Family Reunion at the Store

Characters: Eve Cassidy, Mathew Cassidy, Ethan Cassidy and Valerian Cassidy
When: A few weeks before the families move to Azoth Manor
Where: Nordstrom clothing department
Summary: Eve's been wanting to meet her cousin for years and would soon get that opportunity. On a trip to the clothing store Eve recognizes Ethan from a few photos she has of him and finally gets to meet her long lost cousin.

A few weeks back Eve had spent countless hours trying to find her long lost cousin. Not too long before her father had told her about another Cassidy, Ethan who was separated from his cousins at an early age. Wanting to meet him finally, Eve went on a mad hunt in search of Ethan. Using any extra time she could but making sure not to distance herself from the family Eve spent hours in searching. Luckily she was able to find an address and a picture of Ethan so Eve sent a letter right away. The next few days came and passed but she didn’t hear a response. Checking the mail everyday Eve was expecting to see a letter addressed to her with Ethan’s name in the left hand corner but it never came. She told herself that he was probably too busy to reply but Eve knew he would show up at the house sooner or later. The Cassidy’s were a tight bunch and she was certain he would want to meet them as much as they wanted to meet him. When he did Eve knew she would have to stop herself from asking him millions of questions. She was curious as to why her mother took him away at such a young age. She just couldn’t wait to see him and would soon get her wish.

Eve was getting ready to head to the Nordstrom with Val. He had been telling Eve for awhile that he needed to get some clothes for work and finally during her busy schedule she was able to take him there. Eve spent that morning searching the house for the keys to her car. She was always losing them and found them to be on the counter top in the kitchen. Wondering how they got there, Eve gathered her purse and headed out of the door yelling out to Val that they were leaving. Eve hopped into her white Ford Explorer and cranked up the AC. The day was blistering hot and the car was even hotter. Eve welcomed the cool air that hit her face and arms. By the time Val got into the car the air was pretty cool.

“Now what all did you need?” Eve asked him as she pulled out of the driveway.

Valerian rushed out to the car. He was dressed in a rather drab manner. Well, comparatively drab to the clothes he wore at work. It was a blistering hot day. It made him wish they had a pool. He liked swimming a lot. It was something he could do by himself, without having to worry about others bothering him. He could lounge on an inflatable raft and soak up the sun. He ran out of the house and almost stopped as the sun assaulted his eyes. It didn't take him long to lower the sunglasses over his eyes. Much better. He opened the door of the Explorer and got in.

The car was already cooling off, and for that he was thankful! It smelled nice in the car. Almost tropical. He knew cars didn't normally smell like this on their own. He inhaled deeply. He imagined that the smell was what a tropical beach smelled like. One day he would go to a tropical beach, and lounge in the sun and get a horrible sunburn. Her question snapped him out of his daydream. He turned to pay attention to her. "Oh. I need some more clothes for work." He said plainly. "The ones I have are kind of old and Nova asked me if I was ever going to wear something new." He said without much emotion. Secretly it bothered him. Nova was one of his Employees at Mint. She was a weird girl with long blue hair. He wouldn't have to explain to Eve the clothes he had to wear. She had seen him come in the house wearing his clothes for work. Skimpy as he could get away with, with a lot of skin showing. It was the employee dress code at the Nightclub, and as the Bar and Hospitality Manager, he was especially required to look as his boss put it, 'available'. Not that he minded though. He was shy to a fault, but had no problem showing his body to strangers.

Eve was driving down the road and taking in the scenery. The sun was beating down on the car causing Eve to pull down the sun visor to block out its harmful rays from her eyes. The sky was pretty clear with very minimal clouds and looking around Eve saw many children out and about. The kids on the street were running around in their yards wearing shorts or even just their bathing suites making her even gladder she was in the car. A few were even huddled under trees or any other object to provide relief from the heat. Eve looked away as Valerian said he needed clothes for work and at the mention of Nova she made a face. Eve couldn’t help but to show her emotions, her mother always said she was easy to read.

