The Academy - Book One (Published)

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

Ward Home, Nah’Bye

Hours and days passed. Then finally three and a half weeks went by as Kayla and Kaelen spent time on their home world of Nah'Bye. She told her family about the wonderful sites to be seen on Ah'Taria. When she wasn't regaling them with her tales, she was helping Zay-Ro and Zahar study for the entrance exams into the Academy. At first she and Lucas talked everyday for hours at a time. However as the time came and went his communications became less frequent, and when he did contact her he was always in a hurry. Kaelen also became too busy to talk to; he was assisting in setting up the new military bases and trading stations.

Standing abruptly she felt a surge of dizziness. "Jael Quin, I think I am coming down with something."  Kayla placed her hand on her forehead and frowned.

Jael Quin walked over to her and replaced Kayla’s hand with her own, "You seem a little feverish." Walking toward the stove she said, "I will make you some barley tea.  Drink it and relax. It is probably a small cold."

Kayla nodded and went to the small bedroom she shared with Zahar to lay down.  Several minutes later Jael Quin came in with a tray of cookies and tea.  "Since you will be leaving soon I thought we could talk like we used to before you left for the Academy."

Kayla smiled sweetly at her stepmom before giving her a hug.  "I have missed you so much."

Jael Quin's eyes teared up as she gazed at Kayla. "And I have missed you.  You need to communicate with us more.  I don't care if you send messages by placing pen to paper-"

"Pen to paper?"

Kayla had never heard of this form of communication. Jael Quin told her stories about the ancients until Kayla dozed off.  Rising Jael Quin pulled the covers over her and walked out the door bumping into Kaelen.

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"Kaelen! Is everything ok?"  She could see the anger rolling around his beautiful hazel green eyes but when he shook his head she knew that he wouldn't discuss it with her.  "Keeping all those secrets bottled up will only cause you needless worry and stress."  Looking into his eyes she sighed, "If you ever need to talk remember that your dad and I are here for you."

Kaelen smiled down at Jael Quin. "I'm sorry Jael Quin," he smiled faintly.  "I didn't mean to appear bothered."  Looking into the small bedroom he sighed, "I'm done with my business here and I've been summoned back to Ah'Taria."  He pulled on his ear and grimaced as he thought of what awaited them. "Mia and I will be leaving tomorrow."

Jael Quin pouted. "I can't believe you both are leaving so soon."

He laughed. "We've been here for almost four weeks. I think the house has grown smaller with our presence."  He bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek before walking into the room and watching Kayla sleep peacefully.

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Ah'Taria

Kaelen walked into the Wilson gala with Mia on his arm and waited for them to be announced.  They had arrived a day early and he wanted his sister to enjoy today before the storm came.

"Announcing Ambassador Kaelen Matthew Ward and Paramour Makayla Aubree Ward," said a loud and deep voice clearly.

Kaelen paused briefly before escorting Mia down the stairs.  "Mia," he began.

"Kae and Kayla, you arrived early."  Jacob stood smiling toward both them, pumping Kae's hand as he glanced quickly around the room. He turned toward Kayla and gave her a small hug. "You look beautiful," he admired her lush figure in the form fitting cream dress.  His smile stayed in place and his eyes scanned the room again.