Kyle walked into Jim's office and handed him a note.
"Hi Dad. Are we having dinner together tonight?" Kyle asked
with a pointed look at the note in his father's hand.
"Sure son. Where did you want to eat?" Jim answered while
reading the note.
Dad,
I don't trust your office to be "clean" anymore.
Meet me in an hour at the quarry. I'll bring the food
you want. This is really important.
"Either the Crashdown or Senor Chow's," Kyle offered.
"Yeah, a burger from the Crashdown sounds good. Is an hour from now
good for you?"
"That works. See you then," Kyle smiled and nodded to his dad
as he left.
Kyle returned to the car where Liz and Professor McGonagall waited.
"He'll meet us in a hour. I'll order the food while you talk to your
parents, then we'll head to the quarry to talk to Dad."
Liz called her parents up into their living room above the Crashdown. She
appeared very nervous when she began to speak, "Mom, Dad, I have something
to tell you that you're probably going to have some questions about, but please
wait a minute until I explain before you start asking them. OK?" She
sees the panic in their eyes. "Don't look so scared. It's
about school, not my health."
She suppressed a giggle at the visible signs of relief on her mother's
face. "I recently found out that I've been accepted into a special
summer program at a school in Great Britain. I'd like to go. I
didn't tell you about it right away because they promised to
send someone who could answer all our questions. So I waited until she
could be here."
"Congratulations, honey!" her mother exclaimed.
Her father leapt up and hugged her. "That's wonderful! I'm so proud
of you."
Relieved and smiling, Liz walked out into the family kitchen and led the Professor back into the living room.
"This is Professor McGonagall from Hogwart's
School. She's the ambassador they sent
to answer our questions. I've already asked most of mine, but I wanted to
let you have an opportunity too."
Mr. Parker stood up and shook hands with the Professor. "Hi, I'm
Jeff Parker. This is my wife, Nancy. Welcome to Roswell.
Please have a seat." He waited to sit down until she was
seated. "So, you'd like our Liz to
become a part of your summer program. Tell us something about it."
"Yes, we would love to have her. Like your daughter, all of the
children in our school are truly exceptional students. The term lasts for
two months, from June 15th to August 15th. After the basic courses, her
classes will be personalized to her progress and strengths. We are
looking forward to having Liz as a student, but will abide by your
decision, of course," the Professor concluded with a reassuring smile.
Jeff seemed thoughtful for a moment and then looked to his wife.
"Well, Nancy, what do you say?" Jeff asked
Nancy looked concerned. "How will this affect her public
schooling? Is it going to make her bored with her regular classes after
your extensive summer program?"
The professor answered smiling. "We focus on different aspects of
science that Liz will not normally gain in her regular classes. We have a
more hands on approach to Botany, Chemistry and Zoology. Overall, our
program should not adversely effect her attention to her regular schooling, but
should expand her opportunities for her secondary education."
Jeff watched his wife. Her expression changed from very concerned, to a
slight smile and a nod, as she pondered the things she heard.
Nancy looked back to her husband and answered his original question.
"It's something she wants. It's England. She has a
scholarship, and it will help her in college. I'm going to miss her, but
there's no way I'd hold her back from such a wonderful opportunity."
Smiling at Liz. "As far as I'm concerned, she can go."
Liz reached over to her mother and hugged her. Her eyes shining with
happiness as she whispered, "Thank you Mom."
Jeff continued to watch his wife and daughter together. Finally, he spoke
again. "This program sounds very exciting. But Liz, it's your
summer. Is this what you really want to do?"
Liz nodded emphatically.
He then turns to his wife once more for reassurance. Nancy, satisfied with the
look of peace and excitement on her daughter's face, nodded back to Jeff.
He sighed, his heart already a little heavy at the thought of a quiet summer,
"Well, then, let's talk bottom line. How much will this cost?
"Mr. Parker, your daughter has a scholarship that will pay for her
schooling, as well as her room and board. The only expenses are for her
uniforms, books, supplies and her trip to London.
"We'll have a representative meet her at the airport, to
insure her safety and to assist with acquiring said supplies. This representative will also take her to
the train, which will transport her straight to the school. We'll do the same
for the return trip in August," replied the professor.
They spoke for a few more minutes before Liz and the professor left.
Kyle was waiting for them by the car when they came out. "Perfect
timing." he stated. "They just finished Dad's order."
The three climbed back into the car and took off.
Across the street, Max Evans was leaving the UFO Center and watched as they
drove off. His brows furrowed as his mind again questioned the sight of
the former couple together. He started to follow, but remembered he
couldn't miss dinner with his family.
His mother had threatened him with death if he did. He sighed and turned his car towards home, determined to figure
it out later.
Jim parked his Suburban beside his son's convertible at the quarry.
Walking up to the meeting place, he saw the small group sitting in very
comfortable looking, but completely out of place, chairs. One was empty
and obviously waiting for him.
He was a little surprised to see Liz there, but was more surprised to see the
older woman with them.
Liz took care of an informal introduction. She pointed to Jim and said,
"Jim Valenti." She then pointed to the professor and said,
"Minerva McGonagall."
"Mr. Valenti." The professor nodded and smiled.
"Ma'am," he acknowledged with a nod as he sat down. He then looked
directly at Kyle, who seemed a bit nervous. "Son, what's going
on?" The knot of fear, that had begun to form in his stomach
earlier, got tighter.
"Well, Dad, you know that whole ordeal last week? Of course you do,
how could you forget? Um, Dad, it seems to have awakened something
inside me. Something that, I'm not really ready to deal with, but I'm going to
have to." Kyle had gotten up and was pacing in front of his chair.
Jim interrupted frantically, "Son, are you sick?!"
Stunned Kyle sharply replied, "No!" He sighed and continued,
more calmly, "No Dad, it's not that. It's just...there really is no
easy way to say this...Dad, I'm a wizard."
Jim sat stunned for a moment. "You're a what?"
"A wizard."
"A wizard," he repeated. He rested his head in his hands.
He took a deep breath and raised his head, running his fingers down his
face. "Well, OK then. When did this happen?"
"Mr. Valenti, many people have latent abilities to work magic. While
it is unusual for these abilities to show up this late in life, it is not
unheard of," the professor commented.
Jim snapped at the intrusion, "Ms. McGonagall, ma'am, forgive me for
asking, but just who are you and why are you here?"
"I am Professor McGonagall, from Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry. Your son and Miss Parker have been invited to join our summer
program to learn to use their abilities. I am here to answer any
questions either of you may have.
"Liz? You too?" Jim asked in shock and amazement.
"Yes. But we didn't tell my parents about my magical
abilities. I know they couldn't handle it and they'd ask too many
questions. So they only know half the story. They know that it's an
educational opportunity over the summer in England. I'd prefer if you
didn't tell them anything else unless they absolutely need to know."
"Ok Liz, you know your secret is safe with me. One question though,
are you planning to tell the others?"
Liz grimaced at the thought. "No, not for now at least."