Chapter 10

Friends

"That's really good news!" Erin smiled over a crystal call the next day. I'd called to give her an update after getting notified that my documents had made it to Milkweed. I was thrilled! I was finally able to relax. I'd been anxious about how long the delivery was taking for weeks.

"What do you think will happen now?" I asked her, trying to familiarize myself with this stage of the process. Erin pondered for a moment, her index finger tapping on her chin in thought. I sipped my cup of tea while I waited for her to answer.

"Well..." She hummed. "I'm pretty sure the headmaster is the one who gets the documents."

"Yeah?"

"Mm-hmm! The headmaster is usually the one who does your evaluation too."

"What evaluation?"

"The evaluation is done to make sure that the student asking to be readmitted is actually ready and apologetic. They're gonna want to be sure that you're not coming back to Milkweed just to make more trouble. The student has to be genuine about their intent to return."

"So, it's like a test?"

"Pretty much." Erin nodded. "Although I'm not too sure how it happens. Milkweed didn't really specify that part in the handbook. Probably so you'd be caught by surprise."

"Oh, wonderful!" I grinned sarcastically. "I just love surprises!"

"Hahaha!"

"Speaking of surprises, guess who I was overjoyed to see yesterday?"

"Hm? Who?" I finished off my tea and set the cup to the side where I was seated in my study. I chuckled before I finally answered Erin.

"Your favorite person, Sigmund!"

"Wait—what?! Stop, Kyle! Where?!"

"Here!"

"In Galaxy Hills?"

"Yes! It was unbelievable! He even gave me tickets to the show he put on last night. You heard about his tour, haven't you?"

"How couldn't I?" Erin responded with an eye roll. "It's all everyone's talking about. So, how was the show?"

"Wouldn't know. Didn't go."

"You didn't go?!" Erin laughed. I laughed with her. "Why not?!"

"As if!" I scoffed as she laughed on. "No! No! No! I don't want anything to do with his circus!"

"Circus?! HAHAHA! Kyle, please!"

"I'm serious! I saw enough of him at his little event. He was signing autographs whilst dressed like some sort of circus ring master! I was nauseated!"

"Did lots of people show up?"

"Tons! The whole town, practically!"

"Ah...he's doing well then, huh? Lots of fans."

I caught Erin's tone and frowned for a moment. She'd sounded a bit sad, but just as quickly as she'd spoken out, she'd continued on to cover it up.

"Well, good for you, too!" She smiled. "I'm not sure if I can help you anymore though. I mean, the rest of this process is up to Milkweed. It's really all in their hands now. I'm sorry..."

"Now, what on Earth are you apologizing for?" I gasped. "Erin, you've helped me more than enough! I would've been lost without your help! I owe you everything!"

"You owe me nothing. We're friends, that's what friends are for."

"When I get back to Milkweed, I'll give you free rides on my broom forever, or at the very least until we graduate!"

"Hahaha! Just be my friend forever instead, okay? Let's make a deal!"

"Yes! Of course! Deal!"

"Good!" Erin giggled. "Call me with updates! Good luck, Freckles!"

We waved goodbye to one another and I sat back in my seat with a sigh. I was overjoyed that Milkweed had finally gotten my documents. I'd be ready for that evaluation. Whatever essay they wanted me to write, I'd write it. Whatever test they'd be giving me, I'd study as much as I could before taking it. I was determined to do whatever it took to get back to Milkweed.

Being in a good mood made me want to do chores for once. I won't lie, my flat had definitely seen better days. With all the stress I'd been feeling over the past couple weeks, I'd neglected the house entirely and it showed. Dishes piled up in the sink, the floor needed to be swept up and all in all, the house needed some attention. I walked my tea cup into the kitchen and reached for a pair of yellow rubber gloves in the cabinet beside the pantry. Just to kick up the good mood, I'd conjured up a record player and started up some music.

As I got to the washing, the Necronomicon entered the kitchen. The book peered in my direction and seemed to smile.

"What's all this?" It inquired. I smiled back and shrugged, rinsing a plate in my hands.

"Cleaning."

"With music on?"

"I just felt for it, I suppose."

"Let me guess, you spoke to a certain enchantress again?"

"Oh, cut it out!" I spat, rolling my eyes. "We're just friends. I was telling her about the re-entry documents. From what she told me, it sounds like I'm closer to Milkweed than I thought!"

