Henry Stickmin: Secret Criminal (Mr Henry Toppat Book 1)

Bonus Chapter- A Starry Government Night

Being in this small little house, I get bored. Even these old notebooks I'm writing in can't keep me entertained for long. After all of this is over, I'll go find my Charles. I am committed to that. But you, Hubert Galeforce, I do hope you find these notebooks.

Anyways...

Remember that special night? The night when the asteroid flew past earth?

"Since we can see the asteroid fly by eartth, why not we watch it from the hill?" Ellie suggested with a bright smile on her face. I smiled gently at the thought of that idea. Sitting by Charles will make the night even better.

"That sounds like a great idea, Rose. We can let everyone  witness this incredible moment, since it only comes by once every 320 years." Galeforce replied. Charles smiled with utmost happiness. We then headed out to spread the wonderful news.

Time flies by fast, so it's best to enjoy when special moments come by.

As I was taking my lunch break, everyone was talking about the asteroid. It was even in the news. We were all going to the hill to book the spots, making sure everyone in the government manage to get a great view.

"Yo Henry!" Ellie exclaimed as Charles and her slid into the spots beside me around the round table. Charles gave me a sweet smile before indulging in his lunch. I love it every time he smiles.

"We gotta finish all our paperwork before tonight." Ellie said, picking up her utensils. Charles and I agreed.

"Isn't it amazing, Meurui?" Lily said with enthusiasm, stopping by Meurui's workstation. They sat in the dimly lit room with the big screen at the front.

"Whatcha playing?" Lily asked, trying to take a peek at the kid's computer. He was playing an multi player game with online friends. He was happy, not as moody as he usually was. Ever since I arrived, he felt even more depressed. He didn't exactly have the best life. However, every time he plays video games, he gets fueled with life. Lily is satisfied whenever he's happy. They have been best friends for quite a long time.

"You going to watch the asteroid tonight, Lily?"

Being caught off guard, Lily gasped, and replied, "Yes, I'll be there. Are you coming?" Starring up at Lily, Meurui nodded with a slight smile.

Everyone was so excited for that night. Every where you go you can hear chatters of the night's festivities. The halls were filled with more life than it was. Government work can get pretty morbid, so it's good to have things to perk us up once in awhile.

As the day went by, everyone was starting to get ready. They were finishing up their work. Some were going out to get their pinic mats and some even bought drinks such as soft drinks or alcohol.

Charles and I went out to get our own supplies. Oh god, I can't help but keep starring at him when he was browsing drinks at the store. 

The staff had also proposed that we should have a party during the viewing that night. We were all under a lot of stress during that month, so why not a party to lift our spirits up a bit. 

As the day went by, night eventually fell upon the scenery. Astrologers predict that the arrival time of the asteroid would be around 8.50pm. Instead of heading home, we all stayed at the offices and indulged in some chit chat before heading up to the hill.

"You coming with the rest of us, Hubert?" Frank asked as he approached Hubert, chuckling.

"I guess I could wind down a bit. Too much stress isn't good for anybody."

"That's the spirit!" Frank cheered.

The two high ranking officers joined the rest of the agents, officers and staff, and we all started to  hike up the hill that provides its visitors with a view not to be missed. 

I'm sure a couple of us has our own differences, and I'm especially sure there is some rivalries in the government. It's impossible to get along with everybody. Maybe this night can let everyone reconcile, and most importantly, have fun.

The picnic mats were laid out, the drinks were removed from their cardboard packaging, and the food was unpacked and placed on disposable plates. Someone even bought a portable stove so we could have a proper dinner with the food we bought. Those who quickly went home during lunch time also bought their own telescopes. 

"Alright everyone, it should be arriving any second now!" Ellie stood up and announced. Everyone opened their drinks and held it up high. I took a can of beer and opened it, while Charles apologised that he might not be able to take Ellie and I home and opened up his own can of beer. That doesn't matter now!

Suddenly, the asteroid slowly came into sight. As it flew across the dark night sky, it left a trail of blue that made the whole thing look a little like a fireball. To me, asteroids tell their own special stories. That have travelled far and wide through the Milky Way, witnessing events in space humans normally don't get to see. 

Everyone starred up to the sky, their eyeballs trailing the asteroid, some taking turns to get a better view of the asteroid with the telescopes. Oohs and ahs can be heard all around the venue. 

As I was witnessing this incredible moment for myself, I felt a hand on mine. The touch of the hand was soft and gentle. I looked to my side for a quick second, realising that it was Charles who held onto me. His positive vibes flowed in me, calming down the raging guilt for awhile. Charles has an incredible power. Ellie slowly sat down, admiring the great view.

Lily and Meurui sat by each other, watching the rock fly by. A smile slowly emerged on his face. Since Lily is older to than Meurui, she took it upon herself to care for him, ensuring his well-being.

The city also got a great view of the asteroid. Some of the citizens drove up the mountains to get a nice view.

What about the Toppat Clan? I don't know what they were up to that night, but I hope they did not miss this wonderful sight. Even a blood thirsty organisation could use a break.

Although the guilt caused by my decision in my heart is raging, slowly eating me alive, moments like these I will forever cherish. Nothing can replace them. They are always protected in my soul, and will follow everywhere I roam. When I leave this place to find my dear Charles, these memories will still decide to accompany me on my adventures, no matter how hellish it may be.

After the asteroid finally left our view, everyone was admiring the pictures and videos they took. That was when we also started to party. Music was played, and everyone had fun, even the usually strict officers and agents. We opened chips, cooked food with the portable stove and talked about a lot of things. 

Meurui opened a can of beer, looking at its alcohol content. He was not much of a drinker, so this was only his third time.

"If you don't wanna drink it, it's okay. You can give the can to someone else and grab a soda with me instead." Lily advised.

A couple of us really got drunk, even Charles, who admitted he went a little overboard. Ellie on the other hand, was completely full from eating. When the night was over, everyone packed up and made sure we left no trash behind, and went home. Those who were drunk managed to get rides from their co workers. I took Charles' keys, and drove the three of us home. When we got home, Charles was mostly sobered up. I bid him farewell, promised to pick him up for work in the morning, and drove Ellie home.

We all had fun, didn't we? Times have changed now, Hubert. Happy memories don't last forever, but they can be replayed. I hope to see every one of you guys again in another life, even if we don't remember each other.

Give me a little bit of resting time, Hubert, I will narrate the next part of my journey with Charles later.

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I quickly whipped up this bonus chapter as I was guilty for not posting in a long time. It may not be as good as the other chapters, but I think it's fine. I hope you guys like it as much as I do. I'll get back to work on the main story soon.