“She really doesn’t have much room to talk.” Eve replied as she turned onto the next street. Nova, in Eve’s opinion had a poor taste in clothing. Nova also had a personality that Eve couldn’t agree with. At all times she tried to avoid the girl which wasn’t hard since Eve never spent much time at the bar. Alcohol was one thing she avoided after hearing how it affected people. There were other ways of having fun other than downing down a few glasses.

A little distance farther Eve finally made it to Nordstrom Department store and pulled into the parking lot. She had to circle around a few times to find a spot for it was packed. Luckily Eve was able to get a spot close to the front of the store. She didn’t want to have to walk a mile just to get to the store than walk that distance back loaded down with bags. Turning off the car, Eve felt the heat rush back into the car as she opened the door wishing she hadn’t.

“Why must today be so hot? I’ll have a heat stroke before I even get to the doors” Eve joked. “The store better have air conditioning.” She stated knowing that they did. What department store didn’t?

The weather was hot. It was evident to Ethan from the short and skin tight attire of the girls, to the sweat stained brows of the men. A glowing orange sphere greeted his green eyes with a smile, and one he returned. He sat quietly on a park bench not far from a row of Nordstrom. Wooden planks painted in a soft red felt rigid against his back. But, in all honesty. It was better than the seats in a Humvee.

A cigarette lay dying in an ash can not far from his right fingertips, and that meant he hand to get up and get moving. The day was still early but he had risen like he normal did... at 0500.

It used to be the time when he would P.T. A time when he could put aside all his thoughts and worries for just a little bit. too bad that since he came to Seattle there had been very little of release or of sleep. Most nights he awoke in a shock from a nightmare. Images of his past rushing to the forefront of his thoughts. They seemed more like messages more than nightmares...

It still managed to haunt his thoughts as he sat there and gazed upon the hapless civilians as they went about their lives. Was any of them worrying about stuff like he did? Probably not. But, then again. He wasn't like most people...
"Way to be motivated, there soldier...," He mumbled to himself. It was unfitting for him to sit there likesuch a bum... that was for the air force, not the Army.

Rising to his feet he gazed toward the doorway of Nordstrom with a gentle smile. In all honesty, after his run-in with Reese last night, he could not complain in the least. She had literally put a smile on his face. Even if the smile on her face was far larger.
The loose black ARMY sweater hung loose from his large shoulders and ended at the leather belt fastening his long khaki shorts. The outfit could have been seen in any college from around the country, and with it helped him blend with any other male of his age.

What really set him apart as his running shoes matched the step of the rest of crowd was the clean cut of his hair cut as it faded from short to long on the top... And the dark glowing of his green orbs.

"I don't much care for he most of the time either, but she is right. I do need something new for work." He said making small conversation. He copied her and put his visor down. His skin was pale, and the sun, while ok in small spurts, would burn the mess out of his creamy ivory skin. He looked at his sister and raised the corners of his lips ever so slightly. It was a typical Valerian smile. Not much to it, and it was over even before it began. He sat silently in the car as Eve parked it ever so carefully. He liked Nordstroms, but anything he bought there would have to be altered to fit in at Mint. He did not have a problem cutting up things and adding accessories. He had an acquaintance who worked with leather for fun and profit. There were a few things that he would be able to get from the store though.

He met her on the other side of the car. It didn't take him long to get out of the car at all. "I want a pool." He said as he wiped the few beads of sweat that had begun to accumulate on his forehead. He knew good and well that they probably could afford a pool, but it would not have been a practical purchase. "Are you here for anything in particular?" He asked as he walked towards the store slowly. He was thankful when the automatic doors opened and blew a cool gust of air in his face. He sighed with relief.

Eve dropped her keys right into her purse and threw the straps around her shoulder. She heard Valerian’s comment on how he wanted a pool. Eve had been planning on getting one since the summer days kept getting hotter and didn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. She smiled at her brother and said “Maybe one day. I was thinking an in ground pool would be nice. Especially one with one of those odd shapes.” Eve thought that regular round or oval in ground pools looked boring. She loved the fun shaped ones. They added more character to the pool and also to the house. “Once we get back home we’ll look on the internet for a good one.” Eve always turned to the internet, it was a great place to shop around and get the best prices. Also she was planning on doing some research on the pools as well.

