Chapter 24: Goodbyes

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The next morning I woke up late and slowly shuffled my feet into the cafeteria; my wings dragging on the floor. B.O.B. and Doc were still in the cafeteria, watching the news. Every news channel was reporting the event that happened last night at my high school. From what I gathered, John was at the hospital in a coma. None of the students from the school were hurt. Countless teens were seen in front of the news camera telling the news reporters about their experience being a monster or what they had witnessed.

Hunter and a blonde woman, I assumed was his mom, appeared on the screen and were invaded by many microphones and questions from the reporters. Just the depressed and terrified looks on their faces answered all the reporters' questions. Hunter angrily slammed the door in the camera crews faces. I turned away from the television and just stirred my cold cereal with a spoon. My wings were wrapped around me like a security blanket. I was still in my pajamas.

B.O.B. tried coming up to me to talk to me, but Doc intervened and whispered to him that I needed some time alone. I needed to heal after what had happened last night. I knew the blob wouldn't understand, but he still stayed away from me. Giving me the space I needed for the time. I appreciated my monster friends understanding that I wanted to be left alone. I had no visitors when I went back into my room and stayed there for the rest of the day.

I just laid in my bed, unable to sleep or do anything. My wings still wrapped around me. I tried drawing but I couldn't think of anything to draw to keep my mind from replaying the events from last night. Over and over in my head. Trying to figure out if there was anything I could've done to have made it better. I felt that it was all my fault. I was stubborn to my own self...And now the future has changed. The Mothman couldn't see what was going to happen. It made it feel all the more scary.

I skipped eating lunch and starved till it was dinnertime. Susan actually dropped by with a plate of food for me. Mashed potatoes, green beans and a steak. I picked at the food and ate a little. My stomach was in a constant battle of wanting to eat, but also feeling like it wanted to throw up.

Outside, I could hear Susan and Doc whispering outside my door to each other. They were concerned for me. I didn't blame them. I would be concerned too if one of them experienced what I had. Everything happening to me was insane. I was starting to wonder if I was cut out for this. I looked over at the framed photos of me and my family, and then at the one with me and my monster friends. Two different worlds. One me.

Just then I heard a knock on the door. I turned my head. Eventually I got up and pushed the button for the huge wall to slide up. I half hoped Link to be standing there to want to talk to me, but it was Monger. I blinked in surprise, but still felt the heavy weight of depression on my body.

"Hi Monger," I mumbled. Monger nodded his head, standing stiff and straight with his hands clasped behind his back. I sometimes got the urge to say "At ease." Just seeing him standing there uncomfortably board stiff always gave me anxiety. "Good evening, Bat. I hope you are doing alright," he said, but I could see his eyes flicker to the untouched plate in my pale left hand. I didn't answer him. Monger cleared his throat.

"I came to tell you in person some good news," he said. My droopy bat ears perked up a bit. My brain went through hopeful thoughts of October being found and alive. Instead it was something I wasn't expecting at all.

"We were able to regain your family's memories."

I nearly dropped my plate of food. My family. I opened my mouth slightly but no words came out. Monger nodded his head. "They remember who you are and are aware that you had been turned into a monster. They are still shocked about the news, but would like to see you. If you would like, I can arrange-"

"Yes," I quickly said. Monger smiled softly and nodded his head. "I shall get it ready asap," he said. I nodded a silent thank you. With that, he activated his jet pack and flew off down the tall, dark hallway. I closed the wall/door and sat back down on my bed. So many mixed emotions swam through my head like fish. Some were slow and melancholy, others were fast and excited, and nervous.

The framed photos still sat on my dresser when I turned to stare at them again. It felt like forever since I had last seen my family. I missed them so much. It felt so surreal. I felt like I was in a dream. All this that was happening. I just wanted to wake up sometimes. Nothing felt normal anymore. Normal didn't seem to exist anymore...except for this one opportunity. I can see my family again.

I took the framed photo of my family and pressed it against my chest. Laying down my eyes stared up at the ceiling. Eventually they got heavy and I fell asleep. It wasn't great sleep but it was better then last night's sleep.

...

The next morning I got up early and went up the elevator to the surface. A pilot stood there in the shade of the surface building; waiting for me next to a private jet. Next to the jet was Patrick and his car. I hesitated for a moment, thinking I was going to be taken to the school instead of my parents' house. Monger saw my hesitation and reassured me I wasn't going back to that school anymore. I turned my head to him.

