Determination (40 page)

*     *     *

Roger felt so out-of-place after having been gone for what felt like ages. Only hours had passed between the prep time and all that fighting, but it felt longer than that. Once he found his laptop case, he plugged in his cell phone charger, turned his phone on, and gawked at the home screen. The date couldn’t be right. There’s no way three years had passed like that.

Thanks to Baku, Roger had been deposited in his childhood bedroom in his uncle’s mansion. After fighting alongside so many aliens, it felt strange being back. It was like coming home after a long vacation. He needed an adjustment period to settle back in.

The door slammed open and two armed guards burst into the room, guns aimed at Roger.

“Put your hands on your head!”

Roger dropped to his knees and interlaced his fingers behind his head. The guards tackled him onto his stomach, cuffed him, and one of them men dug his knee into the small of his back.

“Do you have any ID on you or weapons beside the knife and handgun on your person?”

“A rifle on the bed.” They’d probably run in too fast to notice. “My ID should be in my laptop bag.”

The guard pinning him down removed the knife and handgun from Roger’s belt and handed them to the other guard, who set them on the bed. Roger didn’t get angry over being tackled and cuffed. These men were just doing their job. He’d be just as disconcerted and alarmed as them over seeing some unknown person show up on security cameras.

The other guard crouched before Roger, open wallet in hand, and kept looking back and forth between him and the military ID, brows furrowed.

“It’s me,” Roger said. “I’m finally back.”

“You’ve been gone for over three years.” He snapped the wallet closed. “How...?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you the truth. Would you mind taking me to see my uncle?”

The guards escorted him to his uncle, Chris Alcadere, who sat in the living room, watching a golf tournament and chatting with friends. The chatter stopped when the door opened, and Uncle Chris gaped as Roger stood in the doorway, who was covered in dirt and a mix of red and blue blood. He looked like he’d been in an intense paintball fight. His uncle rose to his feet, which didn’t make him much taller, and stared openmouthed.

“Roger?” he said, unsure.

Roger smiled. “Hi, Uncle. I’m finally back.”

“You’re alive!” Uncle Chris ran over and pulled his nephew into a tight, tearful hug.

*     *     *

Baku attended the hundreds of funerals from his army of one thousand in spirit, even Fleet Admiral Whitman’s, whose ghost hovered near his wife in the front pew of their church. He rubbed her back while she sobbed into a handkerchief, but she was oblivious to his incorporeal touch.

One of the granddaughters, age five, looked at Whitman, who smiled at the little girl, and she scooted closer, wrapping a wiry arm around her grandmother. “Don’t cry, Big Mama. Grampy’s here.”

Big Mama wrapped an arm around her. “Oh, Tasha, that’s so sweet of you to say.”

Tasha began rubbing Big Mama’s back in sync with Whitman. “He don’t want you to cry. He got the death he wanted. He went down, guns blazin’. You woulda been proud if you seen it.”

Eyes wide, Big Mama took Tasha’s hands in hers. “How do you know that, baby girl?”

“Grampy told me. He also wants me to let you know that he’s happy and at peace, and he wants you to be happy and full of pride every time you think of him. He’s watchin’ over you from the other side.”

“Oh, Tasha.” Big Mama squished her in a hug and Whitman’s ghost kissed both of them on the cheek.

This moment served as a perfect example as to why Baku believed it was best to have mortals helping mortals. Like Luis, Tasha had a bit of extended reality in her.

*     *     *

After being gone so long, traversing Buffalo’s city streets felt like being on an alien planet. Roxie walked hand-in-hand with Aerigo, Daio and Sassy behind them and wearing Aerigo’s and Roxie’s spare set of Versaton clothes. Since Sassy was a little taller than Roxie, she’d rolled up the cuffs to just below her knees. She and Daio also wore shower sandals supplied by Nostrum Hospital. Roxie was going to have to take them all to New York for clothes shopping. But first, she really wanted to see Grandma again.

They circumvented Lake Erie, traversed the forest, and crossed the small yard to the back porch. Roxie stopped at the base of the steps. What if Grandma wasn’t home after all this time? The house had been repainted a soft grey while she’d been out, an encouraging sight. The wicker couch and worn out welcome mat still populated the porch. She climbed the wooden steps, opened the screen door, which still screeched, and knocked on the inner door. She hesitated before opening that door as well. Part of her wanted to wait for Grandma to let her in, but at the same time, she’d rather let herself into her own home. To her relief, it was unlocked. “Grandma?” She stepped inside, Aerigo right behind her. “It’s me, Roxie. I’m finally back.” She turned at the sound of a gasp coming from the kitchen table.

