Darva had put on totally blacked-out sunglasses to hide and protect her eyes and a black cardigan to protect her skin from the sun. Well, not really. There was hardly any sun, so she was mostly protected from the cold. As Demons we already have much higher resistance to stimuli, but due to her condition, Darva's external resistance is reduced.
We arrive at Stansted airport with one piece of hand luggage each and four pieces of check in luggage between us. We would have flown via wings to America or taken our jet but we don't want to blow our cover or attract attention. Though, with our appearances, we'd attract attention anyway.
Blaire has to come with us as a guardian. Her name is now Bella Lakeland. She still has pale jade eyes but her hair is now thick black. From 24 years old, she gains several years and kicks it up to 32. Almost old enough to be our mum. Even though she isn't, she sure acts like it.
"Lara, get everyone over here! Callum, stop running around! No, Elizabeth, you may not have a donut. Over here Twyla!"
I walked over to where over to where Alvaro was running around and caught him by the wrist.
"Come on, Cal. You wanna get a phone don'tcha?" I ruffle his hair with my free hand.
He shuffles beside me while smoothing his hair down as I walk over to Blaire.
"Hold him," Blaire instructs.
"Sure," I reply.
Alexis and Dessa stand together, Alexis has got his arm around Dessa protectively. Darva manages to find us and I rest my hand on her shoulder.
"Kids, eh?" I chuckle.
"Don't I know it," she shakes her head.
Blaire has an iron grip on Celeste's arm who keeps whining for food. Nalin is leaning against a pillar, hands in pockets, looking fed up. Chuck is on the other side of the pillar, hands in pockets, looking as bored as ever. Apollo and Misty are talking about sibling things. Scar is looking at everyone like I am. I catch her eye and smile, she smiles back.
“Hey Darva, could you hold onto Callum for me?” I ask.
“Sure,” she nods and grabs the back of his neck.
“If this doesn’t help, we’ll need a baby harness,” I smile at Alvaro. He crosses his arms.
“Alright guys,” I call them all to attention. “Here are your mobiles.”
I take out a blackberry and hand it to Scar; a HTC for Apollo; Misty and Dessa both get LGs; Chuck and Alvaro get Samsungs; Nalin has an iPhone like Alexis; Celeste is given a Nokia; I hand a Sony Ericsson to Darva, fish out an Alcatel for myself and toss a blackberry to Blaire. She snatches it out of the air and glowers at me. I wink at her. You’d think phones would have aged out by now, but no. The scientists are too lazy.
“Alrighty then,” I clear my throat. “There are all our numbers on those phones. Of course you can send us thoughts, but when you need to look normal use your phone. I’ve got your passports for when we need to cross security, immigration, et cetera, et cetera on the other side. Pick your bags up, make sure you don’t leave anything behind, and let’s get a move on outta here.”
~*~*~
You’d also think planes would’ve developed but no, they haven’t. Slow progress in those scientists’ heads.
We get onto the plane and take our seats. I’m next to Scar; Apollo’s in front of her, Chuck’s in front of me; Blaire and Alvaro are in front of them; Dessa, Celeste and Alexis are in the 3 seats across the aisle from me and Scar; and Nalin, Misty, and Darva are in front of them.
