Forever Is A Long Time To Love

CHAPTER 11: This Can't Be The End

3 YEARS LATER - CHELSEA'S POV:

My heart was broken as I looked around. Most of the exhibits were in boxes or packed away. Dad had quit his job as a night guard because his business "Daley Devices" had taken off suddenly. His latest invention, the glow in the dark flashlight. He'd forgotten about the museum in that time.

I'd been spending more and more time at my own place with Nicky, teaching him to ride and going out to some showjumping competitions with Olympic. We'd see dad occasionally but not that often. He was always at a meeting or busy. But I decided to go and have one more night with my friends. If I could get in.

TIMESKIP

When I arrived at the museum, I was just in time for seeing everyone come to life. Dexter, Teddy, Sacajawea. Everyone who was in boxes.

"So you came back." Teddy said, a little coldly. Who could blame them.

"Yes. We did. But what's happened?" I asked. That's when Ahk came out.

"Replacement with all this fancy technology. It's ridiculous. If only we could show the public." He said sadly.

"I wanted to come back. It was just....finding time." Dad said. I frowned.

"And I've gone national with the horses." I smiled sadly.

"May we all take one last walk around this museum together?" Teddy asked. Everyone nodded and I felt Ahk stand next to me and offer me his hand. I took it as a tear slipped down my face which he brushed away.

"Please don't cry. We'll still be here. Me, Teddy, a few others." Ahk said, putting his arm around my shoulders.

"I know. But it won't be the same." I whispered, heartbroken.

Teddy took us all around the museum and we recalled some fantastic memories. There were tears from some and laughter from others.

But then the night came to an end. I couldn't go with Ahk to see him get back into his sarcophagus. It was the last time. So I stayed in the lobby. Teddy wished Sacajawea a safe journey and I said goodbye to Dexter and Jed and Octavius. And Rexy of course. I stayed there with dad until they turned back to statues and then we reluctantly left through the doors.

After returning home, I went to my room and fell onto my knees behind the door, crying silently. Was it wrong of me to say that only now did I have feelings for Ahkmenrah. I guess it was too late. I'd never see him again.

TIMESKIP

The day had passed too slowly. Our friends had been shipped to Washington this morning to be stored as Federal Archives at the Smithsonian Institution; the largest museum in the world.

I'd not stopped crying until early afternoon when dad was home from "work" as he called it. I was about to make dinner for us until the phone rang......

A/N: HAHAHA! Cliffhanger. If you want to read more, go and read Forever Is A Long Time To Love; Part 2.