Grandma stood next to her chair, mouth ajar and one hand over her heart.

Roxie let go of Aerigo’s hand and crossed to Grandma, gently wrapping her arms around her, mindful of her superhuman strength. Grandma hugged her tight and started crying, and since she started crying, so did Roxie. On top of that, she’d caught a glimpse of the food altar on the table. Doing that for over three years nonstop, with no idea of when she’d be able to stop, that had to have taken a lot of emotional strength and endurance.

“We did it,” Roxie said. “We’re all safe again.” She wiped her eyes.

“
You
did it,” Aerigo said.

Roxie let her grandmother go, but kept one arm around her. “All of you helped in one way or another. I couldn’t have done that alone. And after we’ve been through, I think we could use a nice, relaxing vacation.”

Grandma laughed. “Let’s go on a cruise.”

Epilogue

Grandma phoned Luis Herschel, the cruise line owner who’d helped Roxie while she was stuck in the Realm of the Dead. When Grandma explained the reason for the cruise, Roxie found herself on the phone with Luis. They chatted animatedly with each other, catching up a bit and she briefly explaining that she’d done what needed getting done, and everyone was safe for now, and how Aerigo and two other friends had been revived as a thank you for her efforts. Luis was thrilled by all the great news, so thrilled that he booked the five of them three suites for one week on the next available Caribbean cruise, along with flights to and from JFK Airport, and hotel rooms near the docks. Roxie repeatedly thanked him but he insisted the thanks wasn’t necessary. Their flight departed tomorrow and the cruise was in three days, allowing them a full day of sightseeing.

Perfect.

With Grandma’s help, Sassy and Daio booked a hotel in Buffalo for overnight, needing some alone time. Roxie and Aerigo considered the same thing but decided they could wait until the cruise. She then expressed her desire to go to Pollyanna Hospital.

Grandma stiffened. “Why do you want to go there?”

“I met both my parents in the Realm of the Dead. There’s something I wanna do for my mom before we leave.”

Grandma lowered her gaze to the food altar. “Alright.”

Roxie took a steep closer, resting her fingertips on the table. “May I ask why you never told me?” Her grandmother looked up. “I’m not mad. I just want to know.”

Closing her eyes, Grandma took a deep breath through her nose and exhaled. “Because I didn’t want you to know. I wanted to give you the chance to love her, instead of growing up feeling rejected and abandoned.”

She nodded, replaying her mother’s reenactment of the day Roxie was born in her head. “I understand. But would you have at least told me the truth if I asked?”

“Once you were old enough, yes. But I’d hoped you’d never ask or find out. I’m sorry.”

Roxie shook her head. “It’ll be alright. Not all truths are pretty. But anyway, Aerigo and I will be back in a few hours. We’re gonna world-hop to collect some gold so I can take everyone clothes shopping in New York.”

“See you soon then.” Grandma got up and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

“I’m glad to be back. Thank you for keeping me alive.”

“You’re very welcome.”

*     *     *

Roxie and Aerigo walked to Pollyanna Hospital and she bought a teddy bear and a card with plenty of blank space inside. The hospital looked so much livelier, welcoming, and pleasant on the living side. All doors and windows let ample sun pour in, the white hallways had plenty of lighting and cheerful paintings hung at intervals, and there were live people, instead of shadows trying to feed off her energy.

She relocated the maternity ward easily enough, but with all the energy and movement filling the place, she wasn’t sure which room her mother had died in. She explained her situation to the ladies behind the desk, leaving the supernatural part out, and they were able to research which room Dana had stayed in, assuring her that the bear and letter would be left alone.

Roxie and Aerigo headed into the correct birthing room and she came to a halt by the bathroom door, reliving the sound of shattering glass. She wandered into the bathroom, a reflection of her and her blue-glowing eyes staring back at her in the mirror. Aerigo stepped into the doorway and watched on in silence. The stainless steel stand-in shower looked perfectly dry and clean, no hint of a suicide having ever taken place there.

She exited the bathroom and took one look at the birthing bed before heading to the window. She set the teddy bear on the sill and began writing a personal note to her mother’s restless soul.

