The Waywards
Twenty-Nine.
Rudy sat in the waiting room, heart heavy. Memories of his encounter with Ty plagued him. After his older brother and the teens left, hours later Ty was found face down in a decrepit alley. The Black Dragons were nowhere to be seen. The police had theories about what occurred that evening. They believed the Black Dragons found out the truth and tossed him. It wouldn't be a hard task. Ty was overstimulated by the power he received. The excess energy nearly fried him from the inside out. The nosebleeds had been an obvious warning.
He bit his lip at the thought of what could have been. He had been allowed a visitation with his brother, but it was short. It took days to get audience with him. After he spoke with his tired and disgruntled sibling, he came back to the hospital waiting room to sit. He remembered refusing the boys' offer to come. They needed rest.
"He will be okay."
"I know Phil," Rudy smiled, pleased with the companionship.
He had accepted Phil's offer to tag along. At first he was skeptical. He didn't know what the restaurant owner would think when they visited Ty, number one most wanted.
"I just wished he hadn't chosen this path," Rudy frowned. "After his hospital visit, he is heading to jail. I – wish I could have gotten through to him."
"You did the best you could," Phil promised.
He looked ahead. Jail would be best for Ty, but it didn't mean he liked it. He pulled his knees to his chest, while he sat. He was losing his older brother all over again.
Jack focused on the food particles sprinkled along the table in front of him. Phil's restaurant was unusually quiet. Often during lunch there was a huge rush of eager and hungry customers. At the moment, only a few individuals resided within the place. He glanced at his watch before his gaze returned to the dirty table.
"Mind if I join you?"
His lips twitched a bit at the familiar feminine voice. He nodded softly. A body slid into the seat opposite of him in the booth. He glanced at the soft gaze of Kim. A warmth spread throughout his body. He remembered a time when he honestly couldn't stand her. He thought she was fake. He thought all humans were ungrateful monsters. He would have never thought things could change.
"And why are you sitting here alone?" Kim asked.
"Thinking."
She smiled. "You know my father is about to make an announcement. I don't know but – Jack, I think it'll be good."
"And what if it isn't?"
Silence engulfed them as they sat in the booth. Kim bit her lip, fingers laced in her lap. Uncertainty still rested like a thick blanket upon him. The infamous saying 'Rome wasn't built in a day' clouded his mind. The city may have been saved by powers, but powers caused the destruction to begin with. Could the mayor make a distinction between good and bad?
"You were there at the meeting, Jack," Kim whispered. "He wouldn't let me join the meeting. Something about me being a distraction."
He laughed as she rolled her eyes.
"He shouldn't still be upset, should he?" Kim asked. "I mean after everything that happened I don't think he will still be upset. A week has gone by and still hasn't thrown you all in jail."
Jack's mind wandered to the memory of the meeting. It was a week before the mayor asked for their presence. He remembered how frightened his friends looked when they were invited to meet with meet Mayor Crawford. The walk to the Mayor's office had been long and stressful. Yes, they may not have been in jail, but the meeting was torturous enough.
"So many people were terrorized that day, Kim," Jack stated. "The first thing he did when he invited us in was read all the police reports of that day. I don't know, but I wasn't comforted by the different assaults that occurred by people with powers. It seemed he wanted to justify a decision that may not be favorable for us."
Kim sighed. Jack knew how the blonde felt about her father's past decisions. She had been the one to uncover all the skeletons in his closet. The night she unveiled Seaford's secrets was still a memory burned deep within his mind. All he knew was the city was split. Over the past few days, he was greeted with a smile and or a glare. Not everyone was okay with the outcome of the uprising.
"It is just," Jack paused and then continued. "We have been through so much. The journey over here was hard. Not all our powers were well controlled. I mean Jerry is just experiencing true control over his powers for first time in his life. Milton was a little better but even he struggles. We have been through so much and I just can't let my friends go through another round of it."
A gentle hand rested upon his own. He froze at the unexpected contact. He looked up, eyes focused on the sympathetic gaze. A tiny grin graced her lips and he returned the gesture. Despite their rocky beginning, the trust he felt at the moment was nice.
"Jack, I can't begin to speak for my father," she said, eyes focused on his. "I will say that all the power citizens of Seaford deserve so much. After my father spoke with you all yesterday, I had my own talk with him. I saw something in his eyes that I hadn't seen in a while. I may not know what he will say this afternoon, but I promise you it won't be as bad as you think."
