Always

Chapter 44

Arriving at Midtown, everyone was in chaos mode. Mr. Harrington was running from the school to the bus and back to the school making sure everyone had their suitcases. Students were slowly starting to arrive where their yellow jackets with pride. Many were bustling around making sure they had all their in stuff IN their suitcase.

Liz walked around with clipboard doubling checking it every five minutes. She smiled up at me as I walked over to her with my luggage in my hand. "Good Morning Violet! Do you know where Ned is? And I honestly thought Peter would show up with you and give us a farewell."

I set my bag in the already growing pile. "Ned is actually still at the apartment with Peter. They promised they would be here on time though. Are we still practicing early?"

Liz took a look around and gazed back down at her clipboard. "Honestly, I still have a bunch of things to check up on. I will probably just have us do lots of drilling on the bus ride. Thanks for coming early though. I really do appreciate it."

"Oh ya of course. Totally understand. Is there anything you need help with?" I offered. I could tell Liz was a bit tense and stressed out.

A look of relief washed over her face. "Yes! Could you quite possibly go through the yellow envelope over there. It has every member's information and competition registration. Mr. Harrington sort of threw everything together. Could you sort them into piles of each team member? That would be so helpful!"

I nodded. "Of course? Can I set my backpack down in the bus first?"

"Of course! Thank you again Violet. You are such a blessing to this team! I will catch you later. I have to go over some things with Mr. Harrington!" Liz went off in search of Mr. Harrington which was quite the job as Mr. Harrington was usually very chaotic.

I quickly stepped into the bus and went down a couple seats. I smiled as I saw MJ sitting in back of the bus reading a book. "How long have you been there?" I called on as I placed my backpack a couple rows up from her.

Her eyes didn't leave the book as she turned her page. "For about 2 chapters. Do with that what you will."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Nice! Are you excited for D.C?"

MJ shrugged. "I am more excited to be able to protest in our nations capital."

My eyes went slightly wide. "You gonna protest?"

MJ finally gazed up at me. "We are going to go sightseeing afterward. To the White House and the monument...of course I am going to protest."

"What are you going to protest about?" I asked.

"Racial equality probably. I am not to found that we are celebrating statues and buildings that were created by slaves." MJ stated as she returned to her book.

"That...that is a good idea. Good for you." I mentioned as I headed back toward the bus exit. "I haven't been in D.C since my dad and I went about a year and half ago. It's going to be weird going back honestly. A lot happened that trip."

"Was it the one when he took you to the museum of himself?" MJ asked. I stopped walking and paused at the second aisle.

"Ya. And where I learned who my other dad really was." I said with a small smile remember the moment I saw my dad's picture on display and the video of him projected on the screen.

"Well this trip something big will happen too. You could take home that trophy." MJ stated slightly encouraging me.

I laughed in agreement. "That would be really nice. You think we will win?"