"I'm not?" I asked. Monger shook his head. "You'll be going to another school." I felt my ears droop again. Monger noticed and placed his hand up. "It's not your fault. You did what needed to be done, but a lot of people saw and we can't risk it." I silently nodded my head, but deep down I knew it was my fault. Monger changed the subject, "You'll be staying with your family for a week. I'm sure you need that amount of time," he said, and I knew what he meant.

"Thank you," I told him.

He nodded his head.

Apparently, Patrick was just there to say goodbye and was going to his house to take his daughter to school. The monsters weren't able to say goodbye, they were in Pennsylvania dealing with a vegan vampire eating everyone's farm crops. We hugged and I thanked him for all the times he took me to school. He smiled and nodded his head. "Any time, Bat."

Monger escorted me to the jet. I wore my backpack for my wings to fit inside, a black shirt, black jeans and a grey beanie to hide my ears in. Huge dark sunglasses sat on my face. Monger stopped me at the opening of the jet. "You have fun with your family. We will pick you up next Sunday. If you have any problems, just call me." He handed me an old fashioned cell phone. With that, he saluted me and turned away, walking down the steps from the jet.

Patrick waved from his spot near his car. I waved back and walked inside the private jet. The pilot started up the jet and within fifteen minutes we were going down the runway and up into the sky. I gripped the arm rest and felt the familiar wave of nausea whenever I was in a plane. I wished I could have flown by myself to my house, but it was states away, and it would have taken me weeks. After the nausea left me, I stared out the window and watched the birds fly by in the blue sky. Everything got smaller and smaller till everything was hard to see through the clouds.

When we landed in the John Wayne Airport, I started to feel the familiar feeling of anxiety. Were they going to scream again? Were they going to be afraid of me? The anxiety continued on the car ride to my house. The passing suburban houses with their green lawns and white fences surrounded by different colored roses became more and more familiar.

Then, I was in front of my house. My family waiting for me on the front steps. I waited till the car came to a stop before opening the door. My family stayed where they were as I came up the stone walkway to meet them. I stopped ten feet from them and smiled nervously.

"Hey, Mom...hi Dad...Hi sister," I was able to squeak out. My family smiled happily and embraced me. Tears welled up in my eyes, not only from happiness but from my sunglasses going crooked on my face and the sun scorching them. I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on my family squishing me into a family sandwich and not the burning feeling of my eyes on fire.

The government men stayed around outside the perimeter of the house, making sure no one came around to bother this tender moment, though it did attract a lot of attention to the neighbors. My family and I decided to go inside the house to catch up. I helped them get caught up in everything that happened. They stayed quiet the whole time and listened to what I had to say. The explaining went well into the evening.

Mom made dinner while I continued. Tonight's meal was ham, mac n cheese and lemonade. I wolfed it all down and asked for seconds. My mom was very surprised when I came back for thirds. Apparently all the workouts and flight training at the base to strengthen my wings every day really gave me a huge appetite. Also since I hadn't eaten the last few days. My father made a joke about my endless stomach after my sixth and we all laughed.

It was nice being able to see them again and talk to them. It made me forget about all the things that weighed down on me. I was so happy to be with them again. When it got late and I was done explaining and finished answering their questions, I started heading to my room. Unfortunately, since everything had been transferred from my room to The Base during the summer, and then destroyed by John; I had nothing. So I had to sleep in the living room on the couch for the time being. I didn't mind at all. I was able to get a good nights sleep.

The week passed by in a colorful happy warm blur.

My parents took time off work to spend the week with me. We watched a recent movie that came out, ate ice cream at a small ice cream shop, played games, went to my favorite bookstore, visited the mall. I really missed all this. Being a normal teenager again. That's all I wanted to experience. Of course as I looked around my surroundings, certain things made me think about my monster friends. B.O.B. would have loved trying the Super Double Fudge and 10 flavors Supreme at the Brain Freeze shop. Or Doc would have made that robot looking arcade game from Games n Stuff actually come to life and stomp through the store. Link would have checked out that Western Restaurant and boasted he could ride that mechanical bull and win a free dinner. Or the fishes in the pet store. Or the workout Store. Or...

