I go to hop in the car with Ian and Liam. For some reason the mood feels tense and I think I have an idea why. In the pit of my stomach.
"Astrid, I have something to tell you, a new law came up and I have a feeling your not going to like it."
My voice hitches in the change of scene.
"Ian tell me now."
"Well, word got back to the democracy and they feel that a new rule should be enforced, that rule is; since you and Liam are dating he counts as a bodyguard. And with all the commotion back there they want me back considering I'm part of the agency and one of the strongest."
"That's so not fair, they can't do that."
I am livid about this.
"Don't they have to wait for me to agree to this."
"Technically, no, the villagers out rule you and you're brother so there's no point in arguing, nothing can be changed." He looks empty and disappointed. I don't blame him, I've grown very fond of him and he will be missed greatly.
"I fly out in about an hour."
Now I'm just a big ball of emotions. I wasn't expecting this to happen.
"So I'm guessing we're not going home then."
"No I'm driving us to the airport and then I'm boarding a plane."
"I'm going to miss you like crazy, you've been a great friend, but I guess I won't see you for a couple of more weeks." I don't know how I'll hold up but I will.
I can hear sniffling coming from the back and I know it's Liam.
"You've been like a brother to me, might I add a very annoying one but I wouldn't have changed these past few years for the life of me kid."
"Bro I'm only 9 months younger than you, we are the same age."
"Well I wouldn't care if you were a day younger than me, you will always be my annoying little brother who still can't get Astie."
"Touché my friend, touché."
Now we're all laughing like there's no tomorrow. The boys are clutching their sides and I'm busy trying to concentrate on the road. The airport is now in view.
"Looks like my stop is nearing."
He said with a sad tone.
"I have an idea." Liam perked up.
"We must Skype EVERY night, and since our trips are covered let's visit each other every weekend. We'll take turns visiting the democracy, and you visit us when we can't fly out."
"Everyone's smiling now, I like that idea."
I said feeling happy knowing we can see each other 3 days out of the week.
It's not perfect but Ian and Elliot can catch up and it's better than monthly visits right? I think so.
We pull up and say our goodbyes. Promising to visit him this Friday.
"Wanna order some takeout." Liam said mischievously.
"Your paying though."
"Yes your highness."
I shot him a glare that burns glass.
He then responded with a subtle wink.
"Get the door."
Liam shouted. I am so hungry I just wanna ravish the food.
"Astrid bear."
"Squeak."
"Brothers, what brings you here."
I already can tell since they're holding MY dinner may I point out.
"Just here for a pit stop, oh and we heard the news on Ian."
"Yeah." I said nonchalantly.
"So to cheer you up, we have decided to come along on your journeys to and from the Democracy."
'But obviously you don't need cheering up.'
Did Aiden just say that out loud.
"Oh shit-" he just realised his mistake and smiled sheepishly.
I embraced them into a tight hug. They sure weren't expecting that.
"How's school?" Asks Asher and Aiden simultaneously.
"It's actually pretty good and considering we have Janet for 3 out of 6 of our classes tops it off."
"Woah, can we come to your sc-oof."
"What the hell man, why you wanna ditch Alex and Zach."
"Sorry man, I was kidding, lighten up dude." And with that they were at each other's throats again. Just like old times.
About 1 hour later we join a Skype call with my dad and Samantha.
"Greetings children." Kim replied in her robot tone which only made us laugh till it hurt.
"Princess, I miss you so much."
"I miss you too dad, it sucks not seeing you everyday but I'll see you on the island on Friday?"
"Sure will honey, now how are my two bo-"
"Hey daddio," Asher replied in a hesitant tone. Aiden leaving Asher to fend for himself.
"Why the heck are you not in school young man."
"Chill dad, school hasn't even started yet, it starts next Monday."
"Ok, ok."
"Erm erm, we all turned to Sam only just noticing her existence in this call a second ago."
"Hey Momma S, how's Will and K, I hope they've been behaving themselves, must be hard not having Momma J at home considering she's WORKING AT OUR UNIVERSITY WITHOUT TELLING OR EVEN HINTING!!!"
"Calm down honey, and I'm not too sure you have your facts straight, we told the both of you that she was starting Colombia University but you totally zoned out, so we let it be and waited to hear your reaction, which by the way was absolutely priceless." Now Kim and Samantha were clutching their sides from laughing so much and it's times like this that I'm so grateful for a loving boyfriend and our family.
"Well we gotta go now honey, Kim has cheerleading practise, talk later love you lot's Astrid."
Liam grumbled a 'Love you too mum' and left them to it.
So much homework for the first day, luckily it's not due for a couple of weeks.
I get a text from Alex saying to meet him on the Island with Liam stat.
"We have to go."
Both of us responded in unison.
It's really creeping me out.
Kovorelle isn't doing so well and they want us back. Felix won't be able to make it, since he is struggling with homework Princeton said he had to stay behind and take extra classes. Alex on the other hand is doing just fine.
"There's a plane ready for us now." Alex said.
"I'll be outside your house in 10, be ready." Liam looked at me with a panicked face. I too had the same look.
I wonder what the hell these drastic changes are and what they are doing to the Island.
"Let's go."
