Runner (Riders of Apollo #3)

Epilogue: Mika Sage

I follow Raphael and Ollie through the school, fighting the urge to kick off at the looks we're getting from the women. They're all looking at us like we're a menace to the public - I mean, some of them want to fuck us but that's not the point - even though we've saved their asses more times than we can count. 

I mean for the last year or so we've been their police force. Dealing with their crimes, catching criminals and fighting off enemy clubs that would buy them out of everything. Apparently, that's not enough for these people. 

It's parent-teacher conferences tonight and I've never been to one before. My adoptive mother didn't like them because she knew how badly the school treated me and no matter how many times she tried to do something about it they were just as horrible to her as they were to me. Raphael knows what we're doing and I know Hunter and Marielle are in the building somewhere as well for Gem. 

Ollie gets all excited when we reach his classroom and he reaches up to take both of our hands. "Miss Harris is my favourite!" I don't call him out on the fact that she's his only teacher and neither does Raphael. 

A small red-head steps out of the classroom with a massive smile on her face and I immediately realise why the kids like her. She seems sweet and warm, with focused eyes and a pantsuit so parents are likely to trust her too. "Parents of Ollie Sage." Ollie sprints in after letting go of our hands and I kick off the wall to follow him, Raph bringing up the rear. "I'm Miss Harris, I'll be your son's teacher until the end of the year." 

"I'm Runner, this is Romeo." Ollie is sat in what I suppose is his desk and has ceased the normal fidgeting that comes with his survival tactics and impulsivity. It means he feels safe in here which is really good, I could never find a place I felt safe unless I was at home and I'm happy he has somewhere to escape to if he starts to panic. 

"Your son is doing very well, we were a bit worried to put him in 3rd grade since he missed out on the last year of his education but he has caught up very quickly and has even managed to surpass his classmates. His reading age is close to that of a twelve year old and his maths skill are unreal."

"Wonder where he gets that from." Raphael looks at me and I roll my eyes. I used to be average at math, computer science has always been more of my thing. It makes sense to me more than people do. 

"His English skills are thriving and he has a natural urge to learn. He's very protective too, I find him with one of the younger years, a little girl..." 

"Gemma. Yeah, she's our friend's child. They're together all the time at home." I tell her and she nods with a smile. 

"You've provided a very loving home for him, he's always bragging to his friends about you two. I felt like I didn't need to meet you after everything he's said. It's likely that he'll test out of 4th grade at the end of this semester, the principal has put him forward for that."

"Do you think that'll help with his growth? Don't we want him with kids his age?" Raphael looks at Ollie concerned. He's not listening to a word that's being said, playing on one of my old Gameboys to keep his hands busy. 

"It won't be too much of a difference, I'd be more worried if his social skills were further behind. He does have a little trouble initiating things but once they've started he is all in. The guidance counsellor is willing to set aside specific times to just get to know him, try and help him out. She suggested that a sport would be good for him for all the extra energy but it's up to you if you want him to see her." 

"I think we'll talk to him about it, see if he's comfortable with it." I say and Raphael agrees. He may be young but I'm not forcing him into having deep conversations with a stranger unless he's willing to give it a go. 

"Okay, hmm, have I forgotten anything?" She clicks her tongue as she stares down at the paper in front of her, "His behaviour is impeccable though we've realised he gets a little irritable if he doesn't have enough to do, we're going to start challenging him more to enhance his growth just so that he doesn't feel stuck." 

"Sounds good to us. He's extremely curious and likes to have something to do with his hands, his memory is impressive too." 

"Yes, I have noticed that. Perhaps eidetic or photographic. We'll see what other traits are shown as he grows but overall I'm very happy with how far he's come." 

"You hear that, little man?" I ask and he startles, dropping the Gameboy with a nervous smile. 

"Uhh, no. Am I in trouble?" 

"No, hijo, you've done really well." He grins beautifully, jumping out of his seat to hug Miss Harris, who accepts it with a smile. 

We meet up with Hunter, Mari and Gem in the parking lot and they all look happy too. "Looks like your son has been taking care of our daughter." Hunter says dryly, obviously frustrated with the idea of our son being all over his daughter. 

"Be nice, he protected her from those evil little kids the other day." Marielle scolds and I look at her in confusion. "Oh Miss Harris must have forgotten. Some vile little boys were pulling on her hair and teasing her so your son got in the way and threatened them. Apparently they haven't pulled anything since." 

"Nice!" I high five him and he accepts the gesture even without knowing why with excitement. "So, ice cream?"

We promised him that if she said nice things, we'd take him to get his favourite ice cream. It's on our way back to the clubhouse so we can just grab it on the way. Hunter and Mari decide to reward Gem with the same so we buy enough ice cream to feed the entire club, throwing the jugs into the trunk of Mari's car. 

"You brought ice cream!" Saviour cheers excitedly, letting us hand them all out before taking her favourite and sliding back into her seat. "Oh, Runner, this is my friend Sawyer." I notice the tall guy behind her and watch as Raph shakes his hand. 

"I'm Hope's godfather." Ooh, wrong thing to say.

"I don't know who you think you are, buddy boy but you don't get to walk all up in here with that attitude." Saviour starts laughing and I realise that they're just fucking with him. 

"Relax man, she can have two godfathers." The hands raise in mock-surrender and I coax Raph away before he gets his hands on him. I can only guess what kid of tussle that would be. 

I sit down with little man on the floor of the lounge as the entire club dig into their ice cream. I can only hope for more nights like this but even on the worst day, this'll be everything I'll ever need.

Family.