Veronica woke at dawn the next morning feeling refreshed. She knew she
owed that to Ned. After they had seen the sign in the stars, they had
called all of their friends out to the balcony. However, by the time
everyone else got there, the stars were back to normal. But even though
the other explorers didn't see the phenomenon, they didn't doubt that it
happened. This was the Plateau, after all. A place where anything could
happen. And Veronica's mother did tell her to look for a sign. If she
said she saw it, they believed her.
They spent a few moments sharing Veronica's happiness with her. She was finally going to see her mother! But the real celebration could wait until they were in Avalon. They had been preparing for the journey for the last few days, but now it was time to gather their supplies together and get their knapsacks ready for the morning. After that was done, everyone decided they had better make an early night of it. They wanted to leave at first light. They had all said their good nights, and Challenger, Finn, Marguerite, and Roxton had each gone to their rooms. But, Ned noticed Veronica lingering on the balcony, and he offered to make her tea to help her sleep. He said that he knew she would be too excited to sleep, and the tea would help. Despite the excitement, fter drinking the tea, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
"He knows me so well," Veronica thought as she yawned and stretched. A minute later, Ned tapped on the door, and poked his head in.
"Good morning," he said, smiling.
"Hi Ned," she answered, returning his smile.
"Everyone else is up, and breakfast is made. We didn't want to wake you until the last possible minute. We weren't sure how much rest you had."
"Thanks to you, I slept like a baby. I'll be out in a minute."
"Okay." Ned hesitated at the door. "Um, Veronica? Do you think we could talk later? I mean, we'll have a lot of time while we're traveling. . ."
Veronica's smile faded slightly. She knew he wanted to know what was wrong. "Sure, Ned. But, let's wait till night watch. We'll take the first shift together. I want to spend some time with Finn today. She seemed really down yesterday, even after we told her that we'd be starting the journey. I need to make sure she's okay."
Ned nodded. "Sure. We'll talk tonight. Anyway, I'll let you get ready." He made his way back out to the kitchen. He felt a little guilty because he knew the cause of Finn's mood, and he felt bad that Marguerite had been hard on the girl on his and Veronica's behalf. Though, he had been touched that the heiress had defended their right to privacy. Her time on the Plateau certainly had changed her for the better.
Veronica soon emerged from her room, and breakfast was shared in a bustle of energy and excitement. Even Finn added to the lively conversation. She felt like she had already ruined something for Veronica. She didn't want to ruin this too. She needed to put on a happy face for her friend.
After the meal, the group wasted no time in moving to the elevator, where their supplies were waiting. Challenger, Finn, and Malone went down first. When the elevator came back up, Roxton and Marguerite stepped in. Veronica lingered in the center of the room. "Aren't you coming, Veronica?" Roxton asked.
"You two go ahead. I just need a minute."
Roxton smiled. "Of course."
She looked around the tree house-the only home she had ever known. "I can't believe I'm going to see you again, Mom. Finally, after all these years. . ." She brushed a single tear off of her cheek, and slowly walked to the elevator. And as she descended to the ground, she wondered what destiny had in store for her. And she wondered if she would ever return to this tree house again.
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The group watched Veronica as she stepped off of the elevator. They knew she was filled with an array of emotions-joy and excitement to see her mother, confusion and wonder about her quest, hope of success and fear of failure. They each silently vowed to do everything in their power to help her though this - no matter what the outcome. She had helped them stay alive numerous times - from the first time she met them, when she saved Malone from a dangerous plant, to the most recent adventure when she pulled them out of the time warps. They all loved her very much, in so many different ways. To Challenger, she was like a daughter. She was a younger sister to Marguerite, and an older sister to Finn. Roxton viewed her as an equal, a comrade. And Ned. . .Ned loved her in many ways. . .as a best friend, a companion, a confidante. These were all things that she was aware of. But Ned was fairly sure that she wasn't aware of one other way that he loved her-romantically.
Veronica tried to regain her composure on the elevator, but when she saw the looks of love, pride, and admiration on the faces of her friends - her family - it was enough to make her cry again. Marguerite sensed this, and knew that it was her cue to lighten the moment. But, for once, she couldn't think of any witty remarks or biting comments. Instead, she went over to Veronica and put her arm around her shoulder. "Ready to go see your mother?" Veronica nodded, and the group began their journey to Avalon.
