Pass It On (Book 3)

10 - Sketchbook

December 2028

I looked up at the crowd surrounding me. 

All my friends, all my family, everyone I love, looking down at me and the tiny thing in my arms. 

I thought about how far I've gotten, and it feels like all of it led up to this. 

I was completely happy. 

"Meet Salem May Amber Parker," Peter said. 

"Aw, that's pretty," Emmy spoke. 

"It means peaceful and complete," I said looking down at the little girl in my arms. She had her dad's hair color but my eyes. 

I felt Peter's hand rest on my shoulder. 

January 2047

I sat down at the island counter with a cup of tea, watching the news while breakfast cooked behind me. 

I saw a tall girl walk down the hallway, her light brown hair with a white streak flying in all directions. 

"Mom, where's my sketchbook?" 

I looked in the living room and saw Rory moving the couch cushions. 

"I think you left it in the lab," I told her. 

She sighed and replaced the cushions. She went over to the door next to the pantry and pressed the intercom. "Dad, is my sketchbook down there?" 

A few seconds passed. "Yeah, want me to bring it up?" I heard Peter say. 

"Yeah, the bus is going to be here in a couple of minutes." 

I saw a soccer ball come flying into the kitchen, heading straight for the stove. 

I raised my hand and stopped the ball mid-air. I grabbed it and set it on the chair I had been sitting on. 

"Benjamin Lukas Parker! What did I tell you about playing with balls in the house?" 

The 16-year-old came into the kitchen, his face completely red. 

"Sorry, mom." 

Rory snickered behind me. "Benjamin Lukas," 

Benny mocked her. "Aurora Gwendolyn." 

"Both of you, stop it." I went over to the stove and took the last batch of french toast off the pan. 

"Tell Salem to hurry up, or she's gonna miss breakfast." 

Benny walked back down the hallway while Rory grabbed a plate. 

The door next to the pantry beeped before it opened, Peter walking out. He pressed a button and the shelves covered the door. He set Rory's sketchbook on the counter. "Oh my god, that smells amazing." Peter kissed my cheek before grabbing a plate. "Is this your dad's recipe?" 

I nodded as I looked at the clock. "Kids, hurry up! You're gonna be late for the bus." 

Salem came into the kitchen, her hair now up in a ponytail. She wore a red shirt with black jeans and her leather jacket, similar to the one I used to wear when I was her age. 

She had the visor from her suit on and her birthday gift from Tony, a pen that turns into a sword. 

"Are you taking your suit to school?" Peter asked her. 

"Yeah, it's easier than stopping at the base." 

"Mom, when do I get a suit?" Rory asked me. 

"When you turn 16, hun." 

She groaned. 

"Salem got her first suit when she turned 16 and so did Benny." 

"Didn't you get your first suit when you were 15?" 

"It doesn't matter when I got my first suit, Rory. You'll get yours when you're 16." 

She groaned and grabbed her sketchbook before going down the hall. 

"Oh, mom, I think Roxy said her dad's birthday party is this Saturday," Salem said.

I sighed, looking at the calendar on the fridge. "Ok, I'll pick up a gift for Awsten after work." 

I heard the bus beep outside. 

Benny grabbed his ball and a piece of toast before heading to the door. 

Salem fixed her ponytail before following her brother. 

"Rory, the bus is here," Peter yelled. 

The pink-haired girl ran down the hall, stopping to kiss Peter's cheek before leaving. 

"Bye, kiddo." He said, just as the door closed. 

The End...

Of Elayna's story, at least.