It was a day, just like every other day. Nothing seemed too spectacular or special that day, just some random day in September. Sure the holidays were on the way, but there was still plenty of the month left before it even got near October. Actually, the month had just started.

But there was something in the air.

Against the normal atmosphere of the cool morning, there was a stirring about the Mystery Inc house hold. The sound could be traced to the back corner of the first floor, Velma's room. For the most part, (besides the young woman flitting here and there in the room) everything seemed to be in place. With two exceptions: A calender and a suitcase. The calender sat upon her bed, looking innocent with the exception of a dark circle around one of the dates. And the suitcase was rapidly filling up...

"Leaving so soon?" Came a slightly unhappy voice from Velma's door. Hearing the voice, Velma turned around to see Daphne waiting in her doorway. Bringing a hand up to her face, Velma adjusted her glasses before looking back to her suitcase.

"Yeah. I think it's about time."

Her eyes wandered to the calender that sat nearby, the date staring back at her. Daphne watched her shorter friend for a while before she sighed.

"I know it's not necessary, but I figure you'll be going home on your skateboard... So here."

Tossing something, a large object landed upon Velma's head. Surprised, Velma pulled the thing off her head and looked back at Daphne, but she was already gone. No doubt getting ready to leave herself. Sighing, she turned back to her job at hand. Examining the object that Daphne threw at her, she noticed it was a rather nice, and large duffel bag that was red in color. No doubt it was hard to find it in her shade of orange, red was a nice second. And it was perfect to swing over her shoulder for such a trip. She would leave her other suitcase here for now, taking out the contents and adding it to her new bag. It was surprisingly big inside, and Velma had no trouble packing the suitcases worth inside the new bag. It was perfect. She would have to thank Daphne next time she saw her.

Looking at the date again, Velma sighed a final time before giving the room a loving look. Taking the bag, she slung it over her shoulder and let it settle before making way towards the door. She stopped long enough to give the door a caress, before she clicked off her light. Closing her door, she would be back... Eventually. But no matter how much she would miss her room, it would be there waiting for her.

Gathering herself up, she moved through the house. No one was in sight, but that was probably for the better. Reaching into the closet, she plucked her red sneakers from the pile and placed them on. From what shoes were still there, it seemed like she was going to be the first to leave. But better to get on her way, sooner she got there, the sooner she would be able to start. She only had so much time left.

Passing out of the house, Velma was quick to get down the driveway and into the garage. Waiting for her, was her gear and board. Once she was suited up, she cast one more glance at the house before jumping forward.

Once board met pavement... she was gone.

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The stripes of the road flashed by as she coasted through the streets of Coolsville. Up and down the roads weaved as she left the house behind her and she was off to her destination. Casting a few quick waves to the neighbors, she wove through town till a familiar sidewalk greeted her.

She knew every bump, crack and crevice all too well, and so did her kneecaps. It had been too long, and the little house in front of her was a welcome sight. Skidding the board to a stop, she kicked it up and tucked the board under her arm as she approached the front door. But before she was able to bring her gloved hand to the doorknob, it swung open.

Standing before her was a familiar figure. Scruffy, and graying by now, a pair of eyes glanced through his glasses and down at his watch. A smile growing under a neatly trimmed mustache.

"Just on time. Welcome home Pumpkin."

Reaching out his arms, Velma fell into them to give her father a big hug, though their heights weren't too different. She also made sure not to stab him with the skateboard. Parting, he held her at arms length to give her a look over.

"My my... Another year, eh? Come on in. We've been expecting you and made sure to have your room ready. Honey! Our daughter's home!" He called into the living room, tugging his 'little' Velma into the house. Whipping her hands upon her apron, Velma's mother made an appearance. As Harold took the board and bag from her, Velma was then free to give her mother a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm home." She said, looking up at her mother. Sometimes she wished for her mothers height, but genetics were funny things. But at least she wasn't shorter then her father. Her mother smiled down at her, returning the hug and kiss.

"Welcome home. But do you crazy kids have to do this every year? You always look so sad when you come home. Can't you do this all together?" With a crumpled brow, Marilyn never understood why they put themselves through this, time and time again.

"Oh mom... It's tradition. And besides, it would be too hard to do in a house full of Detectives. It's for the best that we all split up for a while."

"I know, I know. Still... Though it is nice to see you once and a while." Velma knew that look, and she did feel bad for not visiting, but the look didn't last. Marilyn knew her daughter was a busy woman, and didn't have too much time to spare to come and visit. All the more to enjoy this little time she would be home.

"Well... It's started anyway. But since your here! I made your favorite. Now go wash up! Shoo shoo!" Giving her one more hug, Marilyn sent her daughter upstairs to wash and get ready for lunch. She had alot of work to do, and would need a good, hearty lunch in her. And her mom was more then ready to deliver. After all, it was tradition.

Smiling, Velma nodded and obeyed her mothers wishes. Walking up the stairs, she was off to get herself ready. Pausing, she cast a look back to the front door. Her mind lingered on what she had to do, thinking of each of the gang before she turned her back away from the door. She would have time to think of that later, now it was time for a nice home made meal.

=Countdown: 5 days left=