X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Ninety Three
Author's Word: Thanks for the last round of reviews, guys. Highly appreciated and as always, makes for motivated updating. I also realize you're probably sick of me bringing this up, but… Controversy! This story is going to have many different things going on and its purpose, among several, is to tell a tale. I love you all, therefore no offense could possibly be intended. Now that I've mentioned this yet again, please enjoy and review!
Under the half-moon of the mostly clear sky, Scott moved along on his hands and knees through a portion of the tall grass surrounding the mansion. He made sure to keep as far from the flowerbeds as possible. When he stopped to still a moment but the rustling continued, he immediately jerked his head back. The silver light above poured down over the green eyed girl.
"Rebecca," he smiled softly. "What are you doing out here?"
Hair swept entirely to the right side of her body, she scooted up to him. "Trying to see what you're doing out here."
"Visiting friends," he told her.
"Who?" Becky wondered.
Scott faced forward. "Them."
Becky's face brightened at the sight of the numerous fireflies. "They're so beautiful."
"Yeah," he glanced her way again, "just gorgeous. They help give me light to see out here." Scott let off a small sigh. "Too bad we won't be seeing them for much longer. Fall will really be here soon."
Becky brought up cheerfully, "Just like your birthday. Aren't you excited?"
"I guess so. Birthdays around here tend to be pretty groovy." He laid in the grass staring upward, arms folded behind his head.
The curly headed child stretched out on her stomach beside him. "What is it you really want?"
Turning her way, he replied, "Guess."
Before she could, Emma's mind entered every adolescent resident of the mansion. Who wants ice cream before bed?
Scott and Becky shared a brief look before hurrying up and inside the house.
IIIIIII
In the library of the Xavier home and institute, two tables pushed together helped to accommodate the nine staff members. One side provided seating for the contented headmaster, the blonde beside him who's fingernails currently interested her greatly, the faintly humming musician, the tall long haired individual with his arms folded behind his head, and the short one gnawing on a toothpick. Across from them consisted of the elder headmaster, the youngest one in the room who glanced at a notebook here and there, the young doctor adjusting his glasses, and the highly chipper brunette leafing through a binder filled with the possibilities of future learning strategies.
"Right then," Charles spoke, "so all is definitely a go for Scott's birthday party tomorrow?"
Alex assured, "It'll be his best yet."
Erik said, "I'll finish with final setup first thing in the morning."
"Good." The Professor then put forth, "Any other new business to discuss?"
Logan removed his toothpick and piped up, "We need to talk about the security system."
"What about it?" Charles asked.
"It stinks," the dark haired Canadian answered. "Me and Vic did a few test runs and figured out a good dozen spots of penetration on this place and that's if you're slow in the head. We need to reinforce it, install knockout gas in every vent at the very least."
Charles looked slightly troubled. "Do you believe that's very necessary?"
"If it's true what ya told us before, we need to take a couple steps ahead of the feds if they ever get wise," Logan pointed out. "Not to mention, this place has "rob me" written all over it."
Erik said, "It sounds like a reasonable precaution."
Hank looked over at Victor. "Perhaps you could assist me in upgrading our present system."
Victor replied indifferently, "I'm around."
Charles nodded. "Agreed." He looked around. "I trust there are no objections?"
"What about sensors?" Emma mentioned, admiring her cuticles. "Placed outside each window in case of alternate exterior breeches?"
"Sure, what she said," Logan shrugged.
Charles began his conclusion with, "In that case, we shall—"
When one of the doors opened, Frank entered and walked purposefully towards the front of the tables.
It caused Kayla to glance toward him. "Oh my."
Logan's eyebrow went up. "What are you doin' in here?"
"Minding my own business and leaving Wolverine's alone," the boy replied. "Also, we need a bigger tree house."
Logan instantly said, "Hell no."
Frank held a silencing hand out to the man's face before going on. "Seriously, between me and the girls we just don't have enough room for Scott, Joey, and Cody."
"Your merciful fairness ever astounds me, Franklin," Charles stated.
Logan folded his arms. "You came in here to ask for a tree house?"
"No." Frank pounded a fist on the table. "I came in here to demand a tree house. A bigger, better tree house. A tree house built on the principles that make this nation great."
Trick quipped, "I'm waiting for the part where he mentions Bunker Hill."
Alex wanted to know, "Who made you the voice of the people?"
"Don't be dumb, Alex. I happen to be one of the first X-Kids." He then confessed, "And also, Becky didn't wanna do it."
Erik snorted a chuckle.
