Epilogue
"I'm glad you could make it." Jackie smiled as Matt sat down across from her.
"Yeah, it's been a while since we've seen each other." Matt agreed. He was holding two Starbucks coffees in his hand, one of which he handed to Jackie.
"Thanks." Jackie murmured. She took a cautious sip. "So, how has work been for you?"
Matt shrugged. "It's been okay. You?"
"Fine."
They looked at the ground awkwardly. Neither really wanted to continue the polite small talk, but they didn't know how to begin the real conversation, either.
"Well, I'm just going to say it." Jackie finally began. She took a quick look around the room to make sure that no one was listening. "Inez's birthday is coming up, and I want to do something in Cyberspace. I already talked to Mother B and to Digit, and they're both on board. Digit was even talking about getting Slider and the others involved. The only thing is, it wouldn't be much of a trip to Cyberspace if you don't come. Come on, Matt, I know you're busy with your life and everything, but a little time in Cyberspace with all our friends can't hurt."
Matt took another sip of his drink, contemplating his options. "I want to, Jacks, I really do, but…"
"I know." Jackie murmured. "It's hard. Even for me. Every time I go visit, I feel like I could be trapped there again at any moment."
Matt nodded, avoiding eye contact. "That place was my home for so long. It feels like I'm betraying a part of childhood when I don't go back, but…I don't know how."
"You just have to jump in. It's like going swimming in a cold pool. Just take the plunge." A new voice joined the conversation. This voice was soft and sweet, and Jackie and Matt instantly looked up.
"Inez!" Jackie crossed her arms. "How much of that conversation did you hear?"
Inez smiled at her. "Only the last part."
Jackie relaxed, and took a minute to look over her friend. While she and Matt had grown up to look the way they had while they were in Cyberspace, Inez had changed completely. She had grown out her hair down to half her back, and wore contacts in lieu of glasses. She wore a simple light blue sundress and flip-flops. With minimal make up, she still retained the youthful glow of her adolescence, but she had an aura of maturity around her as well – one that most people her age wouldn't even begin to know how to get. One that could only have come from her time in Cyberspace.
"I guess you're right." Matt sighed, smiling lightly. "I guess it's time to go back."
"Come on." Inez stood up. "Digit's going to send the portal through my cell phone."
"Let's go." Matt and Jackie said in unison.
The three of them shared a smile.