Tuesday, February 9, 2016
There is no limit to suffering human beings have been willing to inflict on others, no matter how innocent, no matter how young, and no matter how old. This fact must lead all reasonable human beings, that is, all human beings who take evidence seriously, to draw only one possible conclusion: Human nature is not basically good
Dennis Prager
Marcus smiled as he walked into the house. At six feet eight and two hundred and forty pounds, Marcus was very fit. However, eighteen years old today, this was the first time he had ever walked into a house.
"Welcome home, Marcus," Alina said as she opened the door.
"Welcome home, Marcus," a younger version said, smiling as she walked up to him. "We're happy to have you here."
"Thank you, Rebecca," Marcus said in his rich baritone and the girl could feel herself trembling as his voice washed through her. "Thank you, Alina. I am very glad to be here."
"I need to get to work in the kitchen," Alina said as she lay a gentle hand on Marcus' back. "Rebecca will show you where to put your things. You two can swim for a bit before dinner."
"Katey is here, Mom," Rebecca said. "We were up studying until I heard the garage."
"I'm sure she will be comfortable in one of your bikinis," Alina shrugged. "She's worn them often enough."
"Mom!" Rebecca said, exasperated by her mother's obtuseness. "Those are just for here."
"I'm more worried about what you girls are going to do when you see him," Alina chuckled. "Don't worry. Marcus is a perfect gentlemen."
"Fine," Rebecca said after a moment, realizing that her mother wasn't going to relent. "Come on, Marcus. Let's show you your room and we'll take you out for a swim."
At a nod from Alina, Marcus followed Rebecca. However, his mind was in a turmoil as he realized that they were thinking of two different things. Alina considered him an overlarge child. Rebecca, however, considered him more of a nuisance. Looking for the source of that response, Marcus nearly walked into a door when he saw what the two girls were doing before he and Alina arrived.
"Watch where you're going," Rebecca snapped as she grabbed Marcus' arm to stop him. "Are you sure you're all right to swim?"
"Yes," Marcus replied. "I was just thinking of something."
"Well, be careful," Rebecca urged. "Go get ready. I'll be back here in a minute and I will introduce you to Katey."
Marcus nodded and went into his room. Taking off his sweatpants and shirt, Marcus went back to the hall.
Though it, naturally, took the two girls longer, both broke out laughing when they saw Marcus standing there in his underwear.
"No, Marcus," Rebecca said, leading him back into his room. Going through his dresser, Rebecca found a pair of the board shorts that her mother had bought for him. "Take your underwear off and put these on to go swimming."
Rebecca gasped in shock as Marcus obeyed and Katey came running in.
"Damn!" Katey said, laughing at the shocked expression on Rebecca's face. "Looking good, Marcus."
"Thank you," Marcus said as he took the shorts from Rebecca's nerveless fingers. "You are pretty."
A moment later, Alina was at the door. Looking over the scene, she began laughing with Katey.
"Marcus," Alina said gently as she came forward. "You are not supposed to undress in front of girls."