Complex Robotics

Reconvene and Revelations

*comes back from the dead again to serve you another angst-filled chapter *

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Reconvene and Revelations

_______________________________________________________________

"Mom..." My unsteady voice trailed off, as my lips shivered.

She pulled me closer into a tighter ball, clutching me like I was her lifeline. And I held her too, drinking in her scent, memorizing her soft touch, and sweet voice. It had been so long since I last smelled that lovely lilac scent.  

Too long.

Words weren't even exchanged, but our emotions were enough to cover the absence of them. And when her gentle hand came up to stroke my head, I couldn't help it. My quivering lips let out a sob, and I began to weep. Tears streamed down my cheeks, coming to my chin and dripping down the front of my shirt, but I didn't wipe them. I didn't dare break away from her embrace, I didn't want her to slip away. My chest heaved as I quieted my sobs down to sniffles, trying to control my raging emotions. But relief washed over me when I realized what this meant.

My mother was here, and she was safe.

"Mom," I croaked, my voice hoarse from sobbing. I raised my head only slightly to meet her tear-rimmed eyes.

She just shook her head and pulled me closer, "I...I'd never thought I'd s-see you again. I'm just so thankful you're okay. I-I love you, Charlie! I love you so, so much and while you were g-gone I was a mess! All of us were! I couldn't s-sleep at night, knowing my beautiful daughter wasn't safe and secure in my arms. C-Colton was so depressed and your fa-" She cut herself off rather briskly, and took a deep breath, "I'm just so relieved...I found you."

Every word cut like a dagger to the heart, and I whimpered.

"It's okay baby girl," She cooed softly, "I'm right here."

"M-Mom," I stuttered, swallowing what felt like dead weight down my throat. It was becoming harder and harder to form words. "H...How did you...?"

"We were just coming back from California." She answered, already knowing what I was trying to say.

"California?" I mumbled into her shirt, slightly confused.

I felt her breathing hitch, "We'll talk about it later." She then pulled me away from her warm embrace. Her glossy red eyes fell on mine, and her features flatten to a look that meant she was completely serious. "Charlie, I need to know...what happened to you?"

I instantly tensed, and my eyes gazed down at the ground, "So many things have happened mom...I don't know where to start."

She nodded sympathetically, "Okay, I won't let you tell me now. At least, not here. Come on." Slowly, we both rose to our feet, still holding each other softly. It might have been a stupid fear, but I was paranoid that she might disappear if I let go.

It was at that moment when I realized that someone was watching us. His bright blue gaze was narrowed, and it never left my mother. He was standing only a few feet away from the open door of the convenience store, with his jaw set and his hands clenching the bag of items he had purchased perhaps a little too hard. It was also in that moment that I was reminded I was traveling with two alien robots of a secret race, and that we were supposed to be heading back to base.

This...may have just gotten a little complicated.

"Charlie," My mother whispered softly, her eyes narrowed with thinly-veiled anxiousness, "Who is that man watching us?"