Jack quieted. He watched Phil saunter over to their booth. He held a tray in one hand and a soda in the other. He accepted his order with a gracious smile. Phil gave him a look of understanding and disappeared. The future announcement from the mayor affected all of them, not just bodyguards but all those with powers.
"He wouldn't say what will happen to Jerry now."
Jack calmed his breathing. He remembered how they had to comfort Jerry. The shorter teen had been wrecked with anxiety. There had been no assurance that day. For all he knew, Jerry would be shipped out to a whole other part of the city.
"Before Friday, Jerry was destined for a new job," Jack commented, pain in his chest. "Jerry brought it up at the meeting and he didn't say anything. That is why I'm worried Kim. The man couldn't tell us whether or not he'd force Jerry to take a job. I mean technically we quit. He should have no authority over us, but the contract still binds us. Both parties have to agree the contract termination."
Kim laced her fingers with his. He briefly looked at their intertwined fingers.
"That is why I'm worried Kim," he confessed. "Whatever you thought you saw when you spoke with your dad. I can't imagine it is still there."
"Why don't you take the food to go?" Kim smiled, eyes on her watch. "The announcement should be in the next fifteen minutes. I'm certain my mom saved us some seats."
Jack nodded solemnly. He called for a paper bag for his food. The restaurant owner agreed. As they headed out, he watched the elder male close the restaurant. He guessed everyone would try to get out to see the announcement. He never thought he'd be so concerned over an announcement in his life. His mind wandered toward his friends, whom he come to call his family. He briefly noticed when Kim let go his hand. For a few seconds, he missed the comfort, but then his fear swept him away before he could think about it.
Brody stood outside the abandoned house. The familiar earthy scent drifted toward his nose. On his left, a tall redhead stood by him in silence. He was happy for the moment of peace. He entered the home, doors unlocked. A lump formed in his throat as he roamed the small decrepit home. He took a peek at the rooms, a lump in his throat. Everything remained untouched as if the Black Dragons planned to return.
"Do you think they will come back?"
He turned to the freckled teen. There was a moment of silence between them before the taller male shrugged. A small grin stretched across his features. He eyed the strange behavior before he entered the old room he shared.
"I can't read minds from this distance."
Brody chuckled lightly, as he flopped onto his worn out mattress.
"I shouldn't care about them," Brody commented. "I mean they never cared about me."
Milton eyed the haphazard state of the room and decided to stand for obvious reasons. Brody gazed at the cracked ceiling, his mind filled with memories. He may have been an outcast all along, but he wouldn't deny the strained friendship he had with the teens.
"I'm clearly better off without them," Brody reasoned, his hands behind his head. "Kai was a tyrant, Frank blindly followed him, and Carson was an emotionless jerk."
Milton sighed. "When we last encountered, I may have pick up a little on his past."
Brody sat up instantly, eyes set on the other, eager for clues.
"Nothing really ground shattering," Milton smiled. "Kai's parents accepted his ability. It was others around him that didn't. My guess he cracked under the mistreatment."
Brody frowned. "We all did."
"Hey, we should get to city hall," Milton reminded. "The mayor's announcement should be soon."
"Right," he nodded. "Hey, Milton."
Milton turned to the teen just before he exited the door.
"You didn't have to come with me," Brody laughed. "I thought – I don't know I thought they'd still be here and that I could convince them. Silly, right? I mean probably just because I'm a healer and this compassion and –"
Milton gave his a serious look. "Healer or not, you are good guy, Brody. You made the right choice to join us."
"Only after you saved me."
"Wrong."
Brody paused.
"I knew you'd change sides the moment I saw you in the convenience store, weeks ago," Milton shared. "I can read thoughts, remember?"
He nodded. "Maybe you right."
"You stayed to make sure they were alright," Milton shared. "After all Ty did take so much energy, deadly amounts."
"When they left with him, I was afraid," he confessed, cheeks flushed. "I know it is weird, but I was happy when they found Ty in the hospital. Not because of any vengeful thoughts or anything I mean I do hate the guy, but not wishing him harm or whatever. I was relieved, because I knew that the Black Dragons got away. Maybe if Seaford changes for the better they'll come back."
Milton smiled as he headed out the door. "Come on, five more minutes till the announcement."
Brody nodded firmly as they headed out the door.
