Guardians

James-7

"Do you think mom and dad will be happy to see us?"

Penelope rubbed my shoulder, "I know they will be."

We pulled up in front of our house and saw our gardener, Mack, watering the bushes.

"Mack!" I cried and ran over to him.

"Hey! James! How have ya been?" he asked ruffling my hair.

"Good. Are mom and dad home?"

"Yes they should be in the parlor."

I waited for the rest of the group to join me as we walked into the house.

"Mom? Daddy?" Marie asked walking into the parlor.

"Marie? Is that you?" my dad's voice called.

"Daddy!" she yelled and flung herself into his lap.

"Hi Marie, how are you guys?"

"Good, dad I've missed you and mom," I ended sadly.

My mom came over to me and picked me up. "I know sweetie. You guys are so brave."

I watched my dad look at Penelope and then towards Brady. "Who is this?"

"This is Brady. My boyfriend," Nel said looking at the floor.

"Is he like you?" mom asked, setting me down and looking towards her.

"Yes ma'am," she replied.

"It's very nice to meet you Brady," she said shaking his hand.

"It's nice to meet you as well."

My dad smiled warmly and held Marie's hand. "I'm assuming you won't be able to stay the night?"

"No sir, we have to leave soon."

"Well then, let's give you guys some food!"

Penelope squeezed my hand reassuringly and followed our parents to get food.

"Brady? Do you think our parents love us any less since we don't see them that often?"

"Not at all James. They still love us even if we don't see them every day."

Marie and Penelope returned with bags of food and water. We headed out just as Jeremiah was opening the car door for us.

Mom called Penelope back as we were getting in. She was given something small and returned quickly.

"What did mom give you?"

"A necklace," she opened the pendant that held a picture of all of us.

"It's nice Penelope," Brady complimented.

"Where are you taking us Jeremiah?"

"I can't tell you right now, but it's going to be a long drive."

I put my feet up on the dashboard and slid my sunglasses on to possibly help me fall asleep for a little while.