The Empire's Descent (First Draft)

Chapter 10: Homecoming

Two days later and it was finally time for the girls to be discharged.

"And you're done," Doctor Swanson cheered as Luca signed the final documents permitting the release of the children from the Hospital. Danna also cheered with a soft 'yay' which encouraged Mma to clap.

"Finally," Luca mumbled. He knew the road to recovery would be long and challenging, but this felt like one step forward.

"Congratulations," Lia gave Luca a brief hug. The two had been in constant communication the last 2 weeks: sometimes, it was just about the girls and other times, it was more intrapersonal than that (platonically, of course).

"Thank you, Cara," He mumbled in her embrace. Lia secretly transferred a protective energy that would only increase Luca's instincts for a while. Ada remained neutral. She was waiting until they got from under this microscopic environ to see how this would work out.

After hugs, well-wishes and promises to keep in touch by Lia, the family made their way into the car waiting for them-a Subaru outfitted for the safety level his world demands; Luca thought it would be a safe car to have his sorelline.

They entered the vehicle and Luca ensured they were all buckled before the driver finished loading their luggage and carried them to the airport.

"You guys have never been on a plane, have you?"

"Not that we know of," Ada answered.

Luca nodded. He had to make some calls and get some things in order before they made it home. He wondered briefly if he should tell his brothers before getting there. It's best they're prepared, he decided.

'Marco, prepare my brothers and sort out some stuffies for the guest rooms at the house.' He texted.

'Already being sorted, man.'

He had to be thankful for Marco, 'thanks'.

Almost immediately into the drive, Mma fell asleep. Ada suspected that the repetitive pattern on the smooth road lulled her to sleep. Danna was content to look out the window; Ada figured she wanted to draw it. She looked to Luca next who was already looking at her.

"You know you look so much like her, our Nne, with Dad's eyes, of course," Luca told her softly. (Mother).

Ada looked down, Marlon loved that about her. The memories threatened to overwhelm her so, she wrapped her arms around herself and dug her nails in her sides. The pain grounded her. Luca frowned at her, vaguely feeling that something was off, but he couldn't see what she was doing to herself. So, he let it go...

"We have to talk on the plane," she managed to say after a while.

"Of course," Luca responded with slight disappointment. He didn't know how to bridge the gap between them. Adamma and Adannaya had both met him halfway, but Ada refused to even look his way. He would keep trying though.

Ada felt bad, she could see his effort, but there was a lot of things holding her back.

"You know she was waiting... waiting for our family to be reunited," Ada offered.

The words hung in the air as they both looked off into space. So many what ifs...

They boarded Luca's jet and settled. In a few minutes, they were airborne. Adamma remained asleep and Danna had later fallen asleep because she was scared so, Luca carried them to the bedroom. Luca came back to the cabin and dropped in the seat across from Ada.

"I understand why Mma fell asleep, but I didn't think Danna would too," Luca attempted light conversation.

"Mma likes the pattern in the vibrations and Danna was scared," Ada explained with a heavy heart.