Chapter 14: So This Is What Training Is Like

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I looked around the room, hoping I would find a way to slip past Gran and Nick. I was certain that Nick had told Gran about his theory – or should I say, facts. Being with Aiden today was a distraction from facing my family. I didn't once think about the repercussions of my return to Black Onyx – Aiden had made it that easy to forget and just be myself.

Gran and Nick now stood in front of me and I felt trapped. I sunk in the couch, hoping I could disappear. Gran sat down on the leather ottoman next to me while Nick occupied the couch.

"Hi." I forced a smile at them both, but it was not returned.

"Aubrey, that's enough," Gran suddenly said and I bit my bottom lip hard, holding my tears back. Her tone took me back to when I was four and would fight with Nick. Nick had a habit of hiding my doll, Ms. Falula-Mango-Flutters, almost every other night before heading to bed. Of course, at the age of four, I was notorious for my tantrums. I would stomp around the house, screaming and throwing anything my little hands could grab at my brother.

"My Granddaughter is not a coward, and is most certainly not a liar," Gran continued and I felt sick to mt stomach.

I finally met her gaze and her blue eyes seemed softer. "How can you be sure I'm your Granddaughter?" I asked Gran. "How does that make sense when she is upstairs right now?"

Gran now looked sad. "Aubrey, anything is possible at Black Onyx. We work for the government and the amount of resources we have access too would surprise you. You're right, you could simply just look like an older version of my Granddaughter. But, let me tell you this. I know her inside out and as her Grandmother, I know when I see her standing before me."

Let me out, the tears pushed past the brick wall I built and now swam in my eyes. I tried to blink them away but a few escaped.

"Aubrey," Nick put his hand on mine.

"I work very closely with Carlos and Nick had overheard us speaking about the time travelling project he was assigned. No one knows about it as it is still being tested. When Nick approached me, I knew in an instant that it had worked. Or else, you wouldn't be here. Aubrey, my love, I know how you came here and I am so happy to see you all grown up. You are so beautiful."

I was taken back. "So you really believe that I came here from the future?" I asked, still in disbelief. In this moment, I was glad that the Black Onyx members were self-absorbed, narcissist who were too focused on themselves to pay attention to my conversation with Gran.

"I do. The connection I feel when your around, I know it's not my imagination. If Nick feels it too, it must be real. I see the way you look at me, Aubrey. The amount of love a stranger would not feel. I don't know why you are here and I hope you are not in trouble. But, to see you grown up is a blessing."

I suddenly leaned over and hugged Gran tightly, crying into her shoulder. She still smelled the same – a touch of lavender and honey. She held me in her arms, stroking my hair. "Gran, I've been so alone since I got here. I missed you so much, my life hasn't been the same since you left. Why, why did you have to leave," I cried, not helping the emotions that swarmed around me.

Gran let out a deep breath. "Aubrey, it saddens me that I am not in your life. But that comes with age, my darling. I raised you to be strong – with or without me." She now held my face in her hands. "I am so sorry I'm not there with you. But I am here now. And I want to know that you are okay."

I nodded, smiling. "Now, I'm okay."

I told Nick and Gran about how I got here, about how Amelia had approached me one evening and explained it all. I decided to refrain from telling them about Kimberly taking Nick away. I didn't want to hurt him or worry Gran.

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