Chapter 3
"…and that's when he proposed."
"He really did that? Never though Tala had it in him to be the romantic type."
Containing her laughter as she saw the awed look that those before her wore, remaining quiet Anaya watched as her female companions sneaked a look towards the one they spoke of. No sooner had she boarded the coach then she was pushed to the back, the girls eager to know about her engagement to Tala. Gathered around the little band listened silently when she told of Tala's proposal.
"He's a lot of things, we all are it's only lately that we've come to show it."
Hearing the silence which settled around her Anaya couldn't blame them, after all she and the others didn't exactly have one of the best pasts to be proud of. Yet, despites everything they really had begun to get their lives on track, surprising everyone with the changes they'd made.
"And you've got a whole life time to show us."
Hearing the understanding in Mariah's voice Anaya was touched by the smiles those before her gave her. If anyone had told her she'd be in the situation she was in now but a few years ago she wouldn't have believed them, yet look at her now.
"Amen to that, have you seen how hot your boys have become? Bryan and Kai have really changed, they're still single right?"
Busting out in laughter at Mathilda's comment the little group felt the mood quickly lighten as the tension left them. Seeing the looks that the guys were sending them the girls couldn't help but break out into fresh rounds of laugher.
Calming down the girls turned their attention back to each other, easily passing the time away with all the catching up they had to do.
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Pulling to a stop before iron gates and stone walls the stream like form of the coach drew to a halt besides the mansions boundaries. Situated in a picturesque location Mr Dickinson's home was like a fairy tale; surrounded by thick woods on three sides the shimmering surface of a lake could be seen on its forth.
Trooping off the coach its occupants looked in awe around them, none of them expecting they'd be staying in a place like this. With a gravel driveway leading to its front a large stone building could be seen; a high trail of green ivy covering its front, colourful flowerbeds situated at its front while a vast lawn of green lay before it.
"Well then everyone, shall we?"
Coming out of their reserve the group of bladers shared a glance between themselves before quickly gathering their belongings and following Mr Dickinson's lead.
Moving with the group Kai couldn't help but glance around at the surrounding area, something about the place gave it a soothing aura. No wonder Mr Dickinson had spoken so fondly of the place when he told people about it; he could see now why the old man wanted him and the other Russian teens to live here. Brushing silvery bangs aside Kai returned his attention to the one beside him, his trail of navy strands swaying behind him as he did. Giving a grin at Rei's statement Kai could honestly say that although he was happy to see everyone again, it was his Chinese friend he was most glad to see. Through all the trials and set backs the two had formed a firm friendship, coming to regard each other as brothers other the years.
Hearing the musical noted of a flute fill the air as they neared their destination Kai saw Rei shared his puzzlement as he heard the sound. Wondering what the source of the sound was Kai didn't have time to ponder it as cries filled the air; moments later Kai found himself knocked to ground. Dazed by the sudden impact with the ground Kai took a minute to regain his senses, only to find himself gazing up into dark eyes.
Standing over Kai's fallen form the graceful form of a snowy white husky/wolf looked down with passive judgement at the one beneath him. With a white pelt covering its body the black marking across its face and around its eyes could clearly be seen.
"Don't worry, I got the same greeting."
Liking what he saw within the boy beneath him the half wolf gave an approving lick to the stranger before giving an excited bark as it ran towards Mr Dickinson.
Releasing his breath as the husky moved off him Kai took a moment to gather himself together before realization quickly stuck him, that voice had belonged to Brooklyn. Hearing the startled gasps of those around him Kai was surprised to see the hand which was offered to him. Accepting the help Kai contained his own shock as he came face to face with none other than Brooklyn, the very person who had pushed him to the limit and nearly taken him out.
Facing off against the one before him Kai could feel the tension around him as everyone towards them, each wanting to know how the two would act. Only after they'd left the stadium that day did anyone find out just how much the battle had taken out of Kai. Having learnt the details from Bryan they'd listened in shock as he told them the blader had been rushed to the hospital; Anaya having found him collapsed in the corridor.