As Valerian and Eve made their way to the store doors Eve looked to her side and though that she recognized a familiar face. She couldn’t figure out right away why he seemed so familiar. He was wearing an black sweater with the words ARMY sown on the front. Stopping in front of the store doors Eve felt the cool air rush onto her skin but didn’t seem to pay much attention to it. Finally it hit her. The had seen his face before but only in a picture. It was their long lost cousin Ethan Cassidy. Eve grabbed onto Valerian’s arm and directed him around to look at Ethan.

“Val look!” Eve said pointed at him. She was certain Valerian wouldn’t recognize him right away. He had briefly seen the picture of Ethan and had known that Eve was trying to get in contact with him. “It’s Ethan our cousin” she exclaimed trying to keep her voice down in the excitement. She was certain that Ethan had noticed her by now. “Come on. Let’s say hello. I bet he’s been looking for our house since I sent him that letter. I wonder how he’s been.” Not waiting to hear Valerian’s response, Eve quickly made her way down the front of Nordstrom to Ethan.

“Ethan!” Eve exclaimed. She wanted to give her cousin a hug but refrained from doing so. She knew that not everyone liked hugs and was uncertain if he was one of them. “It’s me Eve Cassidy. I’m glad you finally got my letter!” Just like her brothers Ethan was much taller than her so Eve had to look up and hold her hand above her eyes to block out the beating sun.

Ethan had hardly taken a few steps before he heard Eve's voice. He had never met his cousin in his entire 25 years of existence... So to hear a woman screaming his name in a throng of people caught him off guard.

After time in a country where people want to kill you gives you certain qualities including better awareness, being prepared, paranoia, and keeping your calm under fire... That last one is what kept him from seeing a bit flustered as she approached him. For all he knew she could have been some kind... well... He didn't know what she could be. Only that she knew his name amongst a group of people in a state that he had never been to before. For that simple fact, he was willing to find out.

She was pretty, and it wasn't the only reason that he slowly relaxed the bunching muscles of his biceps, but it did help. What also helped was the sensation that he felt in his bones: his gut feeling. It had saved him plenty of times in the past and as he locked eyes with this woman, he was willing to risk it. And then she spoke his name again... and told him her own... and his words were lost to him.

His cousin. Eve Cassidy. The family on his father side. More than just thoughts and old photos. Here was proof. Here were other Cassidys. He extended his arms out to her and embraced her. Inside his mind, he wanted to stay cool and relaxed... but he couldn't. His heart raced inside his chest as his right arm went around her back as he held her in a close embrace.

The moment was viewed by a few onlookers with smiles, but he ignored them. They hardly knew the importance of this meeting. He had a chance at a real family again. But, the shadow in his mind still whispered... where have they been? And why find him now?

Yet, his confident voice only let a single sentence out. "How did you find me?"

Valerian didn't have much of a reaction. Admittedly, he was excited when he had thought of the prospect of having more family somewhere, but to him, at this moment, he was nothing more than a stranger. Someone he did not know, and that made Val very uncomfortable. He watched as his sister practically ran over to him. He looked down at the pavement for a moment before he forced himself to go take part in the 'merriment'.

He had no idea what to even say in a situation like this. Maybe he should just stay quiet. It seemed like the best option. Quietly observe the two of them. He kind of used Eve as his aegis, and stood behind her. He wasn't good with new people. Family or not. He stared at his feet.

Eve embraced her cousin. She had been waiting for this day ever since her father mentioned him. She pictured their meeting much different though, taking place instead at their house and in front of the store. She also wished her sister and other brother were there as well but she was none the less glad to have finally met her cousin. When Eve withdrew from the hug she looked over at Valerian and saw that he kept his distance and didn’t seem to share her joy in meeting their cousin for the first time. Knowing Valerian Eve kind have guessed he would act this way and knew it would take awhile for him to warm up to their cousin.

“Lots and lots of hunting. My friend helped out as well.” Eve replied to his question. There were countless hours she put into her hunt for her aunt, uncle and cousin but was only able to find the location of her cousin thanks for a few newspaper articles and mostly help from her friend at the library. If it wasn’t for Susan her co-worker Eve would have never came across the address she needed to send the letter.