Alright a lot of things reminded me of Link.

After the mall, we drove home. I enjoyed spending time with my family again. My heart sank a bit when I realized it was the last day, and I would be going back to the Base again.

Saying goodbye to my family again was one of the hardest things to do. When I hugged them, I couldn't let go. My mom kissed my forehead, my dad ruffled my hair. My sister smiled up at me. I couldn't leave them again. I couldn't. Eventually they pulled away from me and told me that they still loved me, and to come visit whenever I could. I watched them from the back of the car till they were out of sight.

When I came back home on Monday, all the monsters surrounded me. They were so happy to see me back. B.O.B. attempted to give me a gooey hug but Doc thankfully stopped him before he could. I was happy to see them too, but at the same time wished I was still back home. They told me about what happened while I was gone. After dealing with the vegan vampire, which they were able to give a job at a store whenever any of the vegetables were on their expiration date, the grocers gave him the veggies. Then after that they dealt with a pink brain looking alien which B.O.B. wanted to name Kraang after the TMNT villain.

After their exciting stories, they all wanted me to come with them to go out to the nearest town and have fun. I politely declined their offer and told them I was still feeling jet lagged. They stopped smiling, but understood. They left me alone the rest of the day after that.

I laid in my bed and thought of my family. I thought about the monsters, sometimes dwelling on Link, then thinking about my situation with John and what happened with my future self and October...After what felt like hours, I made up my mind.

During the evening, I finally decided to tell them in person my decision.

"I've decided I want to go back and live with my family. I don't want to be a part of the team anymore," I stated to everyone. The monsters stared at me in shock. Monger nodded his head. "Understandable, miss Bat. We can arrange it." I truthfully thought Monger would deny my request. I was expecting a fight, but I guess there was no need. We were free. Not prisoners anymore. The monsters didn't say anything as Monger left. A few exchanged glances, hoping someone would say something, but no one could think of anything. I decided to fill the silence gap.

"I thought about it, but after what happened at the dance-" I started. "Was not your fault. You shouldn't beat yourself up over it," Link interrupted me. Doc placed his hand on his fish friend's shoulder, silently telling Link to let me speak. Link looked over at me with sad brown eyes as he closed his mouth. I took a deep breath and exhaled.

"I just...I know what happened with October isn't my fault...but with my connection with John and seeing my future self get killed...I just...I don't think I can handle seeing another person die in front of me. I am not cut out for this "monsters vs aliens" situation. I'm just a teen with a lot on her plate..."

"But John has been defeated. You don't need to worry about him anymore," Susan said. Doc agreed. "Susan is right. John wont be bothering us anymore. You helped defeat him and stop his evil plans..." the scientist said.

"And you can go back to being a very tall lady," B.O.B. said but no one bothered to correct him. I sighed heavily. They didn't understand. Suddenly I felt a huge hand on my shoulder. I looked up and Link was staring down at me.

"I remember when I almost lost Insecto...It's a very painful experience. Losing someone you love, and seeing yourself die is very traumatic...we don't want to force you to stay if you don't want that...but we will miss you...and hope you will at least come and visit..." Link said. I nodded in thanks, my heart sinking in my chest. I turned away from him.

In a few hours, everything was arranged and set for my permanent departure. Everyone had come out to say their goodbyes. One by one, all the monsters came up to hug me.

Last but not least was Link. My heart was caught in my throat as I slowly shuffled up to him, looking down at my feet. He hesitated in what he was going to say. I looked up for a second before looking down at the ground again. "Goodbye, Link..." I finally said. The words were like an icepick through my heart. This was such a painful thing to do, but I knew it was never meant to be. I jumped a little when Link placed his hand on my shoulder.

"This isn't goodbye, Bat. Don't say it like we are never seeing each other again..." I kept my eyes down on the ground, not saying a word. I could feel his eyes on me. I wanted him to hug me. Hold me. I wanted him to do something. Eventually he removed his hand from my shoulder.

"Take care of yourself, Bat..." was all he said. I nodded, swallowing the lump down in my throat.

With that, I walked towards the doors. I hesitated for a second, and turned around to face my monster friends. All their eyes were on me. It tugged at my heartstrings to see the looks of sadness on their faces. I turned away before I decided to change my mind and walked out the doors...

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To Be Continued in Forever Bat...