The Search for Angelo's Story

Part 6

  Meanwhile, the four friends hung around their place enjoying themselves drinking smoothies and milkshakes from the dispensers they had. They had forgotten what they were worrying about and didn't remember where they had to be. "So, what exactly is this place anyway?" Marlina asked Violet, finishing a laugh. "Oh just some extra studio space that wasn't being used. My place is right up stairs" she responded pointing up. "Ooh well that's easy. You can come here by yourself whenever you want" Marlina said. "Yeah. But I don't do it often. It's way funner to hang out with you guys" Violet said. Marlina smiled then turned her head to look at Angelo. He and Jericho were talking amongst themselves. She smiled at the sight of them then turned to Violet again. "It's so great to have time to relax again" Marlina said. "You said it, kid" Violet said leaning back with a smile. Angelo and Jericho were having there own conversation as well. "I have to get a proper hold of riding" Jericho said. "Hm" Angelo responded with a short hum. "How did you?" Jericho asked. Angelo looked at him and shrugged "I'm not sure. It just happened". "I guess some people learn faster than others hm?" Jericho said. "I suppose so" Angelo said. "I have to thank you again for giving me the bike in the first place" "oh you're welcome" Jericho responded. There was a pause, then Jericho asked "What do you think about working with her?". "We really didn't have a choice. But if it'll help my father, I'll do what it takes" Angelo responded. "Well, Violet seems somewhat excited for this job" Jericho said turning to look at her. She was talking with Marlina. "And I don't think it'll be so bad as long as nothing bad happens" he said still looking her way, then turning his head to Angelo. He thought for a moment. "Marlina was assigned to work with us too. Just not in action. She would stay at the base and help out in finding out information through the computer" Jericho said noticing Angelo thinking. "I know" Angelo said "as long as she- or any of you- doesn't get hurt like last time..." "understood" Jericho said. Angelo didn't respond. "So what do you think guys?" Violet came in with Marlina next to her "should we head back? Remember that's a thing we had to do?"

  "Before we do, Violet, I have to ask" Marlina began.They all brought their attention to her curiously. "What is with that broken stage light on the floor over there?" She asked pointing at the shattered light. They all looked in its direction. "Yes, Violet. What is with that damaged light? I had noticed it before" Jericho asked. Him and Marlina looked at her expectantly as she and Angelo continued to look at it with awareness in their faces at what had happened. They glanced at each other then and Violet began "heh well it's a long story..." She said while scratching behind her head nervously. Angelo crossed his arms and closed his eyes seriously then "let's just say it was an accident that we can afford to fix" he said. Everyone looked at him now. He opened his eyes to look at Violet and smirked. That gave her the confidence to really say what happened. She began to explain what exactly had happened and the outcome with Angelo adding bits and pieces she may have left out as she got mixed expressions and reactions from Marlina and Jericho. "Oh my gosh were you two ok??" Marlina asked with her hands lightly over her mouth. She put her hands down seriously and said "Angelo could've injured his head even further than you hadn't realized was already hurt!". "You didn't have to go and take your boredom out on that ornament" Jericho said with a sly smirk. "Well you didn't have to go and be a smug runt about it" Violet said, in a teasingly angry tone. "I was alright, Marlina" Angelo assured her. "but what made you go and help a girl you didn't know- or well- remember and were mildly annoyed at?" She asked. Violet shot an unamused look toward her. She shrugged apologetically and redirected her attention toward Angelo "I acted on instinct I suppose" he responded "something told me she was a key part to my past" he paused a moment, seemingly choosing and contemplating the words he would say next "...a friend. And when I met Jericho... And you again, I had the same feeling" they all looked at him with surprised and pleased smiles. He had never recently stated out loud that he thought of them as his friends. "Oh, Angelo!" Marlina exclaimed overjoyed. She pulled Violet and Jericho in closer and hugged them all at once in a  short group hug. Marlina always seemed to be the one to bring them all together... Literally. They let go as Angelo gave a short chuckled. He looked at Jericho. He nodded. They both got up and the girls followed "I think it's time to get going" Jericho said. They then began to walk out "You know, whatever happens, now and in the future, I'll always stay by your side. And that goes for the rest of us. Remember that" Violet said to Angelo, not looking at him but walking next to him. Marlina and Jericho nodded firmly in agreement. He didn't respond for a moment, thinking. He didn't look her way but said "I will". So they all continued to the lab. Not knowing what was going to happen next. Their time in the hangout was fun while it lasted.
 
The group entered the lab and found themselves looking at the commander who was waiting with her arms crossed, looking to the floor, and Harold not too far away. "Oh there you are!" Harold said making his way to them. Jane lifted her head slightly at the sound of his exclamation. "We've waited long enough, it's time for you to give us answers and now" Angelo said. She unfolded her arms and straightened her posture from the position she was in. "As I said long before, I shut down the lab all those years ago to protect not only the city, but earth as well". They looked at her with untrusting expressions. "Also, I helped you to the hospital for the sake of you being one of my new recruits" she continued. There was still something more. She saw the distrust of her on their expressions and looked in Harold's direction. He had his arms crossed and waited for her to say something. "Fine, fine" Jane said raising her hands up "I also stopped the lab that day and saved you yesterday because.... I wanted to protect you" "I don't need any protecting" Angelo said right away. "But it's not for the reason you think" she continued "it was because... I care about you" she said shortly. Angelo looked  slightly surprised. He looked around at his friends then back at her. "Why would you? And how would you know who I was all that time ago?" He asked suspiciously. She hesitated a moment then finally said "because, Angelo, I'm your mother"