Chapter Nine- Citizenship
"This is an important moment in this city's history," Mary said, her voice trembling with excitement. "The bill could become a law."
"The gargoyles most likely will have to fill out citizenship papers," Dave added. "I wonder how that will go."
"We shouldn't get our hopes up," another member, Bill, spoke up. "The bill could die before reaching the mayor.'
"True," Brooklyn said. "But we can still pray and watch for news."
The meeting adjourned with the members agreeing that they'll meet at the same place and time a week after hearing the fate of the bill.
"Perhaps some of the clan would like to join P.I.T. if the bill passes," Brooklyn said.
"Maybe you would be able to attend day and night meetings."
"You as well. Amy, how about we glide over to Times Square on New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop?"
"Okay. It's a date."
The clan kept an eye on the news every night and Brooklyn and Amy watched during the day. None of them wanted to miss the initial event. Sometimes Brooklyn alone watched while Amy worked, but that was all right with him. Amy needed money to attend her classes which she had already signed up for the coming spring semester.
Brooklyn and Amy were watching the afternoon news on December twenty-sixth when they heard the news. "The legislature announces the passing of what they call The Interspecies Citizenship law. The mayor promises he will sign the bill which will become a law effective January second. The law will require gargoyles to fill out citizenship papers which will be handled by the head of the Gargoyles Task Force which will be renamed the Gargoyles Citizenship Committee."
The news anchor switched to a new story, but was drowned out by Brooklyn and Amy's cheers. They hugged one another and Brooklyn said, "We did it! We really did it! I can't wait to tell the clan!"
"Who's the head of this committee anyway?"
"Oh, a good friend of ours. Detective Matt Bluestone. He's also Elisa's partner."
"That's lucky. Well, I plan to file the papers on the second."
"So do I." Brooklyn didn't ask Amy why she was going to file papers: She was a gargoyle at night and it made sense that she would apply for citizenship.
The clan's eyes widened with shock and awe. "It passed?" Goliath finally asked. "Really?"
"We heard it this afternoon," Brooklyn said. "After January second, we fill out a few papers with Matt and we're officially citizens."
The city was full of riots and celebrations alike as news of gargoyle citizenship spread. Some of these gatherings occurred several times a day, which kept the police force busy. On New Year's Eve, however, everyone put aside their feelings to fill Times Square for the annual event of the ball drop. Two gargoyles, one red and one green, glided over the scene before landing on a building that provided a wonderful view of the people below and the shining ball that would drop to celebrate a new year.
Amy sighed as she snuggled up against Brooklyn. "This has been some year. I never thought it would end like this."
"Neither did I," Brooklyn admitted. "But I do know that the coming year is going to be amazing."
"And it'll start in a few moments," Amy said, pointing across the way. The ball was slowly falling, a digital countdown below the pole.
"Three…two…one…Happy New Year, Amy."
"Happy New Year, Brooklyn." Amy leaned forward and brought her lips to the edge of Brooklyn's beak. This kiss was different from the others. It was the kiss of hope, peace, and a new life together.
The End
