Sky High

Chapter 14: Location: Earth

I directed the plane to land. Thankfully this time I didn't crash. There was nobody around to see me appear out of nowhere. It has been two years since I've visited my old town. I wasn't sure if they would remember me. My looks have changed a lot. I parked my plane and I got off. I rode a taxi to Springfield. There was one person I had to see.

 My mother.

 It didn't take long before we arrived at my mother's house. I paid the taxi driver and stepped out of the yellow car. I didn't know what to expect from my mother. What if she just yelled at me? What if she hated me? All these what-if's swirled around my head. My finger hovered over the doorbell. Come on Kace, just do it. I pressed the doorbell. I could hear footsteps coming towards the door. My whole body was shaking. I clenched my fists together and tapped my foot. The door creaked open. 

And there standing was my mother. She had the same dirty blonde hair as I remember but she looked more worn out then what I last remember. "Kace?" She said. I smiled and replied, "Hi Mom." 

She immediately pulled me in for a tight hug. I was so relieved and hugged her back. I kind of had to lean over to hug her but it was still nice. Mom motioned her hand inviting me to come inside. I stepped inside the house. It looked the same as always. Pictures on the mantel and plants everywhere. It smelled like home. I sat down in the brightly coloured living room. 

"I saw you on the news last night.." She started. "They said that you and the flight teacher just... disappeared. What happened? I was worried sick about you because I thought you were gone." Mom rambled. The doorbell rang and I got up to see who it was. It was Ian and Andre at the door. "Kace!" Ian exclaimed and hugged me. Andre joined in too. "We came as soon as we heard." Andre said as he let go from the group hug. I let the two inside and sat them down. I needed to apologize for what I did two years ago. "Mom, I'm sorry what I said to you two years ago. I shouldn't have brought up Dad. I know you were just trying to protect me. But I hope you understand that being a pilot is my dream and I still want to pursue it." Mom looked at me for a few seconds and hugged me. I thought she was going to scold me. "I am the one who should be sorry. I should have given you the opportunity to achieve your dreams and I was the one stopping you from it. As a mother, I am supposed to support my son and his dreams." Mom apologized. We hugged on the couch for a little bit until I let go. "It's okay mom. I promise to stay safe in the air." I pledged as I put my hand on the necklace. Mom chuckled. "I'm sorry for up and leaving like that too. I was just in a bad state of mind." I apologized again. "It's ok. It was kind of nice not having my phone beep every second." Andre teased. We laughed. 

Mom got up and started making us some snacks while we caught up with each other. Then we heard muffled chattering outside the door. Mom looked up from the kitchen and answered the door. There were reporters holding microphones her. She looked surprised as everyone was asking of me. She held out her index finger and went back inside to call me. "Kace, you got some fans here". She laughed. Ian and Andre looked at each other and followed me to the door. The reporters and camera people walked closer to the door and I quickly backed up. Cameras and flashing lights were in my face. Questions were being asked every second. "Kace Findlay, what happened while you were gone? Did you crash on an island? And how did you come back?" One of the reporters asked. They stuck a mic in my face. 

Everyone was anticipating my answer. A camera was directly pointing at my face.

 "Well what happened up there was something miraculous. I was mesmerized by it. I hesitated. "But that's a story for another time." I shut the door. The reporters were still outside seeking a real answer from me. We all sat inside waiting for the reporters to go away. Me and my friends chatted while eating grilled cheese sandwiches. Mom was in the kitchen washing dishes. It was just like the old times. And it was just how I liked it.