They drove the ship to the checkpoint, who said they were to clear to land either in Seattle or Washington D.C. They chose DC. It had less memories of the competition. Plus, they figured that government officials would want to question them. Since Chalice didn't know how to land a spaceship, Aven landed in D.C with ease. They were met with a deputation of army officers, secret service, and the President herself. There were people crowding all around them, asking them questions, although this was mostly the reporters, who were being held back by the local police. In the throng, Chalice spotted Nathan, and was comforted that he had their back in case things went wrong. They were led to a limousine, and they were swiftly driven to a hotel where their parents had been gathered by the government as soon as the news had come to them that their children were alive. They were a bit apprehensive. Were they alright?
Chalice ran in and hugged her mom. It was then that she noticed a man next to her. "Who is he, mom?"
Her mom hugged her."Your father, but we can talk later, sweetie."
Chalice nodded.
Meanwhile, Shia was having difficulty believing that her mother was being so irresponsible as to leave her siblings at home by themselves."What! How could you?"
"Jake is taking care of them. "
"Yeah. Jake? The stoner? That was real wise, mom."
"Oh. He does weed?"
"Yes, mom."
Niko happily hugged his family. He had missed them so much. "Did you think I was dead? He joked, creating an uncomfortable silence in the room as everyone looked at him. "Oh. You guys did think that. Oh." He hugged them harder.
The police started herding the families to their individual cars, Shia still arguing, Chalice still trying to ask questions, Lissa talking to hers about her experiences, and Niko still silent, thinking about their effect on their parents. They all realized at the same time that they hadn't really said goodbye yet. They all ran past the police and gave each other their e-mail addresses and phone numbers. They hugged. It was one full of meaning and sadness.
They left with their families, but had the feeling that they would be reunited again someday. The world was not safe yet.
Thanks for reading, everyone! Write in the comments whether you want an epilogue/sequel.
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Chalice
Novela JuvenilChalice is a teenaged genius who makes her mom's life easy with inventions such as an holographic 3-D room and the best internet on the block, but her life becomes difficult when she is blackmailed into joining a competition in which the prize is dy...