Dear Mom-

I’ll always love you no matter what, for you’ll always be my mother. I’m leaving you this letter and teddy bear in hopes they’ll help you see that. I believe all that anger was masking so much hurt, and those who hurt the most are in most need of love and kindness. So mom: I love you. May these gifts bring you happiness and help you let go of what causes you pain, so you may one day find rest and peace.

Sincerely,

Your daughter, Roxie

She tucked the card in its envelope and set it in the teddy bear’s arms so it looked like it was hugging the card. Roxie had no clue if this gesture would make any difference, nor would she ever find out, but at least she’d taken the time to do this. It gave her hope and peace of mind. That’s all she could ask for.

Aerigo wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the temple.

*      *      *

During takeoff out of Buffalo, everyone learned, including Sassy herself, that she didn’t like flying. She buried her glowing eyes in her hands and Daio held onto her for the entire flight. She didn’t remove her hands until after they stood near some bathrooms in JFK International Airport. She took many calming breaths before she was able to get her eyes to stop glowing.

Daio chuckled. “You gonna be alright, babe?”

She gave him a flat look. “Yes, stupid man. I’m never getting on one of those things again.”

“We have the return flight after the cruise.”

“Not anymore we don’t.”

Daio chuckled again and kissed her on the lips.

*     *     *

After settling down at a hotel near the docks, Aerigo, Roxie, and Grandma headed to a gold refinery with several ingots in hand. At first, the two clerks were suspicious of three random people showing up with over a million dollars worth of gold, but they kept giving Aerigo curious looks and remarked on how he looked familiar.

Grandma revealed that Aerigo was the “Superman” in those Youtube videos that’d gone viral years ago.

If jaws could literally drop to the floor, theirs would have. But once they recovered, they asked Aerigo if he could prove it, sounding more hopeful than skeptical. He grabbed one of the gold ingots and squished it in his fist. The soft metal stretched like clay, leaving behind an imprint of his curled fingers. He set the deformed bar back on the desk and their jaws dropped again. One of the clerks tried to duplicate the results but only managed to make himself red in the face.

The seven-figure check was made out to Evelyn Lohr without further questions, yet they tentatively requested to have their picture taken with Aerigo. He kindly obliged before he, Roxie, and Grandma headed off to the nearest branch of her bank with a
lot
of money--at least it was a lot to the two of them. Roxie and Grandma tried to explain that to him but he only shrugged.

“Keep it. It’s yours now. I’ve got plenty more where that came from. I use money only when I have to. Other than that, I live without it. I’m used to working for food and board whenever that’s an option. People like Yayu often share their food and home while I work on making their lives safer. I’m used to living out of a backpack, but I have all that precious metal for whenever I can’t, so please keep it.”

*     *     *

Clothes shopping turned into an adventure. Aerigo, Daio, and Sassy took in the New York life with fascination, marveling at how big, flashy, and noisy it all was. The lack of friendliness threw them a bit but Roxie explained that was just New York City pride. They weren’t trying to be rude. They were all in a hurry and stuff. As far as what the hurry was exactly, Roxie could only shrug.

The five of them hit up many of the big-name clothing stores, trying on clothes Roxie had never hoped to afford. Roxie had them shop there more for the experience than anything. She personally didn’t care how expensive her own clothes were.

She, Grandma, and Daio had little trouble finding clothes that fit; however, both Sassy’s and Aerigo’s heigh and muscle builds struggled to fit into most things. They both had to get measured by tailors for custom clothes, Sassy for her strong legs and wide hips, and Aerigo for his huge biceps and broad chest.

Measurements recorded and orders placed, they were still able to find them some unaltered articles of clothing, including a suit for Aerigo that fit him so well that Roxie could barely breathe when he walked out of the changing room in a white dress shirt, gold silk tie, and black slacks. He gave her a knowing smile and marched right back into the fitting room.

Sassy showed off a few outfits as well, and when she asked Daio which he’d liked best all day, he said, “I like it best when you’re naked.”

She rolled her eyes, yet smiled. “Why do I even ask such silly questions?”

Thousands of dollars later, the five of them returned to the hotel with their new clothes, shoes, and bathing suits. Aerigo and Roxie shared a room with Grandma, so they behaved themselves and got a good night’s rest. Luis had tried to book three rooms, but they’d been lucky to get any reservations on such short notice, so it was no big deal really. She was with Aerigo. That was the most important and precious part.

