Chapter 153
- Third person POV -
Spring sunlight warmed the front yards of every home. The promise of mild weather and new beginnings filled the air. The Waymakers all felt the same. Although the quiet of things relaxed them, the tightening knot in their stomachs still did not release. Months had gone by—enough time for the world to rebuild and settle into something almost normal.
Two years had passed since Keetoowah, and two months since the fall of the dome and hospital miracle—enough time for bruises to fade, not quite enough for scars to stop being careful.
Micah got her bag ready for the trip in a few days, but her mother was hesitant to let her go after the earlier delays and the weather.
"I just don't think I trust you going on this trip again—what if there is another delay? Or a situation like the dome again?" Micah's mother cried.
Uncle ruffled Micah's hair with a smile. "Keetoowah will be good for you," Uncle said. Suitable for all of you. You're helping others and living life."
"She can do all that here!" Micah's mom argued.
Uncle didn't question things; he knew this was a past mission he wanted to be a part of.
"She wants to see how her previous hard work paid off. Are you going to deny her chances to grow as an individual and see her growth?"
"Well, no, but dang it, I am worried about her!"
"As am I, and all I can say is let's make sure we say a prayer before she goes and remind her to stay out of any unnecessary trouble..." Uncle said with an elbow.
"Back to the Island for vacation this time!" Micah cheered.
James stood at parade rest without meaning to. His dad—lifetime military, sharp jaw, and sharper expectations—paced the kitchen.
"A trip back to the island that you left without proper notice last time and even delayed your return?" His father said flatly. "You should be focusing on your future, applying early to military college or at least ROTC."
James kept his head down. "I know, Sir, but this is important too."
"What's important is discipline and direction. You came back last time unfocused and exhausted. That's not how a soldier presents himself."
James winced.
His mom, gentler but still firm, had loosened up since the dome calamity. Internally, she was worried for her only son. "Why go to Keetoowah again? Why this place specifically?"
Duke slid a binder across the table. He had come for moral support and to step in if needed. He opened it like a trained diplomat. "Because the community invited them back. They saw leadership potential in our youth group."
James's father looked him up and down. "And you are...?"
"Educational coordinator and your son's teacher of record," Duke said in a firm but pleasant tone. "And I am supervising the children on this trip. Have assessed the weather conditions, and the forecast appears clear. As well as taking extra precautions, hence why I am here personally."
James prayed his father wouldn't ask any more questions.
"You admit your guilt in this last fiasco?"
"Sir, I assure you, as a vet myself, unpredictable weather on the seas is a beast all its own. But I can reassure you that the children will be in close care, and other adults will be there as well. But it's up to you as the parent ultimately. Also, you will be glad to know this will give him credit, and I can give him a letter of recommendation to help with college."
"Yes, indeed. If this goes to bettering his education, who am I to judge?" James' father stared...then surprisingly nodded. "If you take responsibility for him and you promise to write home, it will be fine. But James—when you get back, we're talking about your future. No more delays."
James' stomach twisted. "Yes, sir."
- On the day of the trip -
Becky was running behind, talking with her mother at the house. Trying to make the leaving sound like a holiday. "You'll see old friends, you'll help with the fest—light work, nothing too exhausting." She kept the water held in her eyes, but barely. She knew enough to be afraid to let them go." She sighed. "Oh, who am I kidding? I thought it would be okay, but even with the miracle, we still almost lost you... Why do you have to go?"
Becky's father walked up to her mother and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Honey, they are almost adults; they only have a few months left until college. It's time to let the baby birds spread their wings."
"I know, I know." She swatted him and then wrapped the girls in a big hug.
Becky's father eyed her up and down. "Dating or not, you watch out for that Josh fellow. I still have my personal feelings for him, but he did risk his life for you, so he has my gratitude."
"And Kaysi, I know it's been hard coming here after your mom left, and your memories are still not returning, but I want you to know I have worried for you as much as I have for my own daughter. Be safe, have fun, and watch out for Josh's brother—what's his name?
Kaysi chuckled. "Evan..."
Almost everyone had shown up for the bus. Kaysi and Becky were the last to arrive.
Rosa, the nursemaid who raised Evan and Josh, was second-to-last with the boys.
She pulled the boys in for a hug. "You look after your older brother, Evan, who forgets to eat. Josh, make sure your brother doesn't bottle things up. I have one last request: write home every day that you can—check in, you hear!?"
"Yes, Madam. Rosa," they chorused, because Rosa was the kind of woman they listened to; she was close to a mother.
The teens gathered by the yellow bus, backpacks slung over their shoulders, spring air buzzing with the hum of cicadas waking early.
Outside, the school bus hissed and coughed like a giant tired animal. The kids climbed aboard with the practiced energy of teens who thought they were ready for anything.
Duke tried to wrestle Baby's suitcase into the undercarriage. Baby had packed like she was going to war—or on vacation. No one could tell.
"Anyone missing?" Duke asked, checking his clipboard like a real teacher, which made everyone laugh except him.
Parents hovered nearby, saying their last goodbyes. Some cried. Some lectured. Some warned. Some clung a little too long.
James' father stood with arms crossed, watching his son as if he were sending him into basic training.
Tomo hugged Micah, and he found his place in Micah's family, whom everyone had started to call "cousin" by habit. Uncle and Micah's mom joined in and then waved goodbye.
Josh squeezed Becky's hand, helping her up the bus steps carefully.
The bus roared to life as the door shut, and once Kaysi and Becky found their seats.
The families waved in the distance until they faded out of the rearview.
Josh squeezed Becky's hand, helping her up the bus steps carefully.
"Josh relaxed in his seat. The ferry awaits us. A simple spring visit, and maybe we can even go swimming this year."
Kaysi chuckled, "No peeping in the bathhouse this year!"
Evan almost spit out his drink. "I forgot about that!"
Everyone laughed.