"Hence the good mood?"

"Precisely!"

"Well, cheers to that!" The book congratulated. "And when you get the chance, please polish my shelf! It's been collecting dust for ages now..."

Before I could shoo the book from the kitchen, there was a ring to my doorbell that caught our attention. Shutting the faucet off and pulling off my rubber gloves, I rushed out of my flat to answer the door. Opening the door to the front of the building, I instantly frowned.

"Kyle! There you are!" Fanboy gasped, letting himself into the lobby of the building. His sidekick followed behind him. I crossed my arms.

"What do you want?" I asked. "I'm busy right now."

"We waited for you to show up last night!" Fanboy pouted. "What happened?"

"I stayed home."

"B-but why?!" Chum Chum asked. "We thought you changed your mind!"

"Yeah!" Fanboy nodded. "You came to the meet and greet with us, so we thought you changed your mind about the show. We waited for you on the VIP line."

"I told you both that I didn't want to see Sigmund and I meant it."

"BUT KYLE!" They both whined. They'd been interrupted when my Necronomicon called out to me from the opened door of my flat.

"Kyle! Your crystal is ringing!"

"Goodness!" I gasped, rushing back inside to the dining room where I'd last left my crystal ball.

I didn't have time to get rid of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Doof, so of course, they followed me into my home as I answered the call. I was in complete and utter shock when Headmaster Merlin appeared on the other side of the orb. Just as quickly as I'd answered the call, I'd rushed into the kitchen to shut off the loud music from the record player. It didn't stop though, and I struggled to lower the volume as Merlin began to speak.

"Mr. Bloodworth-Thomason!" He greeted. "Good morning from where you are!"

"Heh! G-Good morning, Headmaster." I responded, forcing a grin.

When the music continued, I'd finally had enough. Somehow, I managed to roundhouse-kick the record player clean off the kitchen countertop, sending the player crashing into the next door dining room and the spinning vinyl to fling right off the base. It whizzed in Fanboy's direction and he quickly hit the deck to avoid it from hitting him.

"WHOA!" The duo marveled. I straightened up, thankful that Merlin hadn't taken notice of what just happened.

"I'm calling to let you know that we've recently received your discipline appeal and academy re-entry forms." Merlin spoke. "I looked them over myself this afternoon. Different time zone..." As he chuckled at his own joke, I smiled. The Headmaster was always such a lighthearted spirit. He continued after a breath.

"Before we proceed, I must know what your intention is. Did you, with your own free will, send these forms out for review?"

"Yes, absolutely!" I nodded eagerly.

"And what exactly then, is your intention?"

"I-I'd like to return to Milkweed Academy, sir. I'd like to return and complete my studies. And I'd like to come back as soon as possible. I-I'll make up any assignments I've missed, I swear! And I'll make sure to have them all done before the end of winter holiday if I must!"

"One step at a time, Mr. Bloodworth-Thomason..." Merlin cooed when he'd taken note of my frantic response. I caught myself and nodded, walking myself into the living room with the crystal to have a seat on the sofa. Fanboy and Chum Chum followed behind me and sat on the rug in front of me, completely entranced by my conversation on the crystal ball.

"Seeing as you have the intention to return to Milkweed Academy, we'll have to follow through with academy protocol. You'll have to be evaluated before you can return. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Headmaster."

"If you meet the requirements, your evaluation will be well received and we'll move on to whatever else necessary to have you readmitted. However, if for whatever reason it is deemed that you do not meet requirements, you will not be accepted to return. Is that clear?"

"HE'LL BE GREAT!" Chum Chum shouted suddenly. "Kyle's the best!" I gasped when Fanboy stood up to chime in.

"Yeah!" He yelled. "Kyle's awesome! You better let him back into your secret club!"

"No! No! Stop!" I whispered harshly, kicking them both back down onto the rug. To my surprise, the Headmaster laughed on the other end. I flushed in embarrassment. "Headmaster! My greatest apologies! P-please forgive me, I—!"

"Wonderful!" Merlin finally smiled. "I must say, it's refreshing to see you in such high spirits. Clearly, you're doing well where you are."

"O-oh...heh. I suppose..."

"So, with that understanding settled, expect myself or a member of the board to stop by and visit."

"Where, exactly?"

