AN/: To those of you who rather a more intense story, don't worry. Peace is something the Team isn't used to, and is not something I'm going to let them keep. I did want to have some fun with down time at the West house, but more action is on the way, I already wrote those chapters. The other characters are coming, and even character from Contest will make an appearance later. Just hang on.
Disclaimer: I can't be Matthew Reilly as I have never earned a cent for my writing...In fact, I've never earned a cent working at all...But that's besides the point.
Family Vacations
Four months after the near end of the world, the Wests took a family vacation. Jack had decided the imminent danger of another attack had passed well enough and they all needed to get out of the house. Lily was off for winter break and with the responsibility of the military off their shoulders, they were free. Jack proposed the idea to Lily and Zoe during an episode of The Simpsons.
Homer had just pulled a tracker chip from his back of his head: "I did it! And without any brain damage-amage-amage-amage..."
Jack had been pensive throughout much of the show and hadn't been much himself lately. Zoe was concerned, but he wouldn't tell her what was troubling him. Lily had noticed the change, too.
"Guys? May...I make a suggestion?" He asked, coming out of his reverie. Both women turned, though neither spoke, wondering whether he was finally going to explain.
"Well, we've been at peace for some time now, and as you guys have never met her, I was thinking we could go visit my mom."
Lily stared, excitement growing visibly, while Zoe gazed at him, confusion and slight disbelief etched into her features.
Jack hastened to explain, "I haven't seen her in over twelve years, before Lily was born, and I've told her about you guys and she really wants to meet you and is getting rather annoyed that it's been so long."
"This is what's been eating at you?" Zoe asked with forced calm.
Embarrassed, he answered softly, "Yeah. I felt irresponsible wanting to move us this soon after four...five...seven....no, eight nations were trying to kill us, and I wanted to give you a better honeymoon than a visit to my mom."
Zoe fixed him with a look that spoke volumes; So like a preoccupied child, the underlying issue extremely simple compared to his 'coping mechanism'. The very nature of the simplicity makes it that much harder to comfort the child, as her psychology professor had explained. It takes creativity to guide children through hardships. Apparently the same was true for protective husbands.
"You have to get used to the fact that we're family now, and of course I want to meet your mother! I'm happy with this as our honeymoon, because frankly, I've had enough of exotic locations. A family visit is quite different from anything we've done over the years, and that makes it special. I love you, Jack, we love you, and as long as you're happy, we will be too." And with that, Zoe hugged him tight and Jack smiled, kissing her as a thanks.
They started packing the next morning, and after a quick call to his overjoyed mom, they were off for Broome the following week.