Jerry felt uncomfortable. On their way to city hall, he had a brief encounter with his 'future' employer Mr. Earl. Despite the jovial expression on his face, the man was clearly displeased. He stated as Seaford citizen he had a right to any available bodyguard he wanted. He didn't think any future change in the city could interfere with that. Jerry was happy Rudy had been around to speak for him. Rudy sent Mr. Earl away instantly.
"Don't worry Jerry," Rudy assured. "We may not know what the mayor will say, but like I told you boys before I'm not going to let Seaford get you."
"Thanks, Rudy," Jerry remarked. "For coming with us, even though Jack didn't like you at first."
Rudy chuckled, fingers trapped within his own hair. "No problem. I didn't do as well of a job protecting you boys to be honest. There were brief instances but –"
"You helped us," Jerry promised.
Rudy chuckled, his hand upon Jerry's shoulder. Jerry analyzed the small crowd. He noticed its size change ever second. More people were filling into the preset chairs in front of the steps of city hall. The mayor was due on the scene soon. The anticipation welled within his chest. From his peripheral vision, he spotted Mr. Earl glaring at him. He turned his attention to the front quickly.
"Did we miss anything?"
"Jack," Jerry grinned. "No, you did miss Rudy tell Mr. Earl off though."
A frown appeared upon Jack's face. Jerry smiled, waving off the statement soon after. He spotted Kim next to Jack and grinned. He would have never thought a human could get so close to them. A few feet away Milton and Brody appeared. He waved the teens over enthusiastically. They joined them. Suddenly, a commotion happened behind them. He turned his attention back and frowned. There Eddie stood with Chad.
"I don't care what happened a few days ago," a teen male growled. "You work for me and should have been around to protect me. I had to fend for my life during that whole stupid fight. A bunch of freaking waywards lose control and I'm out in the open with no one. My parents thank goodness, were safe and out of town but I was left unprotected. My arm was broken."
Jerry winced at the obvious guilt flashing across the shorter male's face. He bristled at the scene. Eddie shouldn't have to feel guilty. He had been off the clock at the time of the uprising. There was no way he could have made it back to Chad in time.
"He better shut up before I break his other arm."
He looked to Taylor and chuckled. Kim wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders. It felt nice being surrounded by people. Memories of his abandonment briefly danced across his mind. He wondered what his parents were doing. Did they sell the house and move clear across the world? Did they ever remember Jerry? Were they relieved Jerry was gone?
"Stop it Jerry."
Jerry looked up to spot Milton standing on the other side of his chair. He noticed the stern look in the other's eyes.
"I know exactly what you are thinking."
"Please, don't read my thoughts," Jerry whispered. "I don't want you to see it."
Milton opened his mouth to correct Jerry on his assumptions, but closed his mouth.
"Give me a second," Kim answered. "I'm going to go get Eddie. I'm tired of seeing Chad yell at him."
Jerry watched the fierce blonde stomp over to where the two teens stood. She got in between them and pointed a finger right at Chad's face. The taller teen was shocked by the interruption, but ignored her and tried continuing his rant. Kim placed a hand to the teen's chest, eyes focused and determined. The male narrowed his eyes and stepped back.
"After this announcement, you better hope you find me in a good mood, Eddie," Chad warned. "Consider your pay cut in half."
Jerry frowned as he watched Eddie and Kim join their group. Eddie's lips turned down but he returned to his happy self when Taylor pushed him playfully.
"Don't worry about him, Eddie," Kim promised "I have a good feeling about now. Everything is going to change."
Eddie nodded softly. Jerry let out a relaxed sigh as he took a seat. Kim's reassuring words lulled him to an impromptu sleep. He was jostled awake by Jack. He glanced at his friend before he turned to the front. Mayor Chuck stood at a podium, news crew in the front row. Jerry and his friends remained in the second row. He spotted Kim's mother walking toward them. An empty seat rested beside Kim. After everyone seated the Mayor began.
"Citizens of Seaford California."
Jack sat quietly. His heart thumped non-stop within his chest. He look to his right and relaxed at the smile on Kim's face. She held so much peace in her softened gaze. If she could hope for better, then he would give believing a try. The war against people with powers still raged wildly outside the city, but if one place could change, the possibilities were endless.
"I welcome all of you this afternoon, to a very important announcement," he began, hands on the podium surface. "I thank all who are in attendance."
A camera flashes sounded after the statement. If the Mayor was annoyed or blinded, he didn't show it.
"Seaford has declared itself as a home for people with powers," he shared. "For years we have been proud of this title."