"Frank, we will begin construction as soon as we possibly can," Charles told him. Logan tacked on, "Now beat it. I'm sick of lookin' at ya."
Frank countered, "I've been sick of lookin' at you." He proceeded back out but stopped to include, "And if my best friend doesn't have a great birthday, I'm coming after all of you. Except Emma and Kayla 'cause we like them," then continued on his way.
"Damn I love that kid." Logan shook his head fondly.
Trick sulked, outlining a circle on the table with his finger. "I want to be liked."
Victor rolled his eyes upward.
IIIIIII
Leaving his room shortly after tuck-in, Scott followed the path to Emma's bedroom and found her light on.
He came to stand in her doorway, seeing her at her vanity. "Em?"
Without turning around, she invited, "Come in, sweetheart."
"Can I talk to you?" He came closer and sat on the bench.
"If this is some last moment's attempt to acquire more birthday presents I'm going to let you know right now," she smiled and pinched his chin, "you can have whatever you want in the world."
Scott smiled back but said, "It's not about my birthday. Well, not really." Emma looked at him with complete attentiveness. "I wanted to talk to you because I figured you'd understand. Sometimes I don't know where I fit here. I'm not like my brother and the others who were here all along. And I'm not like Cordy, Jazzy, and Cody who are brand new. Even Maya came along way before me."
Emma nodded. "I see what you mean."
"You came at the same time I did and you're the greatest and we all love you." Scott rubbed the back of his neck. "But sometimes I feel like an intruder. Like I interrupted a good thing going. I can't help wondering sometimes if Alex was better of being happy with all of you and not having to worry about me and the things going on in my crummy head."
Emma placed an arm around him while nicely manicured fingers gently combed through his hair. "As difficult as this might be to believe, I know exactly what you're feeling. When we arrived here, I felt welcomed yet like a complete outsider at the same time. It took time to find my footing and it's still a challenge. Self-worth, especially within one's family, is not obtained as quickly for some as it is for others. The key is being committed to making something work, no matter how trying it feels."
Scott lingered in through then placed thin arms around her. "I'm so glad you're still with me. I'm sorry if I don't act like it more often."
"Believe me," Emma lowered slightly to kissed his forehead, "it's I who feels privileged having you here with me." She ran a comforting hand down his back. "Why don't you go on back to bed, darling? We have a full day ahead tomorrow."
"Okay. Good night, Emma." Scott stood and walked out.
Emma finished brushing through her hair and paused to stare into her mirror for a full minute. She got up and went to stand at her window, gazing out at nothing in particular.
IIIIIII
"Becky, the card is almost—" Jasmine came to a halt just outside the younger girl's room. "What's that?"
"Hm?" Becky turned around, showing the one-eyed action figure in her hand. "It's for Scott for his birthday."
"I thought we were all making the card for him."
"Oh I know, but I was in the general store with my papa and it reminded me of him," Becky explained. "I think he'll really like it."
Jasmine folded her arms, a small smirk turning up her lips. "I think Scott Summers would love anything from you."
Becky blinked at her. "We should go see if Raven, Auntie Em, and Kayla need any help."
"Okay."
Frank nearly bumped into the girls as they passed him. "Whoa, 'scuse me." He immediately stepped out of their way then noticed the thing Becky had with her. "Hey, what's that creepy toy for? It looks cool."
Jasmine answered, "Becky got it for Scott."
As they went downstairs, Frank headed for the playroom. Joey and Cody knelt down, attempting to help Bounty leave a painted footprint on Scott's enormous birthday card.
"You know," Frank lowered and picked up a pencil, "Scott acts so weird around Becky sometimes. If I didn't know any better I'd say he was almost sweet on her."
The younger boys exchanged an incredulous look between themselves but said nothing.
IIIIIII
The colors of blue, yellow, and black filled nearly the entirety of the backyard in the form of balloons, streamers, and a lengthy banner that stretched between two trees. It read: Happy Birthday, Scott "Batboy" Summers. All female attendees wore yellow party hats, males had blue, and Scott donned an oversized black one with "Birthday Boy" written all over it.
Laughter also echoed throughout the grounds with all of the young ones zipping back and forth.
Cody noticed Erik, Logan, and Victor carrying lumber and other various tools and ran over to them. "What's all that for?"
"We're under orders to renovate your tree house," Erik told him.
The little boy noticed a particular paint can. "Ugh, pink. What's that doin' here?"
"The girls, Mite," Victor explained.
Logan knelt to his son's level. "Remember them? Pretty things in the skirts? Your ma used to be one?"
