Date: 2022

Location: Tracy Island

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Upon reaching the dining room the three brothers found a woman, who John took to be Lilith, laying items out on the table before covering them with a white towel.

Looking up she smiled and walked over to them, her hand outstretched, "Hi, I'm Lilith Jackson and you must be John and Virgil. I hope you're both feeling better after your ordeal."

John shook her hand as Virgil nodded silently from his chair, "Yes mam, we're both feeling much better than we were several hours ago that's for sure. Um … Ms. Jackson where is Raeden?"

Lilith smiled up at him, "Raeden and Ciara are cleaning up from breakfast. I was hoping to speak to you and your family before I bring Raeden in here. There are some things you need to understand about your daughter's life up till now. I know you are probably anxious to see her so I hope this won't be a problem."

Scott leaned down next to Virgil as John shook his head at the woman, "Virgil, I'm going to leave you here with John and go get the rest of the family okay."

Virgil nodded his head, his face reddening slightly, "Sure….Scott…..no problem."

After Scott had left, John pushed Virgil over to the table, maneuvering the wheel chair into Virgil's normal position, "There you go Virge. You need anything? I can ask Onaha to bring you something."

Virgil began to shake his head but noticing how thirsty he had become he changed his mind, "Maybe….. something…… to drink… like….tea or…..juice."

John grinned down at his brother and after squeezing Virgil's shoulder stepped over to the kitchen door, pushing it open he called out to the Malaysian woman, "Onaha, could we have some juice? Virgil and I both need some refreshment."

Her answer had them both grinning a moment later, "Of course, John. I'll bring some out in just a moment. You go sit down and rest and make sure Virgil does the same."

Sitting down next to his younger brother, John glanced up curiously at the woman, "Ms. Jackson, I was hoping you could explain why Raeden needed a special menu?"

Lilith sitting down across from the two brothers smiled understandingly, "Of course. Your father and other brothers have already been told about that. You see, Raeden has, since the time of her birth, been fed a concoction much like oatmeal or gruel that had a multitude of vitamins and other additives. She has never eaten anything other than that so her palate is somewhat dulled. New foods are going to be quite an adventure for her if not a challenge. We must also ensure that Raeden is weaned off the extra vitamins and additives slowly so as not to aggravate her system too much. And you must also remember that she has never had things like sugar and caffeine. While this is good it also becomes challenging when choosing the foods she can eat. This morning Raeden tried some plain corn flakes and honey. She also discovered bananas thanks to Ciara. Brains has found the recipe that the scientist were using in Raeden's food and has duplicated it so that we can begin slowly changing her over to regular food. Onaha knows exactly what we can and cannot try right now and will see that Raeden does not come into contact with anything that she cannot have."

John and Virgil stared wide eyed at the doctor, their minds reeling from just this one aspect of Raeden's life.

Finally John quietly voiced his thoughts, "She's never….she's never had any normal food her entire life? I don't understand why…..how could they do this to her?"

Virgil reached over and laid a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder as Lilith spoke, "I know it seems like a cruel thing to do but given her existence and what little physical activity she did it was the optimal choice."

Before John could respond the door to the kitchen flew open and Onaha swept in carrying a tray with several glasses and two pitchers. Setting the tray down in the middle of the table, the Malaysian woman quickly filled two of the glasses before hugging the two young men, placing gentle kisses on their heads, "Oh my boys! I am so happy that you are both home safe again. I was so worried about you!"

Noticing that Virgil was slightly trembling as she hugged him, Onaha threw John a worried glance.

John leaned closer to his younger brother, his voice soft, "Virge, do you need to go back to the infirmary? One of us will go and stay with you."

Virgil shook his head, "No…I want….to stay…..just let me…..try drinking…..something….maybe that……will help….If not…..I'll get…..one of the…..guys to …..take me back…..okay."

John nodded and squeezed Virgil's shoulder before settling back into his chair. Looking over at the doctor again, he quietly cleared his throat, "What else do I need to know about my daughter, Ms. Jackson?"

Lilith smiled kindly at him, "There are many things we will need to discuss today. As soon as the rest of your family gets here we can begin."

John nodded just as Jeff wearing a distraught expression came into the room, followed by Scott and the two youngest Tracy's, both of whom were equally upset.

Jeff moved swiftly over to his middle son's side, pausing only briefly to gently squeeze John's shoulder. Leaning down, Jeff hugged Virgil and whispered softly in his ear, "Are you alright son? Do you need to go back to the infirmary?"

Virgil shook his head, giving his father a grateful look, "No…I'm fine…really….I want….to stay…please Dad?"

Jeff sighed and squeezed Virgil's shoulders again, "Alright, you can stay. But if you start feeling bad Gordon will take you back to the infirmary and stay with you."

Virgil gave his father a soft smile, "Thanks….Dad."

Once Gordon and Alan had assured themselves that Virgil was okay, the family settled themselves around the table, focusing their attention on the doctor.

Lilith smiled warmly, "Wonderful, now we can begin."