![Sad :(](./images/smilies/sad.gif)
Later in the afternoon....
The black shades blocked the intense afternoon sun and the tired, bloodshot eyes Rae was trying to cover up. Lee had promised Mia that they would go on a family outing; and usually she would rejoice at the opportunity, she was still exhausted and her side still bandaged and sore.
Mia had a soft grip on Rae's cotton dress and Lee's t-shirt, busily chattering away like a little bird. Lee was smiling and listening to the girl chatter with a serious, intense face with an occasional mocking face. Their talking and giggling made Rae grin; it was something foreign to her, but something she always wanted to insure others around her would have.
"So where are we going Mommy?"
"Hmm....let's see....business meeting?"
"No! Mommy that's not funny!"
"I'm sorry sweetie. Well....what about....we go downtown and hit the park on the way home?"
"That sounds splendid!"
"Well I'm glad you agree."
The girl smiled and continued her chattering; Lee looked up from his daughter and gave Rae a smile. Rae smiled back, not noticing the person her shoulder bumped into.
"Oh, I'm sor--YOU!"
Rae turned around to see a tall, blonde man with a large snake tattoo going up his arm. The man blinked for recognition, and instantly smiled and hugged Rae.
"Red! I haven't seen you in ages!"
"I know! What's it been....eight years?"
"Umm...pardon me...", Lee began.
"Mommy! Who's this?"
The man flashed his white smile even wider and got on a knee to survey Mia.
"My name's Dean. What's yours?"
"Mia."
"Nice to meet you, Mia."
"Mr. Dean is an old friend of Mommy's", Rae continued to appease her curious daughter and growingly suspicious husband. "We grew up across the street from one another; he was like my big brother growing up."
"And the one that taught you how to fight."
"Really?", Mia asked in wonder.
"Yep. Mr. Dean is really good in karate and judo, and a fairly good controller of water."
"Water and fire...how ironic.", Lee scoffed.
"Oh. Geez...introductions. Lee, this is my old friend Dean. Dean, this is my husband James."
"It's a pleasure", then said in almost unison.
"What brings you here Dean?"
"I've got some business here; looking to get a gig teaching some fighting styles. This city has a huge population of those who can use magic. Plus I wanted to check in with the Magictech corp in this city."
"Well, you better set up an appointment."
"Y'all know 'em?"
"We are them.", Lee responded coldly.
"Okay cool. I'll catch you guys later."
Dean stood back up, waved goodbye and continued in the opposite direction. Lee shot a glance at Rae who had the 'I'll explain later' look. Mia was intrigued and excited by this new face. This was turning out to be an exciting week!