Ghosts

Chapter 24

Four months later.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Mai, happy birthday to you!"

All of Prosperity had gathered outside for this special day, watching with amusement as Mai attempted to his her face in the confines of her hands.

"You guys, I'm going to hurl if you keep this up." she laughed.

Two years ago, Mai would have never imagined she'd make it to her eighteenth birthday. But here she was. Surrounded by her parents, her uncles, and aunts, old and new friends. It was more than just a birthday celebration though. It was a victory party. A celebration to a new start. Mai looked over to her parents who watched her with proud eyes. Her father's hands rested upon the growing bump hidden underneath Nayeli's clothing. It wouldn't be long before Mai would have another addition to her family. For once, she wasn't worried about how she was going to protect them. The Twins had not been seen since her parents dealt with them, most likely running away with their tail between their legs. With no other Highwaymen leaders to contend with, they were nothing but simple-minded raiders now, something the new up and coming Prosperity was more than ready to handle should the time arise.

As the festivities died down, she had to contend with a different challenge. A select few of Prosperity's residents had volunteered to help traverse the country in an effort to accomplish what Thomas Rush had initially set out to do. Mai escaped to outside the gates, watching as the convoy of vehicles made it last preparations. She spotted Thomas immediately as he coordinated with the others. He had already made his goodbyes with the rest of the residents here, save for the Seed and Lamb family. Mai watched hopelessly, wondering if she should interrupt.

"You going to just stand there or...?" a woman's voice jested.

Mai turned, seeing her mother smiling at her, her father by her side. Mai didn't need to answer. Nor did she need to act. Thomas paused what he was doing, seeing the family huddling together. He smiled, albeit a bit sad smile as he approached.

"Don't worry, I wasn't going to say leave without saying goodbye." he said as he approached.

He first went to her father, whom he first shook hands with and then embraced in a hug, "It was an honor working and fighting beside you, Mr. Seed."

"You're a good man Rush." Jacob replied as he patted his back, "Stay safe out there."

Thomas looked to Nayeli now, hugging her carefully, "I'm glad I finally got the chance to meet you, ma'am. Your daughter is lucky to have a mother like you."

"I'm just glad I had a daughter to return home to." Nayeli's voice broke a little bit, "Thank you for bringing her back."

Thomas nodded in acknowledgment, knowing it was a very emotional topic. The less said the better. Mai's chest rose as she took a deep breath, his eyes meeting hers. There was a moment of silence between them, a silence that her parents took as a cue to leave them be.

"Don't be a stranger Rush." Jacob said as they began to retreat back behind Prosperity's walls.

Mai felt her face become warm once it was just her and Thomas standing before one another. Thomas rubbed the back of his head, for once, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Wow." he said, chuckling, "This is a lot harder than I anticipated."

Mai smirked, trying to hold back the threatening flow of tears from behind her eyes, "You getting all soft on me now, Rush?"

"No, just never imagined I'd have to say goodbye to my family again." he replied.

Mai's smirk dropped. The two looked down at the ground, Rush clearing his throat while Mai took another deep breath. Without warning, she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him, nearly knocking him over. She chose this moment to let her tears run freely. There was no shame in what she felt. She loved him. More than she thought was possible. After everything they had been through over the last two years. From the fighting arena to building settlements, to fighting the Twins to this moment right here. What was life going to be like without him by her side? She was devasted to see him go.