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It didn't take Veronica long to regain her composure. Shortly after they began their journey, the explorers were attacked by raptors. Veronica was brought back into reality as she went one on one with a blood thirsty dinosaur. Luckily, there were only four raptors, so the group was only detained for a few minutes before they were back on their way.
Once they were back on track, everyone began to pair off. Malone, knowing Veronica wanted time with Finn, walked with Challenger, talking to the scientist about various plants and things that he had seen during his travels. Of course, Roxton and Marguerite stayed side by side, and the rest of the group politely pretended not to notice their occasional displays of affection. Veronica kept close to Finn, hoping to draw out the cause of Finn's gloomy mood. But, Finn put on a guise of happiness, and suddenly became very inquisitive about Veronica's childhood. Veronica knew that Finn was trying to keep her occupied so that she wouldn't have a chance to ask what was wrong. She knew because that was exactly what she would be doing if she was walking with Ned - avoiding the subject that he wanted to discuss. Veronica decided to wait until she had an opportunity alone with Finn, away from the others. Perhaps that would make it easier for the younger woman to open up.
It wasn't until dusk that Veronica had her chance. Challenger had spotted a new species of bug that he had never seen before, and was sitting against a tree, studying the insect, and Malone was with him, taking notes in his journal. Marguerite was stationed on a nearby boulder, and Roxton had gone to scout for a place to camp for the night. Veronica directed Finn to a spot a few feet away from the others.
"Okay, Finn. It's just you and me. I want you to tell me what's been bothering you."
"What are you talking about Vee? I'm perfectly. . ."
"Finn," Veronica interrupted, "this is me you're talking to. Something went on yesterday to upset you, and I want to know what it is. Please. I want to help if I can."
Veronica could tell that Finn was struggling with a decision. After a few moments, she decided to break down and tell Veronica what happened. "Oh Vee, I hope you don't hate me for this. I told Malone about you and Ducart."
"WHAT?" Veronica cried out.
"Yeah. I messed up pretty badly. I know. I'm so sorry, Vee. Malone was telling Marguerite and I that you had been acting weird, and it reminded me of what Challenger told me about you and Ducart. So, I blurted it out. I wasn't even thinking about the fact that Malone didn't know about it yet. Marguerite was furious with me. She said that I invaded your privacy and that you should have been the one to tell Malone."
Veronica took a deep breath. She couldn't believe this! She was so worried about telling Malone about Ducart, and he already knew. Finn had revealed her most private experience. She wanted to scream. . .but the look on Finn's face prevented her. She could see the remorse in the younger girl's eyes. It was obvious how sorry she was.
Veronica sighed, "It's okay, Finn."
Finn looked at Veronica, shocked. She had been bracing herself for a harsh reprimand. "You mean it, Vee?" she asked cautiously, hoping this wasn't just the calm before the storm. "You don't hate me?"
"Oh Finn, of course I don't hate you. You just made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, you probably did me a favor. I was struggling to figure out how I was going to tell Ned. Now I don't have to. I'm not saying what you did was right. It was still my place to tell him. But, it's done now. Just try to be more considerate of others from now on."
"Oh I will! You're the best, Vee!!" she said as she hugged Veronica.
"Why don't you go ahead and see if you can help Roxton set up camp?"
"Sure," Finn said, as she took off for the clearing.
Marguerite, who had silently witnessed the exchange between the other two women, walked up behind Veronica. "So, the little imp confessed?"
"Yeah, she did."
"And by the looks of it, you were entirely too easy on her."
"I couldn't yell at her. It's obvious she's been beating herself up about this since it happened."
"I just hope that she learns to be more respectful of other people's privacy."
"I'm sure she will. She just isn't used to being a part of a family."
Marguerite nodded. "That's true. I suppose it took a little getting used to for us all. Come on. We'd better get to camp. Who knows what she's telling Roxton."
Veronica smiled, then looked back to where Malone and Challenger were sitting. "Are you two coming?" she asked.
"We'll be there in a moment," Challenger answered. Before Veronica turned around again, she caught Ned's eye. He tossed a reassuring smile her way. She smiled back. As she and Marguerite walked away, it really hit Veronica that Ned knew about Ducart. He had known last night, and he had treated her no differently, except that he had seem concerned about her. And he had smiled at her just now. Maybe she hadn't lost his respect after all! Veronica actually found herself looking forward to the talk they would have tonight. She knew it would still be difficult to talk about her time with Ducart, but it was helpful to know that Ned wouldn't judge her.
