(18) Spreading My Wings

Sylar didn't find Raphael or Yacov again until he had returned to Haifa. He had set Jessica with a few others to try locating them until they showed up about three hours later. Sylar glanced at Yacov, who had not been formally invited into his group, for a moment before looking over Raphael.

"We won't be able to meet with the Prime Minister for a while until this settles," Raphael began. "But Yacov might be able to help us with that which is why I brought him here."

"I am Yacov Meltzer," Yacov began. "I'm part of the security for the Prime Minister. I could help you set up a meeting with him, but only after I know your intents. Forgive me but I can't just saunter on back into the Knesset with Sylar any time soon."

"I have no intention of killing your Prime Minister."

"Just like you had no intention of killing the President of the United State many years ago, am I right?" Yacov pointedly raised one brow. Sylar glared at him but was unable to deny anything.

"Neither of you are lying," Jessica interjected quickly as if trying to throw some cooling water on that major burn. "We do have something of urgent importance for the Prime Minister. The sooner he gets this," she indicated the penstick Raphael placed on the desk. "the better."

"What's on that thing?"

"Files concerning various plans for ISIS & other factions trying to destroy Israel," Sylar replied. "I personally don't need to see the Prime Minister but if you could get Raphael set up, it should be fine."

"I could just bring it."

"I want one of my own there," Sylar replied. "If you don't mind."

"That could really turn the tide in this war," Yacov ignored the jibe. "Once the Knesset is stable, the Prime Minister will contact me. I could return with Raphael & those files then. It would be sometime next week."

"Very well," Sylar began. "I will keep this secured until then. Raphael can pick it up when it's time."

After Yacov & Raphael left, Jessica asked Sylar, "Does Yacov have an ability?"

"Yes, he can deflect the powers of others," Sylar replied. "Some sort of distortion wave."

"Will you invite him in?"

Sylar sat back in his seat. "What's the policy on that? He is a rabbi himself. He used to have his own group in Bethlehem before they got scattered by terrorists."

"In that case, it would only be temporary until he can establish his own group again," Jessica said. "He can't take over any of us without your permission either."

"That's good to know," Sylar replied. "Were you able to get rid of that video?"

"We got it banned from Israeli channels & even YouTube," Jessica answered. "But if the ISIS have copies, there will always be a risk of it. Minimal but there."

"It's better than nothing," Sylar said. "So long as it never gets to Noah. He heals too fast to have his memory wiped. Speaking of which," he stood up. "I better get back to him."

"I heard about the car crash," Jessica said.

"It's my fault," Sylar said as he took the glasses out from the door. "I teleported in front of him."

"Well, that proves that story about you," Jessica put her hands on her hips. "You really are crazy."

"Good night, Miss Havoc," Sylar half-retorted before beaming out of there.

He got out of his biker clothes into something more comfortable before going downstairs to grab something to eat. Aviv was waiting at the bottom of the stairs & began following him around until he stretched back on the couch. Aviv jumped up beside him.

Noah came into the living room a few moments later. "You got new glasses."

"Actually, they're the same," Sylar said. "Jessica got them back for me."

"When did you get back?"

"Just recently."

"Were you in Jerusalem?"

"A couple hours ago. Why?"

"I heard someone tried to assassinate the Prime Minister."

"Oh, yeah they tried," Sylar said. "He's fine though. How'd you find out?"

"It was on TV," Noah pushed Aviv over so he could sit down. He leaned back against his father's side.

"Well, it's all over now," Sylar said. "No harm done. I met one of his security guards."

"You did?"

"Someone with an ability," Sylar said. "He says it should all be back to normal by next week."

"I wonder if the Prime Minister knows about abilities."

"It's possible," Sylar said. "Most Jews are aware of Kabbalistic mysticism as they call it."

"Probably," Noah stretched a bit before sitting up. "I'm going to go grab some sandwiches."

Sylar let him go. So long as Noah wasn't mad at him any more, he would try to keep on his son's good side until the time came to tell him everything. He was determined to be more careful with his words concerning Noah's differences as well & once more skimmed through the website Noah had shown him, though he was no closer to understanding it.

