NOTE: To Jessicasaurus, I should be on fire, since I live in SoCal! Anyway, thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate them! You rock! This chapter is dedicated to you!
And here is the latest chapter of the revised edition!
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Alice came downstairs to a somewhat apologetic looking Graff, a teary Linda and a vivid looking Marty. Alice hurried to hide so she could hear their conversation. She crouched behind the couch. No one saw her.
"I'm sorry that I have to take Alice back with me. I really am."
Marty scoffed.
Graff's eyes spoke the truth. "It pains me to do it, Mr. and Mrs. Prince."
"Do you know what you're putting us through?" whispered Linda.
"No," said Graff.
"First you take Alice. Then Lex. Now, you make us believe that you don't need Alice anymore." She stared him straight in the eyes. "And then you wrench our family apart again?"
Graff said nothing.
"Well?" Linda exclaimed. "What do you have to say? Hmm?"
"I do have something else to tell you. It may make you feel better."
"I doubt it."
"It will," cooed Graff.
"Then what is it?" said Marty forcefully.
"Lex will be coming home shortly."
As that bit of information registered in the Prince family's minds, Alice revealed herself. "You're going to take me away right before my little sister comes home?"
Everyone started.
Alice turned to her parents and spoke with disdain. She crossed her arms. "He never meant this family to be whole."
"I do, Alice."
"Then prove it!"
"How?"
"Let me stay here!"
Graff looked right into her eyes. The eyes are a window into a person's soul. Alice could see that he regretted what he was about to say- his eyes were melancholy, filled with sorry and regret. His face, however, remained as stoic as he could keep it. "I can't do that."
"Why not?" Alice was practically yelling now.
His eyes were now solemn. "Because…" He paused. "Because…the IF needs you. No, the world needs you."
"Why?"
Graff hesitated, deciding whether or not to tell her the most dreadful truth. "I can't tell you that."
"Why can't you?"
"It's classified information."
"I don't give a damn about secrecy!"
Well you should, thought Graff. "It's time to go."
"Why should I go with you!"
"Because as of this moment, I have authority over you. You are an IF soldier and I am your superior officer!" Graff said, raising his voice just a little. Actually, she's not, but she doesn't know that.
Alice had to give in then. Her vision blurred a little as Linda and Marty opened their arms. "Come here sweetie."
They knelt and the family shared a long embrace. Linda kissed Alice on the head. Marty held them all tightly.
"Be strong, Alice," said Linda. "Do us proud. We love you."
"Guard your heart, Alice," said Marty. "Do your best."
After a moment, Graff spoke. "Alice. It's time to go."
They separated reluctantly. Alice hugged her parents one last time before Graff led her out the door. She had enough trouble not crying without having to hear Linda breaking down behind her.
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NOTE: I'm sorry this was so short, guys! I think of it like this- the quicker I get this done, the quicker I can advance the story.