The Natural History Novellas (Natural History #4) by Erin Mallon

Author:Erin Mallon [Mallon, Erin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B0BFFFK23G
Goodreads: 62597601
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Published: 2023-03-27T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Wally

Mabel is completely frozen.

I stroke her hair and whisper, “Wally and Mabel sitting in a tree. We get through everything together, right?”

“Right,” she whispers back, but her eyes never leave the redheaded crew assembled in front of us.

Just when it feels like no one is going to speak, and we’ll be at the center of this 9-person stand-off forever, the older gentleman, Matthew, clears his throat.

“I just got your text, Dec. They called me Porkrind back then because of this guy right here.”

He tugs on his left ear. It’s misshapen, kind of gnarled and crunchy looking, like… well, like a pork rind.

“A gift from my jujitsu days.” He attempts a wink.

What do you know, it’s the same bizarre open-mouthed two-eyed blink that Mabel does.

Genetics are wild.

“I’m sorry about your ear, sir. And I’m sure your perm was lovely,” Mabel breathes. “I shouldn’t have said that. Also, your sperm is your business. Whether it’s super or not is not for me to say. Perm and sperm just fit together so perfectly, it felt like a missed opportunity if I didn’t embrace that particular rhyme.”

“I understand completely,” he says with a smile, then turns to Declan. “She’s a shoo-in for the family band.”

“That’s what I said!” Declan laughs, then softens his voice. “I’m sure you’ve already put it together, Dad, but this is Mabel. Your daughter.”

“My daughter,” the man repeats, his eyes welling with tears.

“It’s a girl! Congratulations!” Mabel raises the roof, then gives us all spirit fingers. Everyone silently smiles. Her eyes dart between her dad and the five young women standing in front of us. “Looks like you’re all set with daughters, though, huh? Hahaha.” Her cheeks flush with pink. “Okay, listen, I don’t want to intrude on this cool family thing you’ve got going on, so I’m just—I’m gonna go.” She grabs her purse and tugs on my shirtsleeve. “Let’s head out, Walla-Walla, and give these people some—”

“Mabel,” Matthew interrupts. “You could never intrude. I know this feels complicated right now, but… this is thrilling news. I’m—we’re thrilled.” A tear spills down his cheek. He makes no attempt to wipe it away. “And I’d really like to talk to you. Think I could sit down with you for a few minutes?”

“Sure, Porkrind. I mean Dad. I mean Matthew.”

He laughs. “You can call me whatever makes you most comfortable.” He turns to his other five daughters, three of which have to be identical triplets. They look ready to burst, like they took a collective inhale when they entered and haven’t breathed out since. “Girls? Your restraint thus far has been commendable. Think you can say hi without scaring her?”

That’s when all happy hell breaks loose, and a stream of questions and teenage squeals ricochet through the bar.

“Mabel, are you staying for the show? How long are you in town? Can I braid your hair? What’s it like being a beekeeper? Is it true you don’t ever wear clothes?”

Mabel’s eyes go wide. “I’m wearing clothes now, aren’t I?” She chuckles nervously and looks at Matthew.

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