They spent a few moments sharing Veronica's happiness with her. She was finally going to see her mother! But the real celebration could wait until they were in Avalon. They had been preparing for the journey for the last few days, but now it was time to gather their supplies together and get their knapsacks ready for the morning. After that was done, everyone decided they had better make an early night of it. They wanted to leave at first light. They had all said their good nights, and Challenger, Finn, Marguerite, and Roxton had each gone to their rooms. But, Ned noticed Veronica lingering on the balcony, and he offered to make her tea to help her sleep. He said that he knew she would be too excited to sleep, and the tea would help. Despite the excitement, fter drinking the tea, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
"He knows me so well," Veronica thought as she yawned and stretched. A minute later, Ned tapped on the door, and poked his head in.
"Good morning," he said, smiling.
"Hi Ned," she answered, returning his smile.
"Everyone else is up, and breakfast is made. We didn't want to wake you until the last possible minute. We weren't sure how much rest you had."
"Thanks to you, I slept like a baby. I'll be out in a minute."
"Okay." Ned hesitated at the door. "Um, Veronica? Do you think we could talk later? I mean, we'll have a lot of time while we're traveling. . ."
Veronica's smile faded slightly. She knew he wanted to know what was wrong. "Sure, Ned. But, let's wait till night watch. We'll take the first shift together. I want to spend some time with Finn today. She seemed really down yesterday, even after we told her that we'd be starting the journey. I need to make sure she's okay."
Ned nodded. "Sure. We'll talk tonight. Anyway, I'll let you get ready." He made his way back out to the kitchen. He felt a little guilty because he knew the cause of Finn's mood, and he felt bad that Marguerite had been hard on the girl on his and Veronica's behalf. Though, he had been touched that the heiress had defended their right to privacy. Her time on the Plateau certainly had changed her for the better.
Veronica soon emerged from her room, and breakfast was shared in a bustle of energy and excitement. Even Finn added to the lively conversation. She felt like she had already ruined something for Veronica. She didn't want to ruin this too. She needed to put on a happy face for her friend.
After the meal, the group wasted no time in moving to the elevator, where their supplies were waiting. Challenger, Finn, and Malone went down first. When the elevator came back up, Roxton and Marguerite stepped in. Veronica lingered in the center of the room. "Aren't you coming, Veronica?" Roxton asked.
"You two go ahead. I just need a minute."
Roxton smiled. "Of course."
She looked around the tree house-the only home she had ever known. "I can't believe I'm going to see you again, Mom. Finally, after all these years. . ." She brushed a single tear off of her cheek, and slowly walked to the elevator. And as she descended to the ground, she wondered what destiny had in store for her. And she wondered if she would ever return to this tree house again.
---------
The group watched Veronica as she stepped off of the elevator. They knew she was filled with an array of emotions-joy and excitement to see her mother, confusion and wonder about her quest, hope of success and fear of failure. They each silently vowed to do everything in their power to help her though this - no matter what the outcome. She had helped them stay alive numerous times - from the first time she met them, when she saved Malone from a dangerous plant, to the most recent adventure when she pulled them out of the time warps. They all loved her very much, in so many different ways. To Challenger, she was like a daughter. She was a younger sister to Marguerite, and an older sister to Finn. Roxton viewed her as an equal, a comrade. And Ned. . .Ned loved her in many ways. . .as a best friend, a companion, a confidante. These were all things that she was aware of. But Ned was fairly sure that she wasn't aware of one other way that he loved her-romantically.
Veronica tried to regain her composure on the elevator, but when she saw the looks of love, pride, and admiration on the faces of her friends - her family - it was enough to make her cry again. Marguerite sensed this, and knew that it was her cue to lighten the moment. But, for once, she couldn't think of any witty remarks or biting comments. Instead, she went over to Veronica and put her arm around her shoulder. "Ready to go see your mother?" Veronica nodded, and the group began their journey to Avalon.
--------
It didn't take Veronica long to regain her composure. Shortly after they began their journey, the explorers were attacked by raptors. Veronica was brought back into reality as she went one on one with a blood thirsty dinosaur. Luckily, there were only four raptors, so the group was only detained for a few minutes before they were back on their way.
