, yawning.

At my mother's urging, I got up, leaving Julie to sleep, it was the weekend. We were alone, in the kitchen, when Julie became the topic for discussion.

With arms crossed, holding a coffee cup to her lips, she began.

"So, how did the night go?"

"All right... there were a couple of claps that got to her," I commented, pouring a cup for myself.

"You're a good man, Charlie Brown, not many brothers would be so kind, thank you."

I grinned, having always liked my mother's reference to the cartoon character, when she felt I'd done something good. Fact being, my name is Charlie, well Charles to be exact.

"Thanks, dad got a bit hostile last night, huh?"

With a worried nod, she acknowledged my question. "You heard, I take it?"

Offering a warm smile, I said, "Yes," without elaborating, and watched my mother turn, looking out the kitchen window.

"You know, Charlie, I really thought she'd have gotten over this..." her voice trailed off, and she sighed, leaving what she was going to say hanging.

"Look, I don't mind if she comes to my room. I mean, it's not like there's storms every night."

My mother, Emma, turned around to face me, and I thought I could see relief on her face.

"Charlie, I can't ask that of you. Julie really needs to come to grips with her fear," she replied.

Chuckling, I had to agree, but told my mom that Julie coming to grips might be a long time off, and then added,

"Besides, I sleep alone, unlike you and dad, so she wouldn't be interrupting anything," and threw in a grin for good measure.

"Charles Newsome, just what are you hinting at!?" she said, as a blush formed on her cheeks.

Laughing, I was about to ease my mother's concern, when Julie walked in, yawning and stretching.

"Morning," she announced, heading straight for the refrigerator, as we greeted her in kind.

The look on my mother's face seemed obvious, she intended to talk with Julie, but I shook my head, and waved her off. Julie, with head buried inside the refrigerator, was none the wiser. Pouring a second cup of coffee, our mother left, mouthing the words 'good luck' to me, as she left.

"So, Jules... you got a minute?" I began.

My plan was simple. I hoped I might ease her fear if I got her to understand more about storms. To that end, I pushed a chair away from the kitchen table, when she closed the refrigerator.

"Have a seat, sis."

"What's up?" she asked, holding off on joining me.

"Nothing much, just wanted to talk," I explained, tapping on the table.

"This about last night?" she questioned, rolling her eyes, already forming an attitude.

"Yes... and no, sit down - please."

With obvious reluctance, she took a seat, and dug into the yogurt she'd retrieved.

I began with a question.

"Sis, do you know anything about storms?"

"No, not really... why?" she asked, pausing her eating.

"Well, I thought if you understood more about them, it might help with your - "

"Problem," she said, in a rather snotty way, cutting off my comment.

"I was going to say - fear."

"Oh, sorry."

Accepting her apology, I began to explain...

"So, there you have it, simple right?" I said, ending the explanation and plan, I thought might help her.

"Seriously? Are you bullshitting me?"

I shook my head.

"Okay, so you're telling me I can count the seconds between a lightning flash, and thunder, and know how far off or close a storm is?"

"Yup, swear to God."

"And just how is that supposed to help me?" she asked, still sounding skeptical.

"Simple, really. I figure, if you take out the biggest unknown... like a storm coming, and being able to tell how far away it is, you'll relax, and feel like you have a little control," I replied, sounding hopeful.

"Control? Over a storm? You're funny, Charlie," she answered back, wisecracking, and dropping her empty yogurt cup on the table.

"No, not control over a storm, control in what you can prepare, and not be surprised. Look, I'll make you an offer. The next time a system is headed this way, I'll meet with you, and we'll go through the process. Sound good?" I offered.

A little over three weeks later, the opportunity arrived. Julie was so engaged in counting off seconds, her fear never developed into the debilitating monster, it had been for her. I had suddenly become a hero, in her eyes, but as every hero knows, the monsters never fully go away. Julie's episodes were only lessened, to a degree.