Cody folded his arms. "Pink is sissy."
Erik assured him, "As big as this house is going to be, one small section for the ladies won't destroy the masculinity."
"Cody, come play," Joey called over.
"Comin'!" Cody jogged back over.
Busy swinging Scott about, Alex failed to notice as they collided with Cordelia who carried Joey. All four erupted into laughter upon tumbling.
Alex ruffled Scott's hair. "You having a good day?"
"Yeah," his little brother replied. "Really good."
"Oh I know," Cordelia raised. "Let's have a piggyback race."
"Great idea," Alex seconded.
"Joey, will you ride with me?" Cordelia requested.
"Sure," the small blonde agreed.
Alex said to Scott, "Don't worry. We have this in the bag."
Hank lowered to all fours next to Becky. "All aboard."
She giggled and climbed up.
"Hey Jas, how about you and me?" Frank proposed.
"Okay." Jasmine placed arms around his neck and hopped up, tightening her jean clad legs around him. "Just remember I'm not as little as I used to be."
Frank scoffed. "You're still a lightweight."
At Cody's somewhat lost expression, Sean approached him. "Want to ride with me, little guy?"
Cody gazed upon the tall individual and grinned in delight. "Alright!"
Raven nudged Maya. "What do you say, girly? Want to join?"
Maya considered it a moment before declaring, "I'm in."
Victor nearly stumbled when Logan pounced onto his back. "What's your problem, Runt?"
"I want to play."
"Oh for cryin'—"
Logan extended a hand of claws out near his face. "I said. I. Want. To. Play."
Victor slapped at him. "Put them baby scratchers away unless ya plan to use 'em. And fine."
Charles walked over to his own brother. "Erik…"
Of course. "Yes, Lab Rat? May I help you?"
"It just looks like ever so much fun." Charles' blue eyes somehow managed to intensify with power.
Erik tried in vain to hide how adorable he found it. "Alright, up you go." He remained still while the younger man attached himself, making sure he did not accidentally drop Charles in the process.
Trick whimpered in the direction of the remaining two.
Emma looked right at Kayla.
"I can't. I'm fat," the Indian woman claimed.
When Trick started to walk off dejectedly, Kayla let off a sigh and hurried to jump onto his back.
"I'll guard for cheaters," Emma gladly volunteered. The pairs of nine lined up before her. "Ready, set… go." She hastened to scatter out of stampeding range.
"Can't lose to my wife," said Logan.
Victor responded, "Why's today different from any other day?"
Hank galloped forward with ease. "How's the view up there, Becca Bear?"
She laughed, clinging tightly to his neck.
"Okay Maya," Raven attempted to bound, "since you weigh mere ounces, I am clearly the problem."
"Don't drop me," Jasmine urged Frank.
"Just hang on tight," he encouraged.
A panting Trick mentioned, "Memo to me, hit the gym."
It amazed Charles how Erik moved so rapidly despite the plentiful additional pounds he provided.
At the race's end, Hank and Becky crossed over first followed by Cordelia and Joey. Victor and Logan tied with Erik and Charles, Alex and Scott next, then Frank and Jasmine, Sean and Cody, with Raven and Maya then Trick and Kayla.
Kayla rubbed her partner's back. "Breathe. Just breathe."
Cordelia and Joey linked hands and bounced up and down in a gleeful dance while Hank made a ballerina out of Becky by spinning her victoriously over his head.
Sean moved Cody around to his front. "Sorry we didn't win."
"That's okay," Cody reassured. "Thanks a lot for playin' with me. It was fun."
"Whoo, that was wild." Jasmine leaned forward against Frank and he enclosed her in his arms.
"You two," Logan pointed out Erik and Charles, "rematch."
Erik said, "We'll be sure to bring our lunch money."
For a moment, Scott thought he caught his brother's left arm shaking. "Alex?" He placed a hand over the jittery limb.
Alex pulled back slightly and hopped to his feet. "Guess we need to train a little harder, huh twerp? Can't let Glim Glam and Big Foot get ahead of us."
Scott started to say something then noticed the amazement up in the sky as he stood. "Frank, look! It's the Bat Signal."
Frank glanced up. "No way! During daylight?"
"It's coming from this way." Scott charged towards the front of the house.
While the children sped up, the adults lingered to watch their excitement for a bit.
When they made it to the front at last, Scott very nearly imploded with enthusiasm. "It's the Batmobile."
A heavily laid out black vehicle had parked itself.
