Gate 24

Chapter Eighteen

Orion and Poppy walk over to me, holding out their arms in appreciation. As they both wrap their arms around me, I know that I’m going to miss them and that they’re two of the best people I’ve ever met. “Thank you for accepting me into your community and befriending me,” I say to the two of them. “I gave you my details, didn’t I? My email and mobile and social networks and such.”As they pull away from me, I see them both nod and I smile at them. “I’m gonna miss you guys. Take care.”

Osmond is the next to come over and hug me. “Ray, you’ve been a great addition to the team. Honestly, you should become a full time rep next year! Keep in touch with me, yeah?” Nodding, I feel him smile as he hugs me. “Stay awesome. Again, thank you for coming and working for us for a little while. Hey, once I get back home, why don’t we meet up for a bit?” I tell him that I like that idea and that I’d be up for meeting up with him. “Hey, I’ll see you soon then!”

Bryon hugs one of his buddies, clinging to the blonde guy. “Yeah, come and visit me when you have the chance. I already look forward to November time!” The other guy hugs Bryon one last time before standing back and letting Sean hug him. Frankie clings to Poppy before kissing her cheek and telling her that they have to meet up as soon as they get the chance; Poppy says that she’ll y a ticket to come to the UK for a few weeks to visit us all before staying in Turkey with her father like she usually does.

Even Hugh says goodbye to Frankie, despite having a grudge. Or so we thought – he finally admits why he’s been such a douche to Frankie. “Lisa told me that you were an ex-criminal who murdered a man with my brother’s name. Recently, I’ve been asking others why they hated you and Lisa has spread lies that have managed to damage the relationship and teh person themselves. I do have a dead brother with the exact name that she gave me – I don’t think you’re responsible for my brother’s death or the kidnapping of Anna’s niece. In fact, I received news a few days ago telling me that it was a suicide, not a murder. I’m so sorry that I’ve been such an ass towards you Frankie.”

“I forgive you Hugh, you weren’t to know. Just because I’ve had run-ins with the law in the past, it doesn’t mean that I’m a mass criminal. I stole food, not children. Rumours get out of hand these days.” Frankie then hugs Hugh before turning to Barlow who stands by the smaller man. “Come here Barlow, you big teddy bear,” Frankie coos; Barlow runs towards her and scoops her up, leaving Hugh on the floor without a friend to hug. Opening my arms, I look at Hugh and he laughs at me.

“I thought you were a terrible person too – Lisa told me that you were here to pick up females and abduct them! Man, she comes out with some crap sometimes. Bro hug it out?” Nodding, I let him wrap his arms around me and smile. These people have helped me so much and I will miss them when I go back to the UK. “I hope you all travel safely. Well, I’m of – I need dinner because I’m covering for your ass tonight.” With that, Hugh disappears and Barlow turns to me.

“Where’s my hug?” I ask Barlow, opening my arms. I let him into my embrace. Then, as we hug, I see Lisa out of the corner of my eye, looking at me with a glint of evil and hatred in her eyes. As Barlow pulls away, I whisper in Frankie’s direction that the witch is coming. “Brace yourselves; she probably has a knife or something. I don’t trust her.” In all honesty, I don’t think I’ll ever trust a woman like that for years. Other than Frankie – Frankie and I are like sisters and she hasn’t spread any rumours about me.

“What’s this mother’s meeting going on?” What makes me laugh is that before this, she hadn’t revealed herself to anyone – now that her secret is out, she has decided to just flaunt it, as if it means nothing. Little does she know – Kirk’s friend will be in soon to investigate and hopefully arrest the crazed woman. “Ray, Frankie, ginger kid, why are your bags here? Wait; don’t tell me that you’re leaving! Why, you can’t leave this holiday village!” she advances towards me; I grip my bag hoping that she doesn’t steal it.