Chapter 50

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April 2014


"Come on Nelson let's go! We're going to be late."

Nelson held up a jar of oatmeal raisin cookies in one hand and a loaf of banana nut bread in the other. "What do you think people will want more?"

The two had been on their way to Summerdale Station for another meeting of Howard's Avengers when Nelson suddenly decided he couldn't possibly last the whole meeting without a snack and so made a detour with Millie tagging along to the Food Depository.

Since Millie hated being late, she felt this stop-off was entirely unnecessary. Especially, since it wasn't that long ago, they had finished supper. Nelson really was insatiable when it came to his appetite.

Millie grabbed the jar of oatmeal cookies, "We'll take both; now move it!"

Nelson chuckled as he followed Millie out of the kitchens. "No one will care if we are late," Nelson reminded Millie for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"That's not the point and you know it," Millie answered as Nelson caught up to her and grabbed onto her right elbow.

"I know, I know," Nelson replied sardonically, "But which is worse, being late or having to listen to me complain?"

Millie sighed as they were nearing the station. "Both are equally awful."

Nelson laughed, "Millie don't be crazy."

Once in the station it was obvious they were the last to arrive. Millie threw Nelson an agitated look and then plopped down in the circle next to Taryn who had brought along Benedict for his first meeting. Even though neither could participate as both arrived at the Clinkirk Compound either at the start of or during Rafanoli's Challenge they had generously offered to contribute to their cause.

Millie opened the jar of cookies and handed it to Taryn, instructing him to take one and pass it along, while Nelson sent the loaf of banana bread going in the opposite direction.

Effie was the only one standing; she held a red spiral notebook in one hand and a fountain pen in the other.

"Well now that we are all here," Effie glanced at Millie and Nelson as she said this prompting Millie to take away the cookie Nelson was just about to bite into.

"Hey!" cried Nelson, "I told you I was sorry."

But Millie just shook her head and ate the cookie herself, leaving Nelson pouting until the jar of cookies made its way back to him.

"As I was saying," continued Effie, "Thank you all for coming tonight. I've called this meeting to update you on our progress." Effie flipped her notebook open, "Currently we have collected one thousand six hundred and eighty seibolds."

At this a loud cheer went up. When it died down Effie resumed her speech.

"Yes, we have done very well," she agreed, "Only three hundred and twenty more seibolds to go. With just over a month left it looks like we will definitely reach our goal."

"Are you getting excited Josiah?" asked Andrea, breaking her slice of banana bread in half and giving the rest to Glenn who sat beside her.

Josiah shrugged.

"Of course, he's happy to leave," Effie answered, looking at Josiah as one might a puppy with an injured paw, "But the reality is sinking in and naturally he's going to miss us."

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