Frank realized, "Then that means…"
The glass roof on the vehicle slid back, allowing a cowl and caped man to stylishly leap out.
"Batman!" came the numerous reactions as they all went to gather around him.
"He's early," Charles noted.
"Good evening, fine citizens of Westchester," the mysterious one greeted.
"Gee Bats, what are you doing here?" Frank wanted to know.
"I've come to present a most interesting challenge, of which the outcome shall reward fantastic prizes. However, before we begin I require the assistance of a very special young man." Batman glanced around. "Scott Summers. Where is he?"
The boy in question raised his hand. "Right here, sir."
"Scott, delighted to meet you." He extended a hand. "Now tell me, how old are you today?"
Scott smiled as he shook with him. "Twelve."
"Twelve years old. My, you're certainly a big lad, aren't you?" Batman looked him up and down approvingly. "You're just the man I need to lead this particular brain exercise."
"Oh no." Scott immediately shook his head. "I can't. I'm no leader, believe me."
"Believe me," Batman countered, "there is no one more qualified. Please consider it, Scott."
Rethinking it, Scott nodded hard. "Yes, sir. What do I need to do?"
Batman retrieved a stack of cards from out of his car and handed them to Scott. "Read these off to your friends gathered here. Each card and command will vary. Your friends will have exactly ninety seconds to figure out an answer for each. However, it is up to you and your great descriptions to help them along. Are you ready for this, Scott?"
It's okay, Scott. I'll just read your mind, Becky offered.
No, Rebecca. We can win the regular way. Don't worry. Letting off a breath that displayed his own worry, the boy replied, "Yes, sir. Let's do it."
"Begin the first card," Batman revealed a stopwatch next, "now."
Taking the first white card, Scott read the word then tried to think of clues for it. "A sport. Popular in England."
"Fencing," Frank guessed.
"Tennis," came from Sean.
Scott tried to think harder. "Might be mistaken for a bug."
Cordelia smiled. "Oh I know! Cricket."
"That's it, that's it!" Scott held up the card to Batman.
He paused the watch. "With time to spare. Well done. On to the next one."
Scott nearly rolled his eyes at the simplicity of the second card. "Okay, something Erik and Charles love to do."
"Lecture," Alex tossed out.
"Talk all day," said Cody.
"Say no," Becky answered.
Frank said, "Give out homework."
"Use big words that they know no normal person understands." The two headmasters turned eyes on their shape-shifting sister, who gazed around in cluelessness. "Who said that?"
Scott said, "Something they play that you'll never see Trick trying."
Jasmine now knew. "Chess!"
"Right." Scott moved on to the third card. "Okay, this one's kind of hard. It's a quote. Who said "give me liberty or give me—"."
Not needing anymore, Frank cut in with, "Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention on March 20th, 1775."
A very impressed Batman said, "That young man just earned a large number of bonus points."
Alex whispered to Sean, "About time that mouth did more than get him in trouble," making the redhead laugh quietly.
Scott introduced the next card. "Who painted the Sistine Chapel?"
"Michelangelo," Joey answered straightaway.
Scott smiled at him. "I knew you'd know. Okay, last one." He looked at the last card. "Let's see who can figure this one out. A bird, probably Batman's favorite."
"Robin," the young people chorused.
"Well done, all of you." Batman turned to Scott. "And I personally want to commend your leader with this." He went around to the trunk of his car and pulled something out. "Your very own utility belt."
Scott gasped and ran over to accept it. "Thank you, Batman. This is a big honor."
"One you certainly earned. As for the rest of you…" Batman next removed an enormous piñata shaped like the Joker.
"Alright, let's bash his brains in," Frank put forth excitedly.
"But first," Batman held up a finger, "how about we have a few rides in my trusty Batmobile?" He ran a hand through Scott's hair. "Birthday boy first."
Scott immediately clipped on his utility belt, ready to go.
Everyone watched him enter the vehicle. Batman got into the driver's side and off they went.
Emma turned to Charles and Erik. "Where on earth did you find him?"
"It wasn't us," Charles explained. "Trick knew of him."
"Ah, yes. We've met a few times in the show biz circuit and I know he loves doing events for children," Trick said.
"Give it up, Trick. Who's really behind that mask?" Logan asked.
Trick responded, "We all use his stage name. Adam."
IIIIIII
Still unable to believe the experience of riding around in the Batmobile, Scott leaned back in his passenger seat comfortably.
"I'm glad I didn't make my team royally mess up."
"I never had any doubt about you," Batman said.
