When I Awakened

Battle In My Backyard

Austin and I hop out and walk to the front door.

"You ready to see Mom?" I question.

"So ready," Austin answers, looking at the door.

I step up and knock at the door and step back to stand with Austin. About a minute passes, and I hear the door make noises as if someone is unlocking the door. The door opens, and my mom appears, covering her mouth.

"Skylar? Austin?" my mom starts as tears fill in her eyes.

"Hey, Mom!" I exclaim, reaching out for a hug.

Austin joins in, and we don't move from that position until Casey interrupts.

"Skylar! Austin!" she shouts.

I run into my house and give Casey a huge hug. I've missed my family. I'm glad I'm able to be home again, after everything I have gone through.

Austin and my mom walk in and can barely see the jeep start and drive off.

"Let's talk on the couch," my mom instructs.

The look in her eye made me feel so happy.

"So, how did you guys do it?" my mom asks.

"Well, at first we got taken and strapped down on chairs. In two different places. From there we never left each other's side," I start, "Elijah was outside of the building when I got out.

My mom looks at us, with her eyebrows raised. Casey has her hands in fists, and she looks ready to punch someone. and then her facial expression changed to what looks like curiosity.

"Are you guys dating yet?" Casey asks.

I blush and look down.

"Yes. Yes, we are."

Casey squeals, and jumps up and down in place.

"Casey, you always do this," I say laughing.

"Good thing those mints helped us remember who everyone is," my mom added.

I smiled.

"Luckily," I say.

"So, how was it after that?" Casey yells.

"Well, from there we faced a lion head-on," I pause. "It turns out they let it loose to go after us."

Austin moves his blonde hair out of his face and sits forward with his hands on his knees.

"Well, after that, we went to the military base. And, that is where I found out that..." I stop.

"Found out what, sweetheart?" my mom asks.

"That Austin was the one who put me to sleep," I pause, "and he is the reason I woke up early."

My mom looks at Austin, and Austin looks down. Casey looks at me.

"Wait a minute!" she yells while jerking up.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" Casey walks up to Austin.

"Simply because of time, and someone already put you to sleep, so there was simply nothing I could've done," he responds.

"Does this matter now? We're all awake and together. No more dwelling on the past," I command.

Casey stands up and walks out of the room into the kitchen. I look to Austin, and then to my mom.

"After that, I befriended the president. Well, I call him Mr. London," I say.