And so, he slept, his eyelids closed pondering what he should do and what can he do with his life. His chest rose and fell with the rhythm of his breathing. His oldest sister bounded the steps to her brother's quarters, the baby bundle in her arms, Owen came to see his niece, for he was now an uncle so he's spent two months with the feisty little girl. He listened to voices and footsteps scuffling from downstairs, their conversations already was being deciphered in his amplified ear canals.
They didn't know, they never did nor ever will. Raising from his slumber, rubbing some of the tiredness that was still clinging to him from around his eyes. All he wore was a dark brown, nylon shirt with it's long sleeves, his muscles somewhat bulge as his chest and stomach muscles. The jeans was a dark blue, the usual pair he sticks to when shopping for his tastes and styles, that's Gap or beautiful JcPenny sales, he spends his money when it was time to need something or during discounts.
Raising from the edge of his bed, his hair was disheveled, going every which way, that he could have passed for a possessed stranger who was looked on as someone walking in his sleep. Bare feet crossed the dark blue, oriental rug that was a decoration to the rest of his room. On it's face was four orioles flying in mid-air. An oval mirror sat on a wall to the north of the room, the bed itself was a poster bed that he's had forever. The bed's frames was made of solid brass, it's an antique his father purchased in an antique store when he was ready for his own bedroom, his dad told him much about his childhood days.
He did not bother putting on his shoes, being a shape-shifter all his life now has added to the effects of an influence that he started to picture this will always be him. The secrecy of his father's son living in a double life as part man and leopard, might set him off considering he was in the Civil War a long, long, long time ago before all of his kids set foot in this house. Medallions, memorabilia, uniforms, all of it showed he'd kill a man if they ever broke in, for his children, all of them was a blessing unto him. If someone died by foul play, lot doesn't realize that Maxmillian is a stone cold soldier whose skilled in weaponry, marksmanship, hunting, and is not known to quit even if it means he'll die, he will do it to protect all four of his daughters with his son as the last.
Each will have their future come true, he wanted them to be independent, lunch money was obtained by having earlier jobs. Allowances was given for the chores the children did. Owen smelt some of that home cooked cuisine in the kitchen from here, didn't need keen senses for that. It will look as if, Max was preparing supper for him as he knows him inside and out. Max had his back turned, his intimidating appearance may have others look once then go back the way they came. His figure was rotund, built in the way most males in the old days looked, his dark beard surrounded his wide mouth, eyes seen blood shed on the battle field a thousand times, watched his friends killed with bullets in their chests. He half turned his head, smiling at his only son who waltzed in the room. "You and the girls having chicken and dumplings, cabbage stew, along with apple pie for dessert." Owen couldn't help but feel nostalgic. "It does smell divine dad." This is his last night, he was finally going back to NOLA.
Everything will be like new, he was on a holiday vacation so his job wasn't much to worry himself with. Supper over, the girls around the table hugged their brother letting him know they loved him. "Will miss you Owen." Eleanor held her baby girl in one hand, Owen kissed his niece who he'll no doubt see again sooner than later. His eldest explained that she'll drop by to see him when the time comes, it will be like a reunion for brother and sister. Standing, he was ready to drive his car back to New Orleans. He kissed their cheeks, all four of them, then walked out to get in his car, his folks standing on the porch watching one of their own blood leave the drive way. This was what he needed, family. Love was hard to find, friendship was even harder to come by too.
All there is to look forward to is, his office as well as his boss. He knew half of his co-workers will probably have a party for him, but he did not expect as such. Being too far from the Pard added to the lack of touch, there was a signal of loneliness his leopard needed that his counterpart longed for. Driving along the interstate, stopping at several stop lights, sleeping at rest stops from stopping at a diner a few times to satisfy his hunger, but his beast wanted food that could wait...try at least wait anyway. A sign read "Lousiana" and the miles to New Orleans meant he was finally home.