A few people in the audience snorted at the statement. Jack couldn't help but roll his eyes. This was home alright, if prison was a synonym for home. He glanced to his left and spotted Jerry. He patted the tense teen softly on the shoulder. He knew how much this moment meant for him.
"Three days ago, Seaford was hit with a heavy blow," he commented softly. "Over a thousand waywards rose up in a sudden uproar, a riot is the correct term. All spawned and instigated by one man, Ty. Yes, the very Ty that is wanted in many states for the same."
A tiny gasp left Rudy's lips. Jack watched the older male briefly. Ty was his older brother. He remembered how broken he had been after the hospital visit. The fear he held for his brother was clear.
"I am pleased to say, that Seaford police, apprehended him and he will face multiple charges from not just our city but many like ours. He will be locked up for many a years."
Enthusiastic claps surrounded him after the news. The mayor nodded and raised his hand to signal for silence.
"While, Ty, may have started the riot, many of our own citizens increased his effectiveness by joining the cause," he stated, bitterness dripping from his lips. "Punishment will not go lightly for these people either. The Black Dragons were a large part of his plot."
"But Mayor," one reporter, with bright blue eyes and highlights, shouted. "Reports state the Black Dragons are nowhere to be found. Do the police plan to find them and put them in custody?"
"We won't rest until they are brought to justice," he replied.
The reporter nodded, pleased with the answer.
"Now, for those who didn't fall prey to the promising lies of Ty, I extend my gratitude," he stated. "You've proven to Seaford that you are a loyal bunch and we can count on your loyalty for years to come."
Jack bit his lip. The man was stalling. The announcement they were all here for was on the tip of his tongue. Should he be afraid? Obviously, Mayor Crawford had plans for the city now that he had a reason to keep up with his awful law.
"Many of you have come here not for these side updates but a bigger problem," he shared. "Due to the critical condition the city has been put in. I have decided to amend a few laws. It has been brought to my immediate attention that my approach was off. As a young boy, I didn't believed there was any problem with the suggestion I made for the mayor years and years before me. I believed control was what the waywards needed."
A hushed silence drifted through the crowd. Jack clenched and unclenched his fists. There was a sense of reluctance in the mayor's voice.
"Our people have suffered greatly from this riot," he stated, voice saddened. "I have had the unfortunate moment of reviewing the extreme casualties of that day. I will not cover up the lives lost on that day, powered and human alike. It was an unnecessary occurrence that should be avoided at all cost. I know my decision will do that."
There was another pause in his speech. A few late comers moved into the crowd in search for open seats. Amongst the newcomers was young Sam and his parents. He noticed how tightly they held their son anytime they passed by a citizen of power. He winced at their obvious discomfort. He hadn't heard much from Sam during the riot. It worried all of them enough to seek out his presence. They had been unable to check on him due to his parent's paranoia after the fight.
"The registration office and registration process will remain."
Jack's heart dropped.
"The City of Seaford will continue to register all powers," he commented. "I have learned how important it is to know what powers are in our city. I believe that day proved how dangerous a power can be if gone unchecked. More strict laws will be implanted for check in. Ty slipped through our protected city just as some of the people here with powers failed to report their power to the city. This is and remains unacceptable."
A hand grabbed Jack's wrist. He looked to Jerry and frowned at the crease in the teen's brows. Quick unsteady breaths left the boy's mouth. He offered the teen a smile that went unnoticed. He sighed and returned his attention to the front.
"On the other hand, I've learned that too much control on a group of people leads to destruction, pain, and suffering on both sides. As of today the bodyguard requirement has been lifted, no bodyguards will remain in this city," he sighed. "Too many young teenagers have fallen because of an occupation they were truly not prepared for. I can't tell you the countless of nights I've read horrific reports. Yet I continued on, deluded into thinking it was all for a better cause, no I was wrong. I admit it."
A hand shot up from a man in the front. Jack watched the taller male with a suit arise to his feet once he was acknowledged. Brown locks thinned upon his head and his warm pink skin held a serious expression.
"Mayor Crawford," he male stated. "Not all contracts have been tainted by the insane power and greed of some of our citizens. What about the families who have peace with their bodyguard? My body guard, Levi has been with our family for years. He has saved my children countless of times. We wouldn't be here without him. We've always treated him with the upmost respect. He is practically a son to me."