“Ethan,” Eve said turning toward Valerian. “This is my brother Valerian. Val, this is Ethan.” She said introducing them to each other. Eve knew that Valerian knew he was their cousin but she decided to introduce them to each other anyways. “There’s more to the family but I have no idea where my sister and other brother is.” Eve added looking down at her phone for any texts from them. Eve thought that Matt said he would come by Nordstrom later that day.

He felt the arms of his dear cousin embrace him, and for a moment he did not know who he was. Family. He was not privileged to experience such things. The last piece of his family had been back when he was a civilian. And to his mind, and his heart that was ages ago.

God, and country. That was what had drove him for his military life. To fight on for his country, charge into battle with his head held high and the flag on his right shoulder always forward... But, even as of late he had lost a step of faith in himself... What was he? Was he some sort of freak? The event, or accident had saved his friend, his battle buddy. But, could have just of easily killed him or others?

Ethan's mind rebelled at him and it caused a momentary flash as anger surged just behind his green orbs. But, he held it at bay as his eyes focused on his cousin who was in his strong embrace. Her words. Eve Cassidy, his cousin spoke to him about family and about Valerian. He felt detached even as he nodded his understanding and cast a gaze over onto the other individual. It was in a soldier's nature to take in everyone outward appearance. It wasn't just clothing and earings that made someone. The way a leg stands out from another. How someone exhales through their lips instead of their nose. Even as subtle as brushing their fingers across their chin. All body language... And as Ethan gazed upon the younger man, he did not utterly dismiss him. For there was something in his eyes that spoke of strength, and something not to be under estimated.

Turning his gaze back upon Eve, his lips twisted into a smile. His face masked the inner turmoil still in his heart. The confidence in his voice carrying only a few inches as he whispered beside her ear. "But, why now? Of all the time to have found me. Why now?"

Valerian watched the two of them. His sister was very trusting. What was he thinking? This guy was family. Valerian was an observer. He liked to watch others. He especially liked to watch others doing things that he, himself, was not comfortable doing. He was not someone who liked meeting people, because with meeting people came smiles, physical contact, hugs, awkwardness and often embarrassment. All these things were high on his list of 'Things to Avoid'. He really was a strange young adult. They seemed so natural together. They looked as if they had been friends for a long time. One day, he would be able to have a friend like that, but for now, he had a few 'friends'. He and his friends were different though. He never let them get too close to him. It was just who he was. He was the same way as a small child. Quiet, reserved, and kept to himself for the most part.

He watched them for a moment before he did something completely uncharacteristic. Valerian crossed his arms and looked at the ground. Not even at his cousin Ethan. "Hi." He managed to squeak out. He took a big breath and let it out slowly. 'See, that wasn't so bad was it?' He thought to himself for a moment, before he took a sudden step back. 'Breathe slow. It was not that bad. Do not pass out again.' He coached himself silently. Last time he met someone important, he passed out.

"Hi" Ethan nearly let out a laugh at the small and simple nature of the comment.

"Hi"...It wasn't even spoken like a 'nice to meet you, or a great to finally meet you...".

"Hi". Hell, he had returned from day long missions with soldiers who could hardly lift their rifles let alone walk, who had still snapped to attention to offer a general a salute.

"Hi". "Hi". "Hi".

"It's nice to finally meet you, cousin" The confidence in his voice was night and day compared to the younger man. Along with the steely green eyes that Ethan cast upon him.

Ethan tried not to take the simple gesture to heart. The difference between him and his cousin could be counted in the hundreds, and should not have made an overall problem. But, for some reason. It just was a sore note in Ethan's stomach. Just something about the young man just seemed off putting, whatever the case.

His green eyes glowed a soft highlight as his gazed shifted away from Valerian and back to Eve.

Eve watched how Valerian and Ethan reacted to each other and didn’t expect more than what had happened. It would take some time for Valerian and Ethan to get along, she knew they would sooner or later, or so she hoped. Valerian seemed so uncomfortable in the spotlight and probably would have preferred Eve greeting Ethan and then heading back to their task of buying some clothing. Eve couldn’t help it; she was a very outgoing person who was finally given a chance of meeting their cousin. Eve turned back to Ethan finally to answer his question.

