Task Number 5(1)

Kevin was almost finished packing when a knock sounded on the adjoining door. He opened it and found Kelly Jo standing there.

"Finished already?"

"Yep." She sat on the edge of his bed, watching him fold his pants and lay them in the suitcase. "You know me."

"Yeah, you always had packing down to a science." He laughed. "So how's Ashley?"

"She's fine. She's still a little concerned that you hate her … "

"I don't hate her, Kelly Jo. I'm just … "

Kelly Jo caught his hesitation and knew what it meant. "Just what?"

Kevin dropped the pants into the case unfolded and sat down next to her. "Just jealous."

"Jealous? Of Ash?"

"Of the relationship you guys have." Kevin looked into his sister's soft eyes, then looked away. "I'm in love with you, Kel. I have been for a long time."

Kelly Jo's heart jumped in her chest. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you're my sister. Because it'swrong."

"Who says it's wrong?" Kelly Jo lifted his head, bringing his eyes back to hers. "Ever since Mom and Dad died, you've been everything to me. I've always loved you, Kev. Always."

"Kel … "

Another knock sounded. This time, it was Nathan, bearing an envelope for Kevin. Kelly Jo knew that she'd be asked to leave so she gave Kevin a kiss and left through the adjoining door. Nathan stood quietly as Kevin took the envelope from him and began to read.

"By now, you should be packed and ready to accomplish your fifth task on the scavenger hunt. The fifth task is to seduce and give oral sex to a female taxi driver. Simple task? No. Kevin must be chosen to accomplish this task. The reward will be $3,750 dollars, with $1,000 for the non-participants." Kevin looked over at Nathan. "No proof is required as Nathan will be hiding in the closet, watching the activities. If you follow the instructions, you will receive the money upon completion." Kevin refolded the envelope. "You'll hide in the closet?"

"Yes, sir. Per the instructions."

"And it's only oral?"

"Yes, sir."

"I can do that."

"Great, sir. The driver is waiting downstairs. You'll have to pay her, also."

"Not a problem." Kevin arose and headed for the door.

"Um, Mr. Marcus?"

"Yeah."

"May I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Why were you concerned that it was only oral?"

Kevin's face turned red as he blushed. "Because I'm a virgin, Nathan, and there's only one person I want to share it with."

Nathan nodded. "All right. I'll be waiting."

*****

The phone rang once, then twice. On the third ring, Arletta Johansson's brittle voice crackled down the airwaves and into Beverly's ear.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Momma."

Thick, uncomfortable silence followed. "What do you want?"

"I just called to let you know that I was okay and to find out how you were."

"You actually care?"

"Oh, Momma, you know I care! I left you a note."

"Yeah, and snuck out of here like a rat!"

"Well, I had to."

"No, you didn't! You didn't have to leave!"

"Yes, I did, Momma, and we both know why."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do. You tell me I'm too fat, then you give me cookies. You pin pictures of skinny women on the fridge, but don't tell me that there are big-sized models. You don't want me to be successful!"

"What? Of course, I do! Your boutique is doing well, isn't it?"

"Yes, but I'm not!" Beverly couldn't believe she was yelling at her mother. "I am not well! Do you know that I've lost six pounds already?"

"What?"

"You heard me, Momma. I lostsix pounds! And men are looking at me like I'm pretty!"

"They're probably just desperate." Arletta spat. "Besides, I never met a man who didn't like big tits."

"Momma! I can't believe you said that!"

"Well, what do you expect?"

Beverly felt a small piece of her heart die in that instant. "Nothing. I guess I should have known that." She took a deep breath, wiping the tears from her eyes. "You can clean out my room, Momma. I won't be coming back."

"What … what do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm moving out. I'm going to get my own place where no one portions my food and sabotages me."

"Your own place? Ha! You can't even pay for your own place!"

"Well, I have $7,000 in my hand right now. I think that's more than enough to pay for my own place."

"What are you, a hooker now?"

"Goodbye, Momma. Have a good life."