The Forbidden Trilogy(282)

I sighed. Robyn had walked on egg shells since Steele died. All of our missing memories had returned, and Robyn realized she had been the one to kidnap Ana and deliver her to Steele. She, of course, was not to blame, but she still worried every time she got near Ana. All I could do was reassure her it wasn't her fault. If I had any inclination to judge her for what had happened, I just thought about the horrible things I'd said and done, and knew that neither of us had any choice.

"I would really appreciate it if you could care for her, Robyn. Honestly."

She smiled and fluttered away to change my daughter.

Bernard walked up and hugged me. "Congratulations, Sam. You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

Drake came back and handed me some juice.

Bernard sat next to me. "I wanted to talk to you about school."

"You know I missed my interview. I mean, I obviously don't need financial help, but I missed my chance to be accepted into the art program." Money or no money, I still wanted desperately to study art, but I'd have to wait another year.

"I made a call. They can squeeze you in next week."

"Thank you, so much." Tears sprang to my eyes. "But there's just no way I can complete a portfolio by then."

"Well, a few of your friends have a surprise for you."

Dozens of my classmates lined up, and the first one to approach was Curtis, the kid who'd beat up Greg. "Sam, I know I'm an ass, but a long time ago, you drew this portrait for me and... well, here you go."

He handed me a painting I'd done of a tree in the fall, because he'd remarked that he loved the colors. His thoughts also surprised me as I looked from him to Greg. They'd made up, and he'd come out of the closet, with Greg's and Gary's help.

I looked at the painting, tears in my eyes. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."

One by one, every portrait I'd ever painted for my friends was returned to me with a short story of how I'd touched their lives. By the end, I was silently blessing whoever had invented waterproof mascara.

Even Tommy walked up, a small stack of papers in hand, with Serena beside him. The kids we'd rescued had gone home, if they had homes. Those who didn't now lived here. Tommy handed me the papers. "You made these for me when we first met. I hope they help you go to school, though I don't know why you want to go to more school when you don't have to. Adults are weird."

I looked at the papers and laughed even as tears streamed down my face. Every crazy make-believe animal he'd asked me to create for him and draw would now be a part of my permanent portfolio.

I hugged him so hard he squealed. "Sam, can't breathe."

I released him. "Sorry. This is just so amazing, Tommy. Thank you." I held his hand in one hand and reached for Serena's hand. "I love you both so much. I'm sorry you've had to go through such hard times, but know that you have a family here with us."

Serena's cat Angel ran by in a streak, chasing a barking Eddie, who had a piece of watermelon dangling from his mouth. Our resident dog and cat had a love/hate relationship with each other. Eddie loved Angel, and she hated him, at least on the surface. When she thought no one was looking, she'd snuggle up to him and sleep. The two were favorites among the children and adults alike.

Greg walked up to the stage and asked for everyone's attention. "Sam, without you and your bravery, we'd still be locked up in our lives, oblivious to what we were about to endure. You're the bravest person we've ever met, and you deserve to live your dreams. We will all be here for you to help with Ana, and anything else you need, so you can go to school and become a famous artist."

The entire school cheered as I sobbed tears of joy. Drake's arms wrapped around me and I beamed at my friends, so happy to finally have a real home and a real family.





Chapter 136 - Lucy



Bodies pressed together, swaying on the dance floor, as the four friends watched. Hunter and Mary approached Luke, Lucy, Sam and Drake. Lucy's heart fluttered when he smiled at her.

He held up five envelopes made of thick parchment, and handed one to each of them.

Lucy looked at hers. "What's this?"

He smiled. "Open it."

On the inside was a single sheet of paper with her name and the words, "You've been selected," with the IPI logo embossed on the back. She looked up. "Really?"

He nodded. "IPI wants you all to join us in Washington, D.C. You'd attend college at the IPI Academy and be full agents with pay, benefits and a free education."

Lucy looked at Luke and they shared a twin moment. Sam and Drake handed the envelopes back.

Sam smiled. "Thank you, Hunter, we're honored, but our place is here with our baby and this school. We're retired."