~

Chapter two -

Four months later, in October of 1976, Bob Seger put out 'Night Moves', a major hit. Three months prior, I'd left for my first year of college, in August. Life was changing - moving on, for all concerned. My only regret was leaving Julie.

Seger's song stuck in my mind, reminding me of Julie, every time I heard it, and more over when I heard the approach of a storm. His words about a storm, "...woke last night to the sound of thunder..." always made me smile, and to wonder how my sister was fairing.

By 1994, eighteen years later, a great deal had changed. The parents retired to Florida; Julie had married, and not unexpectedly, divorced by then; and I was well proven as a meteorologist for the local TV station. Dealing with my sister's phobia, over the years, was perhaps the catalyst for my seeking a degree in meteorology. In any event, I had settled into a comfortable, single life.

Julie and I kept in touch on a regular basis, sharing stories, and keeping abreast of the times. Inevitably, we'd get around to the more personal aspects of our lives...

"So, Jules, you got anyone on the hook?" I asked, as we conversed over the phone, wondering if I'd get a rise out of her.

"Nope, got taken once, and I ain't going back for seconds," she commented, in a dry, matter-of-fact tone, disappointing me. "What about you, you still doing the hermit thing?" she added, laughing.

"Yup, I'm free, and I like it that way. Oh, and by the way, I'm storm chasing now, so having someone sitting around and worrying about me wouldn't be good," I responded.

"What, are you fucking crazy!? Jesus, Charlie, why?"

Even though I caught her concern, I chuckled anyway.

"Well, sis, I'm out there chasing your demons, wanting to know the how and why of it all."

I used her silence to bring up a point.

"By the way, do you know what astraphobia (a fear of thunder and lightning) is," I asked.

"No, why?"

"Well, sweetie, that's the term for your fear," I remarked, feeling sort of smug.

Being Julie, she wasn't impressed. Predictably, she wanted to know just what knowing that would do for her.

"Okay, that and a couple of bucks will buy me a cup of coffee, so what?"

"So... you know what? I have no idea why I even brought it up," I sighed out.

"Look, if you're wondering if I still freak out - yes, I do, but it's not like it used to be. Hey, let's get off this subject, okay?" she remarked, and quickly added, "You got any time off, coming up?"

"Yeah, as a matter of fact, I do. I'm taking August off," I answered back. "Why?"

"Wow, the entire month? When did you become independently wealthy?" she commented, snickering.

"Dream on, girlfriend. I've put off a great deal around my property, so I'm using the time to get things done."

"I see.... would company be out of the question?" she asked, sounding hopeful.

"No, I guess not, but I might put you to work."

"I'm not saying for the entire month," she said, avoiding my work comment.

"Oh? I thought you were in between jobs?"

"Well... yeah, I am, but..."

"What, is it the work thing? I was joking, come, stay, and just hang out. I'd love the company."

Our conversation ended with Julie saying she'd love to help, however she could, and agreeing to a date for her arrival, before we hung up.

The nearly two-month wait went by quickly, for me. Steeped into buttoning up loose ends at my work, it was a call from Julie that reminded me of her upcoming visit.

I considered myself reasonably neat, and after a brief inspection of the house, I decided there was no need for a major clean-up; after all, it was just my sister coming. So late, on the third of August, she pulled into the driveway.

Julie had never been to my home; in fact, the last time we were physically together was back when our parents decided on the move to Florida, prompting an all-hands-on-deck response, to pack them up, and get the family home ready for sale.

"Damn, you didn't tell me you were living off the grid!" she quipped, exiting her car, and stretching.

Grinning, I moved to embrace her. "Not even close, sis... this is just country living. How was the drive?"

"Okay, long, but okay... got lost twice, go figure, right?" she responded, making me laugh.

Our embrace was lengthy, befitting siblings that had been apart for so many years. Finally separating, Julie jammed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans, and took a long look around.