Raphael left with Yacov four days later to deliver the penstick & within two weeks, the news began to change. Now, Israel was able to drive back her invaders & somehow seemed to know exactly when & where to strike. There were hardly any raids in Jerusalem, the West Bank was once more under Israeli control & the Gaza strip was soon cleared of terrorists. It didn't end the ongoing conflict but it pushed it back beyond enemy lines for the first time in a long time. The end of the battle was no longer a myth but was still a long ways away.

Before the summer was over however, Sylar wished the war had ended by now. Noah received a rather official looking letter in the second-last week of summer. After reading through it, he looked up at his father. "I guess I was wrong about you for one thing. I always had a feeling I was born in New York but ... well this proves I'm definitely an Israeli."

"What is it?"

"I have to join the IDF for two years."

Sylar dropped his coffee mug. It shattered on the floor, spraying its contents. "What?"

"Every native Israeli has to," Noah handed over the letter. "They're doing it a year early with me since my schooling is a year ahead." He looked down at the spill. "Are you alright?"

Sylar stared at the letter, thinking hard. He had covered everything when he had first brought Noah here. He didn't make Noah an American citizen to avoid getting caught by the Company over there. He didn't want any record linking his son to America. That was why he had registered Noah as a born citizen of Israel. Why didn't he think to look into its military requirements first? He slammed his hand on the table. "No. You can't join!"

"I have to."

"I don't want you in that sort of thing."

"Well Dad, I can't die. I'll be fine."

"Until they realize that no, you can not die!" Sylar snapped. "I've told you this before."

"Well, I have no choice," Noah said. "I'm Israeli. I have to serve my time. It's only two years."

"Two years. Two minutes. Two seconds!" Sylar shook his head. "Do you have any idea how much can happen in that short time?"

"Dad," Noah sat down at the table. "Everyone has to do this. So unless I'm not born in this country, I have to go. I'll be careful. Besides, I doubt they'll put me on the front lines right now & with the way things are going, who knows? Maybe this war will end while I'm in service. I could come home early."

"I hope so." Sylar pushed both hands through his hair.

Noah looked the letter over before saying, "Dad, am I born in this country, or not?"

Sylar looked at him. "That's what your birth certificate says."

Noah put the letter aside. "What do you say?" Sylar could only stare at him but was unable to answer. "So I am American," Noah gave up on him. "Your silence is everything. New York? You took me away from that place to avoid that serial killer, didn't you? But New York is my home, right?"

"Noah."

"Don't bother answering," Noah stood up. "I already know. But I don't suppose there is time to get any proof of that before I have to report to my commander in two weeks, is there? It doesn't matter. I was thinking of maybe signing up any way since I can't die."

"What?" Sylar glared. "Haven't I told you to keep that ability of yours hidden?"

"Yes & I have no intention of putting myself on display," Noah said. "I was thinking of becoming a sniper. Long distance. Out of sight."

"Sniper!" Sylar scoffed, pressing one hand to his forehead. So there it was, the killer instinct that every Gray, Petrelli, Bennet & even Campbell due to mixing in with Gray, had. Noah had it as well & didn't even understand why. Only this time, it manifested in a Gray son as patriotism, heroism, doing his duty for the country of Israel.

"You don't think I can do it?"

"On the contrary," Sylar began. "Considering our family history, you might make an excellent sniper."

"Well," Noah sighed, picking up the letter again. "I'll just have to take your word for it." He ignored the glare as he walked away.

"Noah," Sylar called out several minutes later even though he knew he was alone by now. He sighed heavily. Just as their lives seemed to be back to normal, once more everything started unravelling fast.

Sylar silently fretted about it until the day Noah came home in uniform for the first time. Noah slowly closed the door behind him before facing his father. Sylar looked his son over & smiled quickly before catching himself. Noah had grown up into a handsome young man & that uniform did wonders on him. But the ability ... would it be their downfall?

"So you like it?" Noah finally asked.

