Primed: A Kayla Madison Story

Primed Part 37

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: BACK TO EARTH

I hopped in the carriage and we started off. I couldn't look at anyone since I was afraid, I'd break into tears—and I was not a pretty crier. Instead, I distracted myself with TDT issues. "If the FOAs can work anywhere, then why can't I leave from Jake's house."

Michael cleared his throat. "Good question. We need some areas where we won't attract as much attention when the portal opens in your world. Since Jake's home on your Earth is a popular hotel, there would be too many people that would notice you. The back of the library is a central location with more privacy than a typical street in either world. We want to ensure a smooth arrival."

I didn't want to think about what a non-smooth arrival meant.

We arrived at the library and it seemed like ages since I had first come to this world. I couldn't believe it had been such a short time ago.

Michael bowed and pointed off to the side. "I will wait for you over by that tree while you say goodbye to your father."

Michael walked away and I turned to my dad. I could feel my tears burning within.

Dad took a deep breath as he held my hands. "Kayla, I have always loved you but the letters and updates I have received over the years cannot begin to compare with getting to actually know you. You are amazing and I am so very proud of you."

I gave him a big hug. "I don't want to leave. I just got to know you."

He sniffled a bit and his eyes were moist. "Whatever happens, you are my daughter and I will always love you. However, I do want to make sure we keep a more direct contact." Dad pulled out his matching medallion on a chain the Chairman had given him for a gift. "The chairman has a personal interest in our success with keeping in touch."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The chairman had a love on your Earth as well. The initial TDT illness warning signs hit him faster than it did me. He left before it progressed further. As a result, he is still able to visit your world occasionally for short periods of time. There were rumors that he even fathered a child on your world—unsubstantiated of course. Whatever the reason, he wants to help us keep in touch." Dad held up the patent papers and examined it. "If I am not mistaken, this plan was for a communication device to work between the two worlds and our medallions are those prototypes. It was not successful, but I will do my best to determine how we can make it work. Hopefully, one day we can keep in direct contact with each other."

"So, that is what he meant by use your gifts well. Does my gift do anything?" I asked.

"Aside from being aesthetically pleasing? You never know with the Chairman—especially since the design was in the blueprints." Dad squeezed me so hard I was worried I'd split in half. "I shall look forward to our next visit now that I know you can handle this world. I love you, Kayla. FOA well!"

"I love you too, Dad." I gave him one last hug and went over to Michael. We both waved at Dad and then Michael tossed the FOA straight into the air. The golden portal opened up right in front of us. A seagull swooped by us and through the golden void.

It struck me as to why that bird had been able to lift my phone so easily. Seagull Prime! Hopefully phone thefts were the only damage it could cause.

We stepped through.

***

I landed on my feet, but of course I tripped shortly afterwards. At least it was not due to TDT. Michael grabbed my suitcase and the new overflow bag I'd brought with me and I carried my backpack.