Jack noticed a teen with warm brown skin seated beside the male. He was shocked to see the admiration in the younger teen's eyes. Were there really good relationships out there? Did some bodyguards have happy relations with the families they worked for? It was foreign to him. He was sure they all felt oppressed.
"I'd like to stay a bodyguard sir," the boy stated, arms by his side. "Mr. Stephenson has been a father to me all these years. I'm more of family than I am a bodyguard. I want to protect my family. If you say no bodyguards, I'll have to leave and I don't want to. After two days ago I was so scared. Someone with powers tried to take all their lives. If I hadn't been there—"
Tears welled in the teens eyes. Jack was thoroughly mesmerized by the older boy's affection for the family. Mr. Stephenson patted the boy's back softly before he rested his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"I lost my family years go," the boy continued. "This is my family, even though I'm a bodyguard, I've never been just a bodyguard. I have friends who feel the same."
A few chatter here and there spoke of the boy's plea.
"Lies!" a women, with warm beige skin, arose. "The boy is clearly brainwashed. This city must outlaw that nasty law Mayor Crawford. I won't live in a city that throws kids into battle without batting an eyelash. My dear Abigail lost one of her best friends to that brutal law. She has yet to recover from that horror, neither has the dear family. They sent that poor girl to fight against a family because of some feud. No, that law must go."
A few more voices tried to speak up for or against the two out spoken families.
"Everyone please, order," a younger male yelled into the microphone.
"Thank you Andrew," Mayor Chuck stated. "I must apologize if my statement was unclear. I'm aware of some of the peaceful relations between bodyguard and employer. Yes, a few do exist. I'm not banning bodyguards all together. I'm stating that no one who moves here or lives here must be forced into the occupation at the age of seventeen or any age for the matter. There will be a choice that a power citizen has. If they want to work for a family then they can. Citizens are allowed to ask, but aren't allowed to blackmail or threaten anyone if their offer is rejected."
He nodded firmly. Seconds after the statement, Jack frowned as Mr. Earl leapt to his feet. His face reddened by each second he stood. Jerry's grip on Jack's wrist tightened.
"I will not allow for this," Mr. Earl spat. "As a citizen I can't allow for this. Waywards should be controlled. Mayor Crawford your judgement has always been impeccable, but this will surely drag the city down. Now waywards will come from miles around to our city and think they can do whatever the heck they want. No, unacceptable. I plan to have a bodyguard and he will not dare defy me. Waywards need control, Mayor. Or haven't you seen the news lately? All around powers are harassing human beings. No one will be safe if we change so drastically."
"I kindly ask you to seat down," Mayor Chuck glared.
Mr. Earl frowned as he sat.
"I know this law change will affect many families, but like I stated there is a choice, free will," he smiled. "All powers are welcome to keep their contracts. All families could try and go against my words, but there will be consequences for you actions. I will repeat myself again, unless I wasn't clear. No way will a power citizen be forced to take up the occupation of bodyguard. From today onward."
A large grin spread across Jack's face. All the other announcements following didn't register in his head. They could do as they please. They didn't have to disappear from Seaford. They could stay, live, and grow. An hour later, reporters swarmed the retreating figure of the mayor. The older man had spoken and good news spread throughout the crowd.
"See Jack," Kim stated, a smile formed on her lips. "I told you I saw something."
"We still have to stay registered," he remarked.
"I know but now with all of the perks. No, ulterior motives."
He thought over her statement and agreed. He looked to Jerry who was relieved. They would still have to keep an eye on Mr. Earl. The man seemed like he didn't go down without a fight, but for now they would celebrate.
"Kim."
Jack looked to the voice and was shocked to see Mayor Crawford standing before him. His wife wrapped her arms around him, a smile on her lips.
"Dad," she smiled.
"Did I do well?" he asked, a tiny grin on his lips.
Tears welled in her eyes as she ran to the man. He patted her back and then gave Jack a nod of acknowledgement. He focused on the older male, his eyes analyzing something. He wondered if he could spot just what Kim saw yesterday.
"Now, everything applies to you," Mr. Crawford stated, his family in his arms. "You three boys are welcome to stay my family's bodyguards. It is all up to you. If you choose to accept, the contract will remain and there will be less strict requirements. If you don't accept, I'll tear the contract to shreds and you'll never have to see it again."
"We'll think about it sir," Jack answered, his eyes focused on Milton and Jerry. "A lot has happened and we just wish to celebrate."
He nodded in understanding.