"Wow, so this is where you've been hiding out, nice, Charlie," she commented, sounding genuinely impressed.

"Thanks... nothing all that fancy, but it's home. Where's your luggage?"

Together, we went to the car's trunk, retrieving her large suitcase. Heading for the house, I learned she had eaten after getting lost the second time.

"Figured I'd be too late getting here," she explained.

"Got it. Well, here we are, welcome to -- Casa Charlie," I announced, ushering her inside the house.

Setting her suitcase down, I watched my sister, slowly looking around, taking in what she could, from the entry. Noticing my photo wall, she moved off. I'd hung photos of lightning strikes, taken on my storm-chasing trips, and they seemed to mesmerize her.

"Oh Charlie," she gasped out.

"You like?" I questioned, and she nodded.

"Charlie... did you take these?"

"I did actually, a perk of storm chasing," I replied, moving to her side.

Turning her head, Julie looked up at me, and then back at the photos.

"They're beautiful... and frightening. Weren't you afraid?" she questioned, sounding in awe.

Slipping my arm around her, I gently pulled her away, to give her a full tour of the house, leaving the fear comment alone.

"Come on, let me show you the rest."

"Charlie, wait. Where's the bathroom, I really need to pee," she blurted out.

Heading her in the right direction, I announced I'd open a bottle of wine, to let it breathe.

Gone for longer than I might have imagined, I called out,

"Julie!? You, okay?"

Seconds later, she appeared in the living room.

"Sorry, did a little snooping, on my own," she remarked, coming for her glass of wine.

"No problem, wine's ready. How about we retire to the back deck, and relax?"

Spent after her drive, Julie eagerly nodded in agreement. The sun had long set, and we walked out to a star-filled night.

Sighing, she remarked, "I can see why you enjoy living here so much. This is beautiful, Charlie."

Moving to her side, I draped my arm over her shoulders.

"Yeah, getting away from the city lights gives you a new outlook," I replied, and held up my wine glass for a clinking toast. "Let's sit down, we have a lot to catch up on."

Halfway through the bottle of wine, Julie announced she wanted to change clothes, asking where her suitcase was.

"Oh, yeah right, I put it in the bedroom. I take it, you know where it is?"

Grinning, she rose, and twenty minutes later returned, looking refreshed. Wearing what I assumed to be, satin bedwear. She appeared to flow towards me. Billowy pants, coupled with an equally loose, button-down, arm's-length top, she looked beautiful, and I said as much. Picking up her refilled glass, she eased down next to me.

"God, I feel human again. Thanks for waiting... now, where were we?" she commented, sliding one leg up, under the other.

"Not sure, but I think we should talk about sleeping arrangements, before it gets much later."

"Yeah, I was a little curious about that, with my stuff being in your bedroom," Julie remarked, looking at me, over the rim of her glass.

"Ah... I'm giving up my room to you. My couch is a sleeper-sofa, so I'll camp out there," I answered back.

Almost immediately, Julie shook her head no. "Not happening, Charlie. This is your home - your bedroom, I'm just a short-term guest, I'll take the sofa," she replied, in a firm voice.

It wasn't surprising that in the short space of a few hours we were arguing. After several point - counterpoint discussions, Julie held up her hand.

"This is stupid. I know what those sofas are like to sleep on, Charlie. We're adults, right?"

Wondering where she was going, I nodded.

"Well, your bed is large enough for three or four people to sleep in," she went on.

"Yeah, it's a California king... so?"

"So, I think two grown adults can share a bed that size, don't you?" she questioned, in a surprisingly serious tone.

"Are you suggesting you want to sleep with me?"

Laughing over the insinuation, my question posed, Julie again held up a hand.

"Hang on, Romeo... I was just suggesting we could share that very large bed."

"Yeah, yeah, of course, I knew that, but --" I never got to finish.

"Good, then it's settled... I mean, unless you sleep naked," she added, shocking me.