The next bright and sunny morning, they packed their new suitcases with all their new attire and travel-sized necessities. Roxie donned a white sundress and sandals, and Aerigo wore tan cargo shorts, a white tank, a blue, casual button down shirt with all the buttons undone, and leather sandals. He fit in on Earth, in America, and still looked handsome as ever.

Escorts from Herschel Lines awaited them by the hotel reception desk. They took everyone’s bags and guided them across the street, around the crammed maze of passengers waiting to get through checkin, and to the gangway, where Luis and his family awaited them. The escorts politely nodded to the Herschels before heading up the gangway. Luis thanked each of them by name and greeted Grandma with a big hug.

“Hello, Eve. So good to see you again.”

“Yes. It’s a pleasant surprise. Thank you for having all of us.”

They let go. “I’m glad to have you.” His genial smile turned to Roxie as Grandma greeted Anna and Jake, Luis’s wife and son. “Roxie! It’s been so long!”

Letting go of Aerigo’s hand, Roxie walked into Luis’s embrace. “Hey, Luis. It’s great to see you again, and from this side. You saved my life back there. Thank you.”

“You’re quite welcome. It’s wonderful to have you back.”

“We’re in no imminent danger so we can relax and enjoy the cruise this time.”

“Great. You’ll have to elaborate on what you told me after we push off.” They let go and Luis held out a hand. “Aerigo!” They exchanged a one-armed hug. “Great to see you as well. You both have quite the story to tell. I hadn’t expected to see you again after I heard what happened.”

“I literally owe my life to Rox. I’m very lucky.”

“That you are. Now who are your two friends?”

Daio stepped forward and shook Luis’s hand, who gave him a curious look. “I’m Daio, a longtime friend of Aerigo’s.”

“You look vaguely familiar.”

Daio popped him a wan smile. “I broke your boat last time we crossed paths. I’ll make it up to you if you want, and I promise I won’t do it again.”

“Oh...” Luis wore a blank look of confusion. “Uh...”

“It’s all part of the story,” Aerigo said.

“Alright then.” He turned to Sassy. “And who’s this lovely lady?” He stepped forward and kissed her hand.

“I’m Sassy. Nice to meet you. And I promise to make sure stupid, here, behaves.” She turned her gaze on Daio on her eyes started glowing red as she spoke in a low voice full of wrath. “You broke his beautiful ship?”

“One of them,” Luis said. “But it’s fixed now.”

“Oh, boy,” Daio said. “I’m in trouble.”

“Yes, you are,” Sassy said.

Once Sassy calmed down, Luis escorted them to their cabins, taking care of Grandma first. “I got the four of you deluxe honeymoon suites. Hope you don’t mind.”

“I like the sound of that,” Daio said.

Luis handed two key cards to him and Sassy “These two go to 119.” He handed two more to Roxie and Aerigo. “And these to 121. Your bags are already in your rooms. Any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. Rox, your grandmother has my cell number, alright?”

“Alright. Great. Thank you!”

“See you at lunch then!” Luis hurried off, full of energy and purpose.

Daio opened his suite door and broke into a mischievous grin. “Now that’s a honeymoon suite.” He scooped Sassy into his arms, who laced her hands behind his neck, and he carried her inside. “Let the disciplining begin, babe.”

Roxie smiled as she watched their door close and reached for her own. When she grasped only air, she looked at her door and found that Aerigo stood inside, holding the door open for her. He held out a hand. She took it and stepped inside the lavish suite. He kissed her hand and pulled her into a hug, letting the door swing close by itself. Soft lights turned on deeper in the room. Roxie pressed her body to Aerigo’s as she ran her hands up and down his long, strong back and stared into his handsome blue eyes. It was still sinking in that they were together again.

They kissed on the lips, slowly and gently, savoring the warmth and the moment. Their kisses blossomed into a make out, intense and loving, but not that smothering crap in movies where the two actors looked like they were trying to devour each other’s faces. She and Aerigo poured their love and gratitude into each kiss.

Aerigo’s hands gravitated to Roxie’s glutes and thighs and he began kneading them, then stopped kissing and pulled his lips back, brows furrowed. He grabbed her again, experimentally, then slipped a hand under her dress and cupped a bare cheek.