Helllloooooooooooo. So this is a new fic I'm starting after becoming re-obsessed with these totally underrated books. It follows the kids lives post-tribulation and as they return to normal lives, the things that take place in and amongst them. It's basically exploring how the adventures of life can be found in the every day, not just in the extraordinary times. I obviously don't own these books or characters because, let's face it, if I did, JuddxVicki would have happened a loooooooooooong time ago. :) Enjoy and review!
INTRODUCTION
"It's over." Vicki half sobbed, half laughed, throwing a hand over her mouth. "It's finally over."
Judd wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side, "We're finally free, honey." He smiled, planting a kiss on the side of her head, "We have the next thousand years to live in peace."
Vicki grinned up at him, "I can't imagine anyone I would rather spend the next thousand years with."
Judd leaned down and kissed his wife softly and passionately as they both revelled in the fact that their lives were finally going to be returning to semi-normality.
"Hey, you two! Get a room!"
The couple broke apart and looked behind them towards the voice coming from over the hill. There was Ryan standing with his arms crossed with a look of feigned disgust on his animated face.
The two ran to their friend and engulfed him in a huge embrace.
"Ryan, it's so good to see you!" Vicki exclaimed, crying again, "I can't believe this is real and you're alive!"
"I can't believe you two got married." Ryan laughed, "Actually that's a lie. I could see that coming a mile off."
"Hey!" Judd scolded, punching him lightly.
"Come on man, everyone knew you two would end up together except you two." A new voice responded.
The trio turned as Lionel joined them and they welcomed him into their group hug.
"It's been a while since it was just the four of us." Judd noted.
"Can you believe what we just experienced?" Vicki asked, "We just survived the craziest seven years in all of the history of the universe."
"Well some of us didn't." Ryan pointed out with a smirk.
"How do you even return to normal life after something like this?" Lionel asked. "I mean, I just watched my arm grow back. How can you just return to living an average life after all we've seen?"
"Well I know I'm looking forward to it." Judd smiled.
"Me too." Vicki said, arm still around Judd's waist.
"Yeah, I suppose you guys have plenty of like, married people stuff to do." Ryan smirked.
"Dude…" Lionel squirmed, not wanting to know what "married people stuff" Judd and Vicki had to do.
"Man, that's so not what I meant." Ryan retorted.
Vicki smiled. It was good to hear those two arguing again. Back in the earlier days of the tribulation, Vicki would have given anything to stop Lionel and Ryan from being at each others throats, but after Ryan died, she would have given anything to hear that sound again, and now, it was the sweetest sound in the world. Everything was alright again.
There were of course still practical things that needed to be done. For one, the kids all wanted to return to the States, and they all needed somewhere to live. It took a few weeks before everyone was settled into their new homes. They all took up residence in the same neighborhood. Judd and Vicki bought a small single-story place in Mount Prospect where they finally got to start a normal married life. Lionel, Ryan, Conrad, Mark and John got a place just down the road, while Shelly, Chaya, Darrion, Melinda and Janie got a place across the street. Returning to normal life was strange. Vicki was worried that it would be boring considering what they'd all been through, but that was not the case. If anything, she appreciated the everyday a lot more now, and she was sure that just because they weren't living in danger anymore, didn't mean they wouldn't have anymore adventures.