“Well not too long ago dad was saying something about us having another cousin. He didn’t seem to want to say much about it though.” Eve said remembering the day. Her father was in the kitchen looking over the newspaper when he first mentioned Ethan. Eve didn’t know why he didn’t mention him sooner. Maybe there was something in the newspaper that reminded her father of their missing cousin. When she pressed him for more information but father changed the subject. Eve was thinking that maybe because he didn’t know where Ethan was or what he was up to. Whatever the reason Eve was certain it was a good one.

Eve looked back over at Valerian. Maybe they should go get his clothes he needed than all three of them could head to home. There would be a better place to talk instead of standing outside of Nordstrom. Maybe if they headed home Ethan could meet the rest of the family. She was certain Mathew would want to finally meet him. “How about we continue our discussion at our house once Valerian gets some clothing for work.” Eve offered to Ethan hoping he didn’t have anything else planned for that day.

Ethan gazed into her eyes and felt a soft pang of regret. "Family". The rest of the "Family". A sigh escaped his lips, as he realized how badly he wanted a cigarette. This is what he had wanted... to meet his family.

Meet the other Cassidys.... be a big happy family... But, was he ready for that?
After being alone for so long...

Well, not alone. His men, his soldiers. They had always been there for him. Always risking their lives to protect him, just as he was always ready to give his life for them... Perhaps that's why he was here.

He was a threat. The power or whatever had occurred in the sand had saved lives... but, how could he guarantee that that same power could work in his favor? What if instead it reversed and killed his men? That thought alone, continued to scare the shit out of him. In some part of his soul, he knew that his life was inevitably forfeit. That no matter the body armor, the tank shell, or the training; would save his life from the impending round that would spill his life fluid and release his soul.

Some people thought they were destined to live forever... Arrogant children, he thought. Life was not about scrambling around and trying to hold onto each and every second, fearful of the next... It was about making every breath and trigger squeeze count.

He smiled as he gazed once more upon Eve, and let his thoughts dissipate with the wind. The craving for a cigarette was acrid on his tongue. It would keep his demons at bay. For now.

"Cousin... I can't... Not yet... " His confident and cool voice, faltered a bit as he felt the color rise to his cheeks. He needed to talk to her. To ask her about what had happened. And, yet he just couldn't do it here... Not now.

"Take my phone number, and call me... Tonight, tomorrow, the next day... I will answer," His eyes did not waiver from her own. He held them for another breath, and squeezed her hand.

The cut of his gaze fell upon Valerian, and Ethan offered him a gentle smile. "Valerian," He offered before he moved away from the two of them. It was abrupt and perhaps a bit rude, but Ethan needed some time to think on his own. Maybe if he did some PT or something to take his mind from this spoiled first meeting, he might find some solace.

Even as his form moved away from his two family members, he left behind one thing. It was his number etched upon a business card inside her hand.

Eve noticed that Ethan seemed a little different at the mention of meeting the rest of the family. She had a feeling it had to do with the fact that he hadn’t seen them in his life and it would be so much to take in at once. She understood that he wasn’t ready to meet the rest yet. They had been separated for so long and Ethan had a lot of catching up to do. Ethan gave her his phone number and she placed the card into her purse not wanting to lose it. She always seemed to misplace things and losing Ethan’s number was the last thing she wanted to do. Even though she always seemed to find them in the end Eve didn’t want to risk it. With the number in her purse Eve knew chances of losing it were slim. She would have to save it in her cell phone later.

“I’ll call you soon.” Eve said giving her cousin a small smile. She was glad to have finally met him but wished their reunion could have lasted longer. Eve had questions to ask him and was certain that Ethan had questions for her. “Goodbye and take care cousin” she added before he left Valerian and her standing at the front of Nordstrom. Eve stood there quiet for a moment trying to image what Ethan was going through right now as he walked away from them. He had just received a letter awhile ago only to meet two of his cousins later at a clothing store. Eve than tore her gaze away from Ethan and turned to her brother.

“Well what do you think of our long lost cousin?” Eve asked Valerian as she turned to enter Nordstrom. She was interested in what Valerian thought of him and was excited for the rest of the family to meet him.