"According to the location you filled out in your documentation, the town in America called Galaxy Hills? Is that correct?"

"O-oh! You're coming to my home? Y-yes! That's correct!"

"Fantastic! The visit will be next week then. Friday evening. Does that work for you?"

I paused for a moment, totally taken off guard. I had no idea this would all be happening so soon! If they came through and everything went well, I could potentially be admitted back into Milkweed before the end of November! That would be a couple weeks before the winter holiday. I'd be able to catch up on my studies! I could do this! I could still make it to my sorting year!

"Yes! That's perfect!" I smiled.

"Alright then! Friday!" Merlin repeated. "Till then, take care and have a wonderful week ahead!"

"You, as well! Take care, Headmaster!"

Ending the call, I couldn't help but leap from the sofa with joy. I just couldn't contain myself in that moment. Fanboy and Chum Chum danced around the room with me, though they weren't exactly sure what I was celebrating.

"Woo-hoo~! Why are we dancing, Kyle?" Fanboy grinned.

"And who was that old man?" Chum Chum asked. I paused and tried my best to keep my smile back, but I couldn't.

"I'm leaving soon." I told them. They glanced at one another.

"Leaving?" Fanboy asked. I nodded.

"Where?" Chum Chum followed up.

"I'm going back to my old school." I replied. "The man on the crystal just then was the headmaster of the academy. He's coming to visit to let me back into Milkweed."

"What?!" Fanboy frowned. "B-but...if you leave...you won't be in Mufflin's class with us anymore."

"That's the plan!"

"And if you go, you'll be moving away too, right?"

"Yup! I'll be back to living on campus!"

Coming to their own realizations, I watched the expressions on their faces change. They'd been happy for me before, but now, they both exchanged tearful looks.

"You can't leave!" Chum Chum cried suddenly, his eyes welling up with tears. Annoyingly, he clung onto my leg and I wasn't able to shake him off. "Please don't go, Kyle!"

"Get off of me!"

"Don't go, Kyle!" Fanboy whined, grabbing hold of my other leg. "What'll we do without you?"

"Don't leave us, Kyle!" Chum Chum pouted. "You can't leave, we'll miss you!"

"Will you BOTH get off of me?!" I groaned, shoving them both away. They only clung on again and whined some more. I sighed. "Listen! Listen! Stop this foolery and listen!"

They hesitated, but finally let my legs go to look up at me from the rug. I was taken aback to see their faces actually flushed and stained with tears. I had figured they were just being silly and melodramatic. Seeing them completely serious really stunned me.

"Ugh..." I sighed again, joining them on the rug. I'd been meaning to kick them out, but the looks on their faces had softened me. "Look, I feel terrible about leaving you both, but I really want to complete my studies and this may be my one and only chance to go back."

"But...we'd miss you, Kyle..." Fanboy hiccupped. I frowned. I never really thought anyone would care about my whereabouts this much. I never had anyone crying over me this way. I wasn't sure what to say.

"W-well..." I stammered. "Maybe, when I go back, you guys could come and visit?" I wasn't even sure what I was saying anymore. The two of them, visiting the realm?! Not possible. I just didn't want them to cry anymore. "O-or maybe I can come back to visit during my holiday!"

"Would you, really?" Chum Chum asked. I nodded.

"I don't see why not. My family situation is a little...estranged at the moment. I wouldn't mind having your company then and again."

I conjured up a box of tissues, setting it down in front of them. The two took turns pulling tissues and grossly blew snot from their reddened noses. I cringed, but felt better seeing them both calming down.

"I didn't think you both would get so upset over this."

"Why wouldn't we?" Fanboy replied. "You're our buddy, Kyle."

"Our best buddy!" Chum Chum nodded.

"We're the three amigos!" Fanboy grinned. "And you haven't been here that long, so it bites that you're leaving. We're friends."

"Friends?" I blinked.

Truthfully, I always thought they enjoyed taunting me in class. I always figured they were purposefully ignoring me when I spoke or dragging me because I never fought back. I didn't realize they were actually enjoying my company and I didn't think they considered me a friend.