Although they knew Brooklyn had changed they couldn't blame Kai if he still held hard feelings towards the elder. However, to everyone's relieve and surprise Kai only grinned before offering his hand to Brooklyn. Seeing the two putting things aside everyone was surprised once again as another familiar voice filled the air.
"If for nothing else the looks on your faces have made this trip worth it."
Glancing over to the white washed porch everyone didn't need a second guess as to whom the good natured tone belonged to. Perched casual on the porches railings, the slim form of a flute resting between his hand, Mystel looked with a smile towards them while Garland leaned on the railing beside him.
"Mystel, Garland! What are you guys doing here?"
"And miss all the fun; you didn't think you'd get rid of us that easily did you?"
Laughing at Mystel's light hearted humour everyone could see the blader hadn't changed over the last year, still the same fun loving individual.
"Blanca, I hope you're not causing trouble."
Taking his gaze from those before him Kai found him self as a sudden loss for words as he laid eyes upon the one who had spoken. Bound by a length of white ribbon a long mass of topaz blue hair fell down their back, the feathery bangs which settled around their face only emphasizing the hazel eyes they framed.
Making their way across the porch their slender form moved with a car like grace, the long denim jacket flowing around them. Coming to stop a few feet from the porches steps, Kai became lost with in hazel eyes as their owner turned their gaze upon those before them.
Seeing the white blue which ran before him Kai pulled himself together as Blanca went to his mistress, quickly standing beside her. Hearing the gently growl Blanca gave as she ran her fingers through the silky fur on his neck, Kai could see the husky was enjoying himself.
"Well, we all know where he gets his mischievous side from."
"Grandpa! We weren't expecting you till later."
Surprised at the statement just made everyone; besides Brooklyn, Mystel and Garland looked with widened eyes towards Mr Dickinson. Talking quietly amongst themselves everyone watched as the young woman before them made her way to where Mr Dickinson stood; unaware of the patient guiding that Blanca was delivering. Excepting the hug he gave her, everyone looked on as their confusion increased.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my granddaughter Aaliyah."
"You have a granddaughter Mr Dickinson? How come you never told us?"
"We were always so busy preparing for the Championships that I never had time to tell you. That's why I decided to hold the reunion here, everyone was so eager to meet you all."
"You always did have a tenancy to get caught up in things Grandpa."
Seeing the grin Aaliyah wore at her comment the others couldn't help but silently agree with her, the BBA director did tend to get involved with more than he could handle at times.
"Sounds like we have quite the gathering. I guess everyone agreed to this little reunion of yours."
Puzzled by Aaliyah's comment Kai didn't have time to question it meaning as everyone's attention was caught by a new addition to the scene.
"You do realize Maria's going to have a break down when she finds out you've arrived with out telling her before hand."
Leaning back against the doors frame the slim, yet toned form of a young woman could be seen looking out at them. Peering through auburn strands emerald orbs shone with amusement as she looked towards Mr Dickinson.
"Yes I did realize that, that's why I'm hoping she'll turn her attention to fussing over everyone else rather than me."
"You're a brave man Grandpa, foolish but brave."
Seeing the startled looks everyone gave her the auburn haired beauty could only roll her eyes in despair as she moved off from her position next to the door frame. With the steady clink of her heels signalling her position she came to stand on Mystel's free side, sharing Aaliyah's smile as she did.
"Let me guess, you forgot to mention us Grandpa."
"He wouldn't be Grandpa otherwise Leann, besides you love seeing the look on people's faces when they find out."
Hearing Leann's laughter at Aaliyah's statement Kai found himself joining in everyone's laughter as they looked upon Mr Dickinson's blushing face. Realizing that there was a lot more to Mr Dickinson than met the eye, Kai came to the conclusion that they really didn't know that much about the BBA director. Especially considering the fact that none of them knew he had two granddaughters.
"Leann, Aaliyah! If that's your Grandfather tell him I'm not amused! Honestly showing up like this, the least he could do was tell me his flight was early."
"And so the show begins."
Seeing the smirks which Leann and Aaliyah tried to hide as Maria's voice reached them the other had no doubt that this trip would be a memorable one indeed.
To Be Continued