Clearing my throat, I watched a grin form on her lips.

"Gotcha, damn, that was way too easy!" she quickly said, and leaned to kiss my cheek, before laughing.

In the back of my mind, I wondered what she might have said, if had I admitted to sleeping nude. The thought frightened me, but I joined in her laughter.

"It'll be like old times, me sleeping next to my scared sister," I replied, after the laughter ended.

"Oh, and hey, don't worry about waiting for me to get in bed," Julie commented.

I'll admit, once again, I was taken back by her comment, and was about to respond when she spoke up.

"I think it will be fun getting into bed together, don't you?"

Our night came to an end, and despite her thoughts on getting into bed together, I gave her plenty of time to get settled in, before joining her. Easing my head down on the pillow, I let out a heavy sigh, and snapped off the light.

"Goodnight, Charlie," Julie whispered.

"Goodnight."

"Charlie?"

"Yeah?"

"I think your boxers are sexy."

I wasn't sure when I finally drifted off to sleep. All I knew was that early the next morning, I woke up, feeling my sister nestled against me. Gingerly, I eased out of bed, hoping not to wake her. It was six o'clock, and by seven, I had most of our breakfast done.

Julie meandered into the kitchen, still in her bed clothes, looking rumpled, scratching her backside.

"Morning," she said, in greeting, and yawned.

"Good morning to you, sleep well?"

"Umm, yeah... this country thing is nice. You make coffee?" she replied, then turning her attention to a little head scratching.

I pointed to the counter, near the refrigerator.

"Help yourself, breakfast is almost ready."

"It smells delicious. Didn't know my big brother was a cook," she said, leaning up against the counter, taking a first sip of coffee.

After making a final flip of the bacon, I looked her way, and smiled. Her top was held together by a single button, roughly midway down, and the bottoms had slid partially over her hips, looking baggy.

"What?" she questioned, seeing my extended gaze.

"Nothing, I'd forgotten how... lovely, you really are," I replied, choosing my words carefully.

Laughing, a slight blush formed across her cheeks.

"God, you're so full of it. I must look a real sight, after just climbing out of bed," she responded, and then added, "Thank you," as she tugged her bottoms up.

"Take a seat, and I'll serve up breakfast."

When I turned to set her plate down, I noticed she had put her top together, buttoning it up. I bit my tongue, deciding not to comment, but Julie thought otherwise, as I set her plate down.

"Guess I was giving you quite a show," she mentioned, as I went to fill my plate.

"Show, what are you talking about?"

Having just taken a mouthful of food, she waited to answer.

"Um, damn this is good... I was referring to my boobs hanging out," she finally got out, after swallowing.

"Oh, I hadn't really noticed," I offered back, sounding unconvincing, even to myself.

Her look unnerved me. Leaving the comments as they were, I dug into my breakfast, secretly wondering if her breast display was on purpose. Halfway through our meal, Julie eased back, lifted the lower part of her top, and rubbed her belly.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"No... no, it's just I usually don't eat anywhere near this much for breakfast," she replied, raising a hand to cover her mouth, and letting out a soft belch. "Sorry."

"Compliment accepted. So, what are your plans today?" I asked, as she got up from the table.

"Plans? Help you, I guess. Didn't you say you might put me to work?" she replied, pouring a second cup of coffee.

Rising, I joined her at the kitchen counter. Before I could do anything, she moved directly in front of me, resting her forearms against my chest, looking up.

"I'm happy I'm here, Charlie," she said, in a soft, buttery, voice.

I had no excuse for what happened next, it just did. Smiling down at her, I wrapped my arms around her, resting my hands on the top of her firm buttocks.

"I'm happy, too, sis. It's been way too long."

Sliding an arm up, Julie gripped the back of my neck, and rose on the balls of her feet to kiss me. As she did so, my hands slid lower, and I grabbed her cheeks, holding her up. The kiss ended, with my allowing her to slowly drop back down.