I recalled their empathy though, the way they'd been willing to skip out on seeing Sigmund, just to make sure I'd make it home. The way they dropped the entire idea of the events ahead, just to walk home with me. They'd been thrilled to see him and yet, they'd been willing to drop it all for me. And then there was the reason they'd come over in the first place, to check on me after I didn't show last night. It was night and day when I compared it to Sigmund, who'd been willing to drop what he loved just to spite me instead. Friends? Maybe we were.

"Didn't that old man with the beard say you have to pass a quest to go back?" Fanboy asked me suddenly. I smiled softly. I was surprised he'd been listening.

"Not a quest..." I chuckled. "But some type of test. Yes, I'll have to pass the test to be readmitted."

"What if it's something really tough?"

"I'm sure I'll manage. The Headmaster is a very kind man. I doubt he'll make it very difficult for me." I paused for a moment. "Though...he did say he'd be arriving in the evening. I'll have to have supper prepared for his arrival..."

"Dinner?" Chum Chum asked. "Can you cook, Kyle?"

"Erm—not exactly..." I blushed. "But I'm sure I could manage something..."

"I can cook!" Chum Chum told me, raising his hand as if he was in class. "Let me cook!"

"Oh yeah!" Fanboy grinned in recollection. "Chum Chum's a great cook! You should let him cook for your dinner with the headmaster!"

"Um...I don't know about that..." I muttered. "I was thinking I'd just conjure something up and—."

"Come over to the Fanlair! I'll show you!" Chum Chum insisted.

It was early enough in the day and the cooking was going to be done at their place instead of mine, so I agreed. If any accidents happened, I preferred for them to happen at their own home. Together, we left my flat and started down the sidewalk. Since moving to Galaxy Hills, this was the first time I'd been invited over to someone's house. Fanboy and Chum Chum were outwardly excited, but I kept mine on the inside. I was curious to see where they lived.

After walking a couple blocks, I was lead into a dark alleyway. I was confused about the location and even more so when Fanboy hopped up and pulled down a ladder to a fire escape on the side of the building. He helped Chum Chum up onto the ladder, then started climbing for himself. I raised a brow.

"What's this about?" I asked, looking up at them as they reached the balcony. "Why are you climbing the fire escape?"

"We live on the top floor!" Fanboy called. "Come on!"

I hopped onto the ladder and did my best to pull myself up, but my upper arm strength was lacking a bit. Fanboy was quick to give me a hand and I was thankful for that. Once I'd met them on the balcony, we climbed the series of steps all the way to the rooftop. Again, I was confused until I'd spotted their dwelling.

Literally on the roof of the building, there was a water tower that had been painted just as brightly as the other buildings in Galaxy Hills. A door had been installed and it resembled the emblem on Fanboy's costume. I was actually impressed with the look of it. It was very...on brand for the two of them and clearly, work had been put into it.

On the inside of the water tower I hadn't expected much, but again, I'd been pleasantly surprised! Bright in color, once again. Steps on both ends of the tower that lead to an upstairs space and a massive slide in the middle to bring you down. Their living space was set up at the front of the tower and their kitchen was a galley off to the opposite end. There were action figures and comic books littered on the floor, but all in all, it was an impressive space!

"Wow..." I marveled up at the high ceiling. "I've never seen anything like this before..."

"Welcome to the Fanlair!" Fanboy grinned. He pointed out the kitchen to me and I followed behind the duo.

Fanboy pulled a folded chair for me and I sat down to watch as Chum Chum started his cooking. He washed his hands, something I appreciated after the snot blowing earlier, and got right into preparing a meal. He diced vegetables, puréed sauces and sautéed a chicken in butter so perfectly that I believed he deserved a Michelin star. I couldn't believe my eyes. I also couldn't believe my nose! The smells were delicious in themselves, I could hardly wait to taste.

As expected, Chum Chum's meal had been wonderful. I never would've guessed that he'd be so cultured in culinary, but again, I'd been surprised with my new friends just about the entire weekend.

"You're a chef!" I cheered after the taste test. "Why didn't you ever say so?!"

"You never asked!" Chum Chum grinned. Fanboy smiled in my direction, where I was now sat on the living space's sofa where we'd been eating.

"So whatcha think, Kyle?" He asked. "Should we come over on Friday and help?" I nodded.

"Oh, without a doubt!"

So it was settled and after having a nice lunch with the duo, I headed back home to finish my cleaning. Throughout the week that followed, Fanboy, Chum Chum and I did nothing but talk about our ideas for dinner. I insisted on the same mean Chum Chum had prepared, but he'd started getting a bit...extra with the suggestions.