Scott looked at him. "You don't have to be nice just because it's my birthday."
"Your birthday has nothing to do with it," Batman informed, circling around to head back to the mansion. "The doubts went away the moment you said you couldn't lead. You see, Scott, some leaders are born. Others are chosen. But the greatest in history all have one thing in common."
"What's that?"
"They never wanted the responsibility. Leadership is not the quest for glory many make it out to be. It is granted to those who will make the hard decisions, suffer the most nights without sleep, be forced to find the answers at a moment's notice, never allowed to shed a tear or catch a breath. Followers give you their awe and envy, but you give them your everything."
The newly turned twelve-year-old absorbed all of that as they returned to his home.
IIIIIII
Hammers and nails sounded extensively as three of the X-Men worked up in the tree. Of course with the tools all having metal bits to them, Erik did not find it to be such a chore.
"This is some kinda birthday party," Logan commented. "Kids these days don't know how easy they got it."
"Mmhm," Erik hummed a concurrence. "When I was a boy, you got the day off from chores and a single present that you valued more than all the money in the world."
Logan recalled, "When I was a kid and you had a birthday, it meant two things. You'd get cake and somethin' to wash it down with and that disease managed to skip over you so ya could see another year."
Hank and Victor approached with massive armfuls of additional materials.
Erik looked down. "What on earth is all that for?"
"This is an expansion project, Erik," Hank reminded.
"This is getting excessive," the metal wielder said.
Victor yelled up, "Oh and I suppose you'd be happy with the kids havin' just four walls and a ceilin'."
"Which is precisely what a tree house is," Erik insisted.
Logan mentioned, "Hey, if the kids are out here in their own house then they won't be in there under our feet."
Erik countered, "What's the point of children if they're not underfoot?"
"Write-offs," Logan raised.
Alex spoke up, "Will you old people get back to work before your arthritis flares up?"
"Old?" Logan turned a glare on him. "Ya little punk. Ya better take that back."
"Why don't you make me?" Alex challenged. "Just don't crack your back in the process."
"Oh gentlemen," Kayla's voice called out, "the kids smashed open the piñata."
All previous arguments were dropped as the five headed across the yard to the mountain high candy pile.
IIIIIII
Weary little brother in his arms, Alex made their way into the freshly bathed and pajama clad Scott's bedroom.
"We better keep your head elevated." Alex laid him down mostly on the pillows. "We don't need you slipping into a permanent candy-cake coma."
"Don't forget the ice cream." Scott rubbed his stomach dreamily.
Alex gave the small stomach a little tickle. He sat on the side of the bed, watching Scott laugh for a moment then lifted him up into a strong hug.
Scott rested on his chest but glanced up. "Alex?"
"I'm always going to be here for you, Scottie." Alex looked down at him. "I promise."
Scott could not help wondering, "Are you sure everything's okay?"
"Perfect." Alex gave him another squeeze. "Night, little brother."
"Night, big brother," Scott returned happily.
Alex stood to leave, passing Charles as he did so.
"There's the itty bitty boy I lucked upon that fortunate day Emma called me." Charles sat by him. "Did you have a good day?"
"It was the best birthday in the world, Charles," Scott responded. "Thanks so much." He reached out for him.
"That's certainly good to hear," Charles pulled him over and across his lap, "but it isn't quite over yet." He gave his bottom a soft pat.
"Hey!" Scott wiggled his feet and squirmed playfully. "No fair! No one warned me about this."
"And ruin the surprise of our new tradition? Perish the thought." Charles finished quickly, giving him two additional instead of one. "One is to grow on." He picked Scott up into a hug. "The other is to ensure you don't do it too quickly."
"Don't worry. I'm not really in a hurry." Scott sat up to get close to the man's ear. "But Charles, do you think I could ever be a real leader for the X-Men? Like my brother Alex?"
"Someday, my Cyclops." Charles kissed his head, "Someday I'm certain. For now, I want you to be that smart, happy little boy I've come to love as my own."
"I love you, too, Charles."
The Professor began to tuck him in. "Tomorrow I want you to eat an entire plate of vegetables to counteract the quantities of sugar you consumed today."
"Yes, sir," the boy smiled.
After Charles left, Scott received his third visitor in the form of Erik.
Scott placed down one of the many brand new comic books he had received that day. "Hi. Are you gonna spank me, too?"
"Not unless you misbehave tomorrow." Erik sat and presented him with a tin box. "I wanted to wait to give you this particular present."
Curiously, Scott unlatched the box and peeled back the lid. Inside, he found several aged newspaper clippings.
