SWNOVELS Chapter 28: The Way Home
Decan's concern was interrupted by Victoria's announcement. "Congratulations on your victory, truly a remarkable feat. As you requested, Ms. Pickering, a home base in Toronto has been provided for you all. "
Alice nodded as Victoria extended her hand, a folder contained within. Alice retrieved the item and began flipping through. "Nice! Now, this is what I'm talking about!" Alice exclaimed as she glanced at the papers.
Eary asked, "What does it say?" Alice flashed a smug smile."Dude, they gave us a mansion and five million each! American, not that Canadian funny money." Eary rolled his eyes and qwiped back "Well you better get used to it since it looks like your new home for a while." She smirked back as Calvin erupted into tears
"We could really use this. It's been hard on my Mom since our dad died." Sakile patted Calvin on the back."You know me and my girl are coming out to Ohio with you." Calvin smiled as the brothers embraced.
Luke looked down at Eary. "I think I'm gonna come home to Toronto, too. Stay in the base house. Get to know the family." Eary smiled, the weight of his family's pain, being brought to a promised end, made the whole experience worth it. In fact, as he looked around the room, he felt a closeness with each person here. They had gone through so much together and shared so many moments.
Calvin and Mei sat together on the loveseat to Eary's left, as they talked, he noticed the shy Calvin's hand embrace Mei's. Eary smiled at the confirmation of what they all had suspected.
Denby announced, "I think I'm gonna love Toronto! You and me love, cuddled together, fire blazin. What ya think?" Alice replied,"Denby, I must say, you paint a prettier picture than what ya give 'Love'. I need more than just that. So you can cuddle yourself." Denby reassured."I can change love, give me another chance." Eary smirked, one person's treasure is another's dodged bullet.
Hannah and Maggie sat next to each other, Hannah filling Maggie in on the last few months of their lives. Eary overheard Maggie inform Hannah, "I'm so sorry that all this happened to you too, but I'm just not a lesbian." Eary's heart broke as he heard Hannah reply,"I understand."
Ben was quietly looking down in the corner alone. Eary asked, "Hey Ben, what's the matter?" Ben looked up and waived his hand away. Alice got up and embraced the boy, who began crying. Alice reassured, "I'm going to come see you all the time, little boo. You're my best guy, you know that?" Ben smiled and followed Alice back to her seat, clinging the entire way.
Mei, still holding Calvin's hand, asked Victoria, "Is there any way we will have to get back here, or to each other?" Victoria smiled "Yes there is Ms. Wong. Professor, if you will." As Victoria stepped back, the professor stepped forward, he proudly exclaimed."We have a gift directly from our corporate office in Nato." He set a device on the table.
It was four pads with some sort of keypad in the middle. The professor explained, "This is a portal door. It is used to transport long distances in a flash, much like Alice's teleportation. However, you may only move between rooms connected by the doors." He smiled wide as he continued."Each of you will be provided one, making instant movement across great distances simple." He laid down another folder."Inside here are international passports. You are agents working for Nato, and those passes should work if you're stopped in any participating countries. Also, the Nocopo ruins have been added, along with the Star Gazer, making our continued research possible."
The students all smiled as they now knew their goodbyes were temporary. As the group disembarked and parted ways, Eary, Alice, Mei, Calvin, Denby, Sakile, Luke, and Mote returned to their small hallway.
As the original team stood amongst themselves, they all smiled at each other. The unspoken bond had been felt by them all. And with a nod to each other, they entered their suites to pack.
Entering the suite, Luke patted his brother on the back as the two departed to their rooms. On the bed, Eary found two suit cases placed side by side. Mote remarked, "What service!" Eary chuckled as he began to pack.
Mote continued, "So what ya gonna do about your duel love triangles between you and Josh?" Eary took a deep breath and replied,"I have no idea. I think I'm falling in love with Decan, so I'm going to go that route until further notice." Mote nodded, Zipping around the boy, he snarked back,"My little baby is all grown up and breakin' all the hearts. Told ya I knew what I was talkin' about." Eary smiled as he continued with his task.
Mote, still buzzing around the room, continued, "We also have no idea who the last Scion is now. Seeing as Maxwell is out." Eary nodded, an ominous feeling crept in for a moment, one he quickly shook off. He replied, "I'll think about all that later. Right now I'm thinking about what I'm going to tell my parents! Their gonna kill me for sneaking out."
As the pair finished parting ways with their abode these last few months, Eary turned and shut off the light. Moving through the rest of the apartment, he recalled the many meals and memories that had taken place here. "Eary, c'mon bud." Luke gestured from the doorway. As he followed his brother out of the suite, they descended the elevator to the lobby.
They were the last to arrive, as everyone was their waiting for them. Bundled up, they all shared another moment of silence in reverence of the events of the past few months. Victoria broke the moment by beaconing to Ben, Mei, and Hannah. She explained that their van was outside.
As the three departed, the tears were no more prevalent than they were on Calvin's face. Next, he and Sakile were brought out as well. Alice and Maggie were called. Alice turned and embraced. Eary hard. "Don't go doin' anything stupid while I'm gone." Eary smiled and replied."Same."
He watched as the last of his companions left. Now, only He, Mote, Decan, and Luke remained. Victoria gestured them forward. She explained, "I'm coming with you, I was personally invested in your tale from the start. And would live to explain the situation to your parents." They smiled as they said goodbye to the Star Gazer and Bright Hope and made their way to their ride home.
The drive was a long one, and Eary and Decan curled up together while Mote and Luke played rummy for cash. Several hours later and several pitstops later, the group saw a sign that read 'The City of Toronto'.
As the van made its way through the icy but familiar city blocks, a queasy anticipation over took Eary. He nervously looked out the window as the houses sped by, finally stopping in front of the Olson's home.
Victoria explained that the driver would be taking Decan home. With a goodbye kiss, Eary, Victoria, Luke, and Mote left the van, as it left to its next destination.
Eary looked up at the faded white screen door and the complete lack of decorations up for Christmas time.
Victoria made her way up the long walk as Eary ducked behind Luke. He stated, "I think they'll recognize me from the door, I'd rather Victoria explained first." Luke patted Eary's back as they heard the door open.
They heard Victoria's voice greet the owner. "Hello, my name is Victoria Price. I have information on your missing son's, may I come in?" The sound of a man's voice calmly replied, please, as the sound of the door closing could be heard in the distance.
Luke looked down at Eary. "How long do you suppose it'll be that we are waiting out here?" Eary replied."Probably the second they here were out here." Luke and Eary both looked at the front door.
After a couple of minutes, it flew open. Delia burst out, followed by Mitchell and even Josh. She cried out, "BOYS!" Eary called back."Mom!"
The two ran and embraced, Delia sobbing uncontrollably. Luke slowly approached. "Hey, I'm Luke." Delia grabbed Luke by the coat and pulled him close to her. Soon after, Mitchel and Josh embraced the trio. The Olson's were whole at last.
The group moved into their small warm home. United by bond and by blood, the unspoken horrors melted away, as Eary finally reached his destination, Home.