"What father wouldn't be proud to see their son like this?" Sylar said, pulling Noah close. "But don't you dare get caught & I'm not referring to any terrorists."

"I don't plan to," Noah said. "I've mentioned my interest in being a sniper. They will consider it."

Sylar pulled away. "You sure you can't just tell them you're gay so they'll kick you out?"

"I'm not gay!" Noah groused. "Why would they kick me out for that, anyway?"

"That's the way it used to be in America, last I checked."

"Well, that's stupid!" Noah exclaimed.

"America isn't the brightest of countries at times," Sylar said. "Look at what happened when they voted that orange wonder in for President."

"That's some embarrassing history the world would like to forget," Noah said. "Where's René when we need him?"

"Probably skinny dipping on vacation in Hawaii."

"Ewww!" Noah complained.

"So how is your school work going on top of your training?" Sylar asked after a laugh.

"Fine," Noah snarled through gritted teeth. "My schedule is all different now & it's next to impossible to see Jason at the moment apart from weekends."

"It's only temporary," Sylar said. "It's also your last year of school. Jason has another one to go."

"Yeah, I know."

"These two years, you'll be done with the IDF as well I hope," Sylar went on. "By then, you can have all the time you want with Jason."

"Three years," Noah said. "Jason would only be halfway through his IDF training when I'm done."

"It will go by fast, Noah."

"I hope so."

For Sylar, it was going by all too fast. He had mere months before having to confront Noah now & he was once more worrying about it. Worse, he had to do it alone since Ariel was no longer with him. Before he knew it, the Hanukkah season was once more approaching. Where was the time going?

Shortly before the festival began, Noah came into his father's bedroom one evening & lay beside him. "Dad, how would you feel if I converted to Judaism?"

Sylar tried but failed to not laugh. Noah sat up to watch him. "First of all, Noah," Sylar began when he could speak. "I told you before, you can be whatever you want. Go ahead & convert."

"What's so funny, then?"

"Two things, alright? You & I both know you just want to get closer with Jason. Besides that, in a million years, are you still going to be Jewish?" They stared at each other before Sylar added. "Think about it. You're immortal. What good would any religion do you?"

Noah lay back again. "It isn't just because of Jason. You've raised me with several Jewish values, especially the Sabbath. I've been thinking about it for years."

"Hmm, well, you're not lying."

"As for religion, immortality exists in all of them," Noah pointed out. "Right now, the Jewish one is the most logical, considering where we live."

"Well, you do what you want," Sylar switched off the light & rolled over to trap his son on the bed by putting one arm around him. "Just remember that I'm happy as an atheist clam."

A long silence followed in which Sylar slowly began to fall asleep. "Clams are unclean, Dad."

"Shut up!" Sylar groaned.

Noah shoved the arm away & got up. "Good night."

"It will be if I can slee—oh come on, Aviv! Go with Noah." Sylar tried to push the dog off his pillow but Aviv just barked, cast him a disapproving corgi glare & rolled over to sleep.

Noah curled up in his nest & texted Jason. "Dad's ok with it."

"You still haven't told me what 'it' is."

Without even looking, Noah quickly snatched up a random plushy about to fall off the edge & put it back where it belonged. "I will at school tomorrow."

"Is he still acting weird?"

"He seems to have calmed down a bit," Noah wrote back. "Right now he's fighting with Aviv for pillow space."

"LOL My money's on Aviv."

"Yup Lolol."

"By the way. I got a new phone. Same as you so we can swap & that guy your Dad stuck on us won't know you're using a real phone."

"Whoa! We'll be in so much trouble if we get caught!"

"So don't get caught. See you tomorrow."

Noah finally put his phone aside & went to sleep only to be rudely awakened about five hours later. Sylar banged on the door before striding in carrying Aviv. He tossed the dog onto Noah's chest. "Time to get up."

"It's 4.30! I have at least another hour to sleep!"

"Don't you get up this early when you're on duty?" Sylar grinned wider as Noah glared.

"They allowed me to come home for two weeks for Christmas & Hanukkah," Noah pointed out. "School will also be out in two days."

"