Once they were back on track, everyone began to pair off. Malone, knowing Veronica wanted time with Finn, walked with Challenger, talking to the scientist about various plants and things that he had seen during his travels. Of course, Roxton and Marguerite stayed side by side, and the rest of the group politely pretended not to notice their occasional displays of affection. Veronica kept close to Finn, hoping to draw out the cause of Finn's gloomy mood. But, Finn put on a guise of happiness, and suddenly became very inquisitive about Veronica's childhood. Veronica knew that Finn was trying to keep her occupied so that she wouldn't have a chance to ask what was wrong. She knew because that was exactly what she would be doing if she was walking with Ned - avoiding the subject that he wanted to discuss. Veronica decided to wait until she had an opportunity alone with Finn, away from the others. Perhaps that would make it easier for the younger woman to open up.
It wasn't until dusk that Veronica had her chance. Challenger had spotted a new species of bug that he had never seen before, and was sitting against a tree, studying the insect, and Malone was with him, taking notes in his journal. Marguerite was stationed on a nearby boulder, and Roxton had gone to scout for a place to camp for the night. Veronica directed Finn to a spot a few feet away from the others.
"Okay, Finn. It's just you and me. I want you to tell me what's been bothering you."
"What are you talking about Vee? I'm perfectly. . ."
"Finn," Veronica interrupted, "this is me you're talking to. Something went on yesterday to upset you, and I want to know what it is. Please. I want to help if I can."
Veronica could tell that Finn was struggling with a decision. After a few moments, she decided to break down and tell Veronica what happened. "Oh Vee, I hope you don't hate me for this. I told Malone about you and Ducart."
"WHAT?" Veronica cried out.
"Yeah. I messed up pretty badly. I know. I'm so sorry, Vee. Malone was telling Marguerite and I that you had been acting weird, and it reminded me of what Challenger told me about you and Ducart. So, I blurted it out. I wasn't even thinking about the fact that Malone didn't know about it yet. Marguerite was furious with me. She said that I invaded your privacy and that you should have been the one to tell Malone."
Veronica took a deep breath. She couldn't believe this! She was so worried about telling Malone about Ducart, and he already knew. Finn had revealed her most private experience. She wanted to scream. . .but the look on Finn's face prevented her. She could see the remorse in the younger girl's eyes. It was obvious how sorry she was.
Veronica sighed, "It's okay, Finn."
Finn looked at Veronica, shocked. She had been bracing herself for a harsh reprimand. "You mean it, Vee?" she asked cautiously, hoping this wasn't just the calm before the storm. "You don't hate me?"
"Oh Finn, of course I don't hate you. You just made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, you probably did me a favor. I was struggling to figure out how I was going to tell Ned. Now I don't have to. I'm not saying what you did was right. It was still my place to tell him. But, it's done now. Just try to be more considerate of others from now on."
"Oh I will! You're the best, Vee!!" she said as she hugged Veronica.
"Why don't you go ahead and see if you can help Roxton set up camp?"
"Sure," Finn said, as she took off for the clearing.
Marguerite, who had silently witnessed the exchange between the other two women, walked up behind Veronica. "So, the little imp confessed?"
"Yeah, she did."
"And by the looks of it, you were entirely too easy on her."
"I couldn't yell at her. It's obvious she's been beating herself up about this since it happened."
"I just hope that she learns to be more respectful of other people's privacy."
"I'm sure she will. She just isn't used to being a part of a family."
Marguerite nodded. "That's true. I suppose it took a little getting used to for us all. Come on. We'd better get to camp. Who knows what she's telling Roxton."
Veronica smiled, then looked back to where Malone and Challenger were sitting. "Are you two coming?" she asked.
"We'll be there in a moment," Challenger answered. Before Veronica turned around again, she caught Ned's eye. He tossed a reassuring smile her way. She smiled back. As she and Marguerite walked away, it really hit Veronica that Ned knew about Ducart. He had known last night, and he had treated her no differently, except that he had seem concerned about her. And he had smiled at her just now. Maybe she hadn't lost his respect after all! Veronica actually found herself looking forward to the talk they would have tonight. She knew it would still be difficult to talk about her time with Ducart, but it was helpful to know that Ned wouldn't judge her.