"What are all these, Erik?" he wondered.
"It took some doing, but I managed to find as many articles as I could on your father."
Scott's hands stilled a moment. "My dad?"
Erik nodded. "With the help of my children, I've learned and am still learning, not to let the past be a mere hindrance me. We must learn from it, gain from it, and never forget. I'm sorry I couldn't find more, but I'm hoping this will aide you in whatever you think you need." He started to stand.
Putting the box safely to the side, Scott hopped up to wrap arms around the man's middle. "Thank you, Erik!"
He squatted to better embrace him. "Happy birthday, Scott."
IIIIIII
Asleep for a time, the green eyes revealed themselves slowly yet suddenly. Rising out of bed, Becky moved to get into her cotton candy pink robe and slippers. She slipped out of her room on the very tips of her toes and journeyed downstairs by clinging securely to the banister. Making her way out the backdoor, Becky ran across the yard and up the ladder to the tree house.
Fiddling with something in his hand, Scott glanced back at his unexpected company. "Rebecca. What are you doing up here?"
Eyes twinkling with a bit of impishness, she replied, "Trying to see what you're doing up here."
"I was just wondering," he showed the small action figure in his hand, "if maybe the story could end differently. That if the Cyclops never found his missing eye then maybe he could find a new one. One that will help him see new things, amazing things. It won't be like before, but maybe just as good… or even better."
Becky sat up on her knees, looking at him closely. "I think I like that ending better."
Putting the miniature Cyclops safely away on a nearby shelf, Scott returned his gaze to the one before him. "You never did guess what I really wanted for my birthday."
She said, "I better not. If you wished for it today, it might not come true."
"It's not the wish I made on the cake. That one probably won't happen until w— until I am older." His face turned entirely serious. "I was hoping you could help me make another one come true."
Becky grew equally serious but also curious. "What is it?"
He tried to gather his words for clarification. "If I could just remember them. I know it's hard for you to understand, but I would love to be able to…"
Taking both his hands in hers, she told him, "I'll help you see, Scott."
The boy followed the girl's direction and shut his eyes under the ruby shades.
XXXXX
"What is this doing in the middle of the floor?" She picked up the denim jacket. "Alex!"
The nine-year-old walked over to the mildly frazzled female. "I keep trying to teach it to grow wings and fly itself into the closet."
A pair of interested brown eyes observed them from a short distance.
Passing through, Christopher used the boy's mitt to give him a whump on the head before handing it to him. "Ever hear of a coat hanger?"
Alex pretended to think. "You mean those rectangle things with the hooks?"
"Triangle," Katherine corrected, helping him into the discarded jacket. "Please try to remember that our floor—"
"Is not an extension of my closet," the boy finished. "I know, Mom."
Christopher checked for the time. "We better get out of here. You know they can't begin without the star pitcher."
"True, true," Alex concurred without a shred of modesty. He punched the palm of his glove. "Okay, I'm gonna go clobber everybody."
Katherine brought up, "Don't you think maybe we should bring your brother along?"
A look of utter confusion crossed the young face. "Brother, brother… oh yeah. My lucky drool machine." Alex jogged over, liberating the toddler from his playpen. "Come on, Scottie. Time to play ball."
Christopher held the front door open for everyone. "He'll be learning soon enough."
Katherine followed their sons out, leaving her husband to lock up. "Alex, don't run that fast with him."
"Relax, Mom. I won't let anything happen to the twerp," Alex called back over his shoulder.
Scott's short arms reached forward worriedly. "Ma, Da…"
"It's okay, Scott." Alex patted his back, heading inside the garage. "They're coming."
Waiting in anticipation for the other half to join them, the teeny boy felt everything darken around him at once and his worry turned into panic.
XXXXX
Jerking back, Becky grabbed her head.
Shaking his own out to clear it, Scott crawled to her, putting a hand to her shoulder. "Rebecca. Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry, Scott." She looked at him. "I couldn't hold it anymore."
Giving her a hug, he whispered with supreme gratitude, "Thank you, Rebecca. I mean it. From the bottom of my heart." She seemed to somewhat topple against him. "You sure you're okay?"
"Just tired." Becky ran a hand through her curls. "We should go back inside."
"Right." Scott went down the ladder first and waited to help her off the last rung then took her right hand in his left. "Come on."
"Scott?" Becky spoke. "I really hope all of your wishes come true."
He regarded her for a long moment before continuing to bring them towards their large home, a gathering of overhead fireflies seemingly illuminating their path.