TERRA: Age Of Terror

~9~

.Pixel.

~Pario~

"Slowly now. Almost there... aaa—and there we go!"

I wipe the sweat off my face as I drop the 80-kilogram worth of books. "Does mom really need all this?"

"Yes pix." my dad replies as he wipes sweat off his beard. "You know; college professor stuff. So, this trip you are talking about... when will you be back?"

"Uhh soon..." I smile.

"So Acies... It's pretty far. Are you sure you'll be fine?"

"I am nightee—een daaadd..." I draw out my words. "I can totally take care of myself." "Eighteen and a half." My dad points out. I smile before heading downstairs to help carry a few more boxes back upstairs. My dad makes small bite-size sandwiches for us and we sit at the edge of the balcony. "This house is lovely. We really hit it big this time huh?" My dad just smiles. I can tell he is thinking.

Life hadn't dealt us the very best cards. But... we did play them well. I sip my tea and look out in front of me. The view is simply amazing. I stare at my dad, his gaze seemingly distant. He's had this look ever since he got his new job. He turns his gaze, meeting mine and we both smile. I love this about my dad. We could be in the same room, and never say a word, yet we would tell stories of our lives, the adventures we've had, even our fears. All this without any utterance.

A loud honk brings me to reality. We run downstairs in excitement to greet my mother. The only thing my Dad and I ever argue about is who my mum loves more.

The force of both our hugs pushes her back a bit. She laughs and says, "It really is a lovely house! I am so in love with its architecture! That reminds me, Pixel, honey, did you select architecture as your minor?"

My dad makes a strange face. "So, pixel was right... you do love her more than me!" He says accusingly, before my mother and I burst into laughter. "You are my number one dear; you always will be." my mother says and makes to kiss my father. "Eeww..." I give a faint smile and turn away. After a minute or so of uncomfortable awkwardness, I interrupt. "I am going with Turner today."

"Oh, that's true dear. Be safe please." My mother replies.

"I will."

And as if on cue, Turner pulls up in front of my garage. "Good day sir, ma'am" He bows a little. "My name is Turner" he says offering his hand. My dad takes it and shakes it firmly. "Do take care of my daughter please." Smiling I stretch to kiss my dad on his cheeks, hug my mother and stuff my boxes in the back seat of Turner's vehicle. "See you soon!" I yell before climbing unto the passenger seat of Turner's vehicle. As Turner drives off, I wave towards my parents before they finally disappear.

"Your folks are pretty chill." Turner says raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" I say laughing. "Well... your dad was all like 'Take care of my daughter, you hear!' and that was it." He says mockingly.

"Huh!" I gasp. "He definitely doesn't sound like that!"

"I really was ready for battle though, rest assured, he wouldn't give your husband a hard time." He turns towards my direction.

"A—and you care why?"

"Nothing... Just saying..." He turns his attention back to the road.

"A—anyway... we are almost at the dock. It shouldn't be too long before we get to Acies. Simon knows we are coming, doesn't he?"

"Ya... totally. I called him. He said he was expecting us."

"Okay..."

I sit back and recollect what we're going to Acies for. We'll get to the super-intelligent and surprisingly handsome Simon, get him to read the book, translate it and boom we're done. I'll get back home, meet my parents, and tell them the trip's over, so they don't worry... and yeah, done. And also do that crazy History assignment that bald man Jenkins deemed appropriate to hand out to first year students. Although... considering that it is about Aciean history... I might just be able to accomplish it. Might.