"I know I can find caviar somewhere!" Chum Chum insisted as we boarded the bus home. It was already Thursday afternoon and tomorrow evening was the big day. "I really think it would make the dinner complete!"

"That's really not necessary!" I protested, sitting in the seat across from them. "Truly, what you made over the weekend was wonderful and more than enough."

"But what about tweaking the sauce?"

"You don't need to tweak anyt—"

"And what if I did a vegetable medley instead?"

"Chum Chum, please..."

"Yeah, go easy buddy!" Fanboy chuckled. "I liked the lunch you made too! Make that again!"

"This isn't just some lunch though." Chum Chum emphasized. "This is SUPPER for the Headmaster! The final boss battle!" Fanboy's eyes widened.

"Whooooa! The final boss!" He gasped. "You're right..." I face palmed. I didn't care for any of this.

"Look, whatever you decide, just make sure you get to my home straight after the market tomorrow. Alright? We'd have to get started on the cooking and set up straight away!"

The boys nodded at me and left the bus with a joint wave when their stop arrived. I waved back and finally leaned back in my seat with a sigh. Final boss battle. Thinking about it that way, it almost did feel like a battle was about to ensue. The last round in a video game. The final obstacle between myself and victory. I was determined though. I'd make sure everything went as perfect as I could manage.

That evening, after getting homework out of the way, I finished tidying my flat and even managed to conjure some décor for my table setting. When I was pleased with the condition of my home, I pulled my clothing for the supper, pressed my cape with steam to get he wrinkles out of the velvet and finally got myself ready for bed. I was optimistic and I actually slept well.

Arriving at school the next day, I smiled at the duo when I'd met them in Mr. Mufflin's class. They didn't smile back. That was a concern.

"What's the matter?" I asked. Chum Chum pouted.

"The grocery store..." He told me. "I went yesterday to grab some ingredients for your dinner tonight and a lot was missing."

"Oh my..." I breathed with worry. "What should be done then? Are you unable to cook tonight?" Chum Chum shrugged.

"I mean, I can still make the dinner, but it just wouldn't be my best work."

"I'm sure whatever you do will be fine. Please don't stress over this."

I hadn't been sure what Chum Chum was on about, because when him and Fanboy had arrived to my flat later that day, they'd come with full bags of groceries. I let them into my kitchen and inspected the items Chum Chum had been complaining about, but it looked to be the same spread as when he'd cooked in the Fanlair. I figured he was just getting himself worked up and as the hours passed, I felt myself feeling more and more anxious.

As I got cleaned up, I found myself pondering. Merlin had told me over the brief call that it looked as though I was doing well where I was. Indeed, things hadn't been too bad, but my flat wasn't the best looking. And comparing my level of success to say someone like Sigmund, my success was non-existent. I didn't have much, in fact, I hardly had anything at all. I was still being funded by the money my Uncle Arthur had gifted me before I left England. My current situation wasn't glamorous in the slightest.

Knowing Milkweed Academy though, it was a school full of prestige and wealthy, well off students. I had to make a good impression if I wanted to return. I had to do more than I'd originally planned. I regretted waving off the caviar suggestion, though I'd never had it and wasn't sure if it was even any good. I wasn't sure what more I could do, so I thought I'd bring my worries to the duo in the kitchen.

When I told them how I was feeling about supper looking a tad underwhelming, Fanboy instantly sprang up with an idea.

"I could go home really quick and get dressed up!" He suggested. "I can pose as an in-house, personal butler! I even have a fake moustache I can wear!"

I thought about it for a second, but the idea of a butler seemed a bit pretentious and something more on Sigmund's level of arrogance. I also wasn't a fan of the fake moustache suggestion, but I did like the general idea.

Someone to guide the guest in, serve the meal and generally make sure accommodations were to their liking. Rich, successful wizards back in the realm typically had housekeeping elves for special occasions. Looking back at Fanboy, I nodded.

"Yes, I agree with the idea." I told him. "But with an occult twist. By chance, would you happen to have any elf costumes?"

"Like a Christmas elf?" Fanboy asked. "Or a more, traditional look?"

"Traditional. Please."

"Yup! I can go grab our costumes and come right back!"

