The tears fall silently down my cheeks. "You give me courage when I have none. I love you, forever and always."
She wipes my tears and kisses my forehead. "I don't know what this journey holds for us; all I know is that we are family, which means that all roads will lead back to each other. Until we meet again."
I smile, because my aunt has never liked the word goodbye. She thinks it's too final. "Until we meet again."
For the first time, I notice Doc is not the only one with us in the courtyard now. There is a woman and a man of Asian descent. She is short and lean, while he is tall and muscled. Behind him is a man with a silver Mohawk, who looks to be in his forties. He’s shorter than the other man but just as muscled. Mr. Mohawk looks at me with a curious eye. My teacher, Mrs. Lopez, comes off the escalator, her expression guarded, but mine is anything but, because how is she here? My mouth is wide open. I'm shocked."Mrs. Lopez?" I am dumbfounded.
She has a hint of a smile. "Arabella, it appears I won't be taking those Art classes this Summer."
I smile sheepishly. "Guess not, sorry about that, and all."
She shrugs. "No need to feel sorry. The days leading up to the Great War are here."
I smile, although I'm not sure it's an appropriate action. I'm not very happy about this war that's coming. I understand it's necessary, and it's going to happen regardless, but I don't want to smile about it.
Mrs. Lopez looks toward her other companions. "Arabella, have you been introduced to everyone yet?"
I shake my head. "I know, Doc."
Pointing toward the first man and woman I saw; Mrs. Lopez begins the introductions. "Meet Mae Kim, the best archer that we have. She can make a target within a half a mile radius. Next to her, is her husband, Scott Kim. He's the second-best archer that we have."
His wife laughs, and he rolls his eyes. He looks at me and gives a wink. "She'll only have that title until the next competition."
Mae play shoves him. "Umm. I've beaten you in the past three competitions. What makes you think you will do any better the next time?"
Scott only laughs and shrugs his shoulders. Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. Mrs. Lopez continues, "Finally, that handsome man right there with the silver mohawk is my husband, David Lopez. He's the best hand-to-hand combat fighter that we have."
David comes to stand beside Mrs. Lopez and puts his arm lovingly around her shoulder. "Basically, if you're ever in a street fight, I'm your guy." He has a thick New England accent, and is handsome, ruggedly so. There is a fresh cut underneath his left eye.
"If you're the best fighter, I'd hate to see the other guy." I tease.
My statement catches him off guard for a second, but as soon as he realizes I'm talking about his eye, he laughs. "Something like that." He winks.
"What's your specialty, Mrs. Lopez?" I inquire.
She smirks. "I do a little of it all. My main job is a weapons specialist. If I don't have it in stock, I'll get it."
"Nice." I love her confidence. I wish I had more—no time like the present to get some.
Doc clears his throat. "Don't forget about me, ma'am."
He gives me a wink, and I melt. Nobody in their right mind would forget about you, Doc. Not waiting on Mrs. Lopez, he explains. "We use guns only when necessary. When it's time, I'm the one they call. I can hit a target from a mile away. It's a gift, really.”
I giggle. "It's nice that you've remained humble despite your success.
He smiles. "Yes, ma'am.?
I'm beyond embarrassed because my lips won’t stop smiling at him. Turning to my aunt, I grab her hand. "So, this is your team?"
She nods. "The best of the best. We have one more guy waiting on us at our next location.
"Good." I am genuinely relieved.
Mae looks at Aunt Georgia and points to her watch. "It's time."
Aunt Georgia closes her eyes, a look of agony crosses her face. After a moment, she opens them and smiles. “Time waitsfor no one, Arabella, and we must go. I meant what I said earlier, don't doubt yourself or your training. You’re more ready for this journey than you believe you are. Our paths will lead us back to one another.”
I hold back my tears. “Please, stay safe.”