"Will you really send the Black Dragons to jail?" Brody asked.
Jack looked to the boy and frowned. He knew the shorter teen used to be a part of the riley bunch. Jack wished better for his cousin. He truly believed he could guide him if they had a chance.
"Do not worry," he smiled. "I've been informed of your last minute change in sides. You will not face much punishment. Possibly, community service? But no jail time, but it will be discussed more formally later."
Brody nodded quietly. Jack could tell the teen half accepted the verdict but he smiled all the same.
"Alright, dear, why don't we leave Kimberly and her friends alone?"
His wife smiled softly.
"Thanks."
Mayor Chuck smiled sadly. "No, thank you for putting up with me. I've done a lot of wrong boys, this won't even make up for the half of it. I can only hope that best is to come."
Mayor Chuck and his wife walked through the crowds. News reporters followed them closely behind. A tiny chuckled left his lips. Once again, Kim's hand slid into his own. He glanced at their laced fingers, flush on his cheeks.
"How about Phil's to celebrate?" Jerry suggest, a large grin on his face.
Eddied nodded, eyes watching behind them. Jack turned to see Chad, glaring at them.
"Don't worry about him Eddie," Jack shared. "You don't need to be guilty for anything."
He nodded softly. "Thanks, Jack."
"Aright everyone to Phil's!"
"It will be on your house!" Phil announced.
Everyone laughed as they made their way to Phil's.
Jack reclined against a park bench, a smile on his lips. Time seem to crawl on in the city of Seaford. After the boys decided to end their bodyguard occupation, they all had more free time. He looked out into the distance, eyes focused on the setting sun. He crushed an empty soda can in his bare hands with ease. A tiny grin graced his lips.
"I hope you plan to recycle that can."
His eyes went toward the amused smile on Kim's lips. "Littering will get you a fine."
"What took you so long?"
Kim shrugged her shoulders, hands within her pockets. "Nothing major, I ran into Taylor. You know how she can talk forever."
Jack chuckled as he walked alongside his companion. They didn't have much plans but decided to see where the evening led them. They traveled from the park toward a familiar diner blocks away. He watched Kim pause before the door. Jack stood beside her.
"I don't have a very fond memory of this place," Kim responded, a frown on her lips. "All I can remember is Sarah Beth."
"Hey, like I said before. Nothing is your fault. Come on, I'll buy you a milkshake."
Kim smiled and rolled her eyes when he opened the door. "Such a gentleman."
They sat in a booth near the window, several seats away from their original seat. As they enjoyed the meal, the news blared in the background. He noticed Kim's frown and turned in his spot to pay attention to the news.
"Officers say it is a copycat. They speculate that he admires Ty's beliefs and wishes to revive it in his absence. There is no further information on his whereabouts, but he is still at large."
"Stupid waywards," a male snorted. "Every single time they are causing trouble. I tell you, Seaford is being way too nice too all these powers. We should have continued to put them in their place, but no they have feelings. We have to listen to their complaints. Ridiculous."
Jack narrowed his eyes at the back of the man's head. Before he could drown in rage, he turned his attention away. Kim's concerned gaze met his anger filled eyes. He gave her a soft smile and continued with his meal, a burger and fries.
"The world is going to change soon, Jack."
Jack nodded. "Just not today."
She sighed and then smiled. "You are coming to my karate tournament this weekend right?"
Jack smiled. "Yeah, we will all be there."
Kim's smile widened as she turned back to her milkshake. A soft sigh fell from Jack's own lips. Seaford may have changed for the better, but the world was progressing slowly. He shook the stressful thoughts from his mind and focused on the present. Kim was right. The world was going to change soon. They would just have to wait patiently for it. Jack could wait.
Hey! There you have it! The final chapter of The Waywards. It was so much fun to write. I enjoyed it a lot.
Special Thanks to reviewer:
Guest, thanks for the review.
Well, this is the end. I hoped you enjoyed this story as much as I did. It has been such a blast to write. I will say this was a very long chapter and I was hesitant to make it this long, but I tried to split it and then realized it would break the flow of the final chapter. Hopefully, it wasn't too long for anyone. Feel free to let me know what you thought about the ending, the characters, or the story as a whole. I'm excited to see what you all think.
All the awesome feedback has truly put a smile on my face. Thanks again to all those who read, follow, favorite, and review this story. I can't thank you all enough for the support. You all continue to be the best!
Until Next Story,
Bye
