Finding Home

4

Theo ~

"There is an In and Out burger up a head." Mox said as we slowly make our way through Redding.

"Find the address and text it to Carson." I said as I make my way into the parking lot.

"I could go for a burger." Wren said as she hopped out of the back seat.

"Consider it my treat then." Carson said coming up behind us.

"Hey man, where is your stuff?" I asked him as he walked up next to me.

"I have it all in here."He said showing us his miniatures backpack on his key ring.

"So cool." Mox said staring at the little bag.

"I know your brother taught me that one. I use it all the time." He said making Wren and Mox stare at me.

"Clark show me how to do that a long time ago. Maybe I'll teach you guys once we get to where ever it is we are going." I said before ordering our food.

We sat outside. It was a little cooler here then what it has been. It was getting closer to October and things were starting to look as if fall was coming. We can from a state that was like summer all the time. Only glimpses of snow or cold weather. Georgia was beautiful. But I have to say that the trees here where like nothing I'd ever seen. Big and green.

"So I think we should drive through the night. You guys up for it?" Carson asked as he finished his meal.

"We got an early start so I don't know if I can stay awake driving all night." I said already tired.

"That's why I'm here, T. I'm going to take over driving now. And we can stop for dinner and freshen up before dark." Carson said. This makes me think he looked into our future and knows we are close. But to be honest I'm glad he's here to help me through this.

"Yeah okay, but if the kids get cranky, we stop." I said looking at him and the kids.

"Deal. I brought some books and my iPad so they can watch movies. I also have loads of snacks and a cooler with water and juice. I even packed a salad and some sandwiches." Carson said going to the back of the car.

He said a chant and his bag grew. Inside it was like a Mary Poppins bag with a never ending bottom. He pulled out the cooler, iPad and some other activities for the kids. And their treats from home. Before handing me a bag of sour cream and onion chips.

The kids grabbed their loot and got comfy in the back seat. I settled down in the front passenger seat with my phone, chips and a water. Carson was driving, well sitting in the drivers seat anyways.

The car and kids were full and we all had empty bladders. We was good for a couple hundred miles.

"So you peeked into the future, huh?" I asked once the kids were a sleep.

"Maybe a little. But as promised I won't tell you anything." He said.

"Good. As much as I want to know so I'm prepared, I don't want to go into this half cocked and ready to blow the fuck up." I said looking at the trees passing by.

"I will tell you this much. My mate is in the place we are going. If they wasn't I wouldn't be here. I would let you do this on your own. I know whatever happens you can handle it. And the kids will be fine. They have an amazing brother that loves them. And even if the fathers want to be fathers, you will always be their number one." He said making me happy.

"You're kidding. Your mate is there? Or mates. I'm so happy for you Car.

"Me too. I'm so excited. That's kind of why I want to keep driving. I want to meet her and get to know her. I know this much. She is a shifter, elf and witch. She is very beautiful." He said sounding so in love.

"A her, wow I kind of thought you'd have a male mate. But now that I think of it, a female suits you." I said.

"There could still be another out there. But she was all I saw when I took a peek. So I'm happy if she's the only one but will be just as happy if there is more." He said smiling.

Carson was a soft soul. He would do anything for anyone. His humor was one of a kind and his heart was as big as the galaxy. He's been my one and only friend since I was ten or so. He would come to work with his mom and help me clean and run errands. He's been my rock when I didn't think I could keep going. And I've been his when he was having issues with his dad. His dad wanted a strong warrior but that wasn't Carson. He was a genial giant.

"Bathroom break, please." Mox said in a sleepy voice.

"Me too." Wren whined.

"Bathroom break coming right up. As soon as something comes along. This road is kind of empty of anything." Carson said.

"We can go in the woods." Mox said sounding more awake now.

"Okay, but stay within eyesight and be quick. I have baby wipes in the back and a trash bag to put all our trash in." I said as Carson pulled over.

"We can have a snack and get fresh drinks while we are here." Car said as the car pulled over. I noticed the gas was at a quarter of a tank so I chanted a full tank before getting out and becoming one with nature.

"I don't really want my salad, I'll have an apple and some water, please." Wren said as we opened the cooler.

"I'm starving, sandwich and orange juice and my jerky, please." Mox said.

"Sounds good to me." Carson said grabbing him and Mox each a sandwich and orange juice.

I grabbed a sandwich, cranberry juice and an orange before closing everything up.

We were back on the road again by 9pm. We was getting deeper into the trees and mountains but the car was doing good and keeping us safe.

I fell asleep not to long after the kids did and Carson looked content behind the wheel with his headphones in and his music going.