"Wonderful! Please do!"

Fanboy dashed out of the building and hadn't returned for quite some time. Chum Chum had managed to get through the entire preparation of the meal before Fanboy had found his way back. By then, it was already settled into the evening and I was on edge. I let him back in after he'd rang the doorbell and he walked inside without a care in the world.

"What took you so long?!" I gasped. Fanboy held up a plastic bag to me.

"I forgot I put these costumes in storage." He told me, patting the bag. "I had to dig through a bunch of bins to find them again! I also had to find the accessories. There's little matching hats and—."

When I heard the tones of my crystal ball going off in the living room, I shooed the boys. And rushed to answer.

"Go change!" I shouted frantically. "That must be Merlin! He might be here!"

We ran in opposite directions and I tripped up in the living room, catching myself before I hit the ground. I snatched the crystal off it's stand and finally answered the call. Again, Merlin appeared.

"Good evening, Mr. Bloodworth-Thomason!"

"Good evening, Headmaster."

"Are you all set for your evaluation?"

"Y-yes! Of course!" I grinned. Merlin smiled back.

"Wonderful! Well, with that settled, the evaluation has officially begun! Best of luck to you!"

"Thank you, Headmaster!"

I was a bit confused when the call had ended. I was sure he would've come to the door, but I figured he was outside instead. Fanboy and Chum Chum hadn't reappeared and I quickly rushed over to the washroom, knocking at the door.

"We're not ready yet!" Fanboy called out. I was growing annoyed, but I kept my composure.

"I'm going outside to greet the headmaster." I told them. "Whenever you're ready, and I hope it won't be much longer, please come out to host!"

"Will do!" They replied. I rolled my eyes and headed out of my flat. Peering outdoors, I looked to the right, then left and spotted a massive griffin parked curbside. Indeed, a griffin was one of the more fancy modes of transportation in the realm. Seeing the beast in such a normal setting had caught me off guard and immediately, I could feel a light sweat start up.

As I descended the stairwell, I worked on my breathing, setting my hands over my abdomen and fiddling with my pullover sweater. This was it, this was the start of my evaluation.

Looking up at the griffin as I approached, I noticed no one was sat on it's back. That was until the last person on the planet that I'd expected, rounded the back of the beast.

"Hallo~!"

"SIGMUND?!" I croaked. "W-WHA-?!"

"Surprise! Aren't you happy to see me?"

"HAPPY—?! I thought Headmaster Merlin was supposed to be here?!"

Sigmund only laughed at my confusion. He looked to be enjoying this entire moment. This entire situation had totally spun me for a loop and I didn't know what to do anymore.

"Did you forget I'm on the board?" Sigmund spoke. "Why are you so surprised?"

"B-but—!"

"You screwed up with the majority of the board, remember? " Sigmund reminded me, folding his arms. "You told them to throw you out. They all voted against you returning. I was the only one who went out of my way to fight for you."

"...I see." I muttered. I didn't know my chances to go back had been so slim. The entire board had collectively given up on me. That hurt me to know. I could also tell Sigmund was still holding a grudge with me over not taking his help. I mean, he'd said I'd been ruining his life when I last saw him and even though I wasn't sure why he'd accuse me of something that serious, I understood his frustrations with me in this case.

"I mean, you know I understand that now, right? Honestly, Sigmund, I didn't mean to make you cross with me. I-I didn't know..."

"So you say."

"I mean it, I—."

Before I could explain myself to him, I heard rushing from behind me and turned to inspect the noise. Fanboy and Chum Chum had finally made their way out and I was mortified when I caught a glimpse of their costumes. Their elf looks were nothing like the luxury housekeepers back at the realm. These costumes looked like cheap, Halloween shop finds. Mentally, I slapped myself for not looking the costumes over before agreeing to them. Especially after the moustache suggestion. I should've known!

When they saluted, Sigmund actually chuckled at the display but quickly contained himself.

"And what is this?" He asked me. I swallowed a lump of anxiety down my throat and decided to just go along with it. The dinner would hopefully make up for this mess.

"M-my elves, of course. Doesn't every successful, powerful wizard have elves?"

Sigmund's expression said it all. He hadn't looked convinced, but shrugged anyhow and looked to my building.

"Are you going to let me in, or are we spending the evening out here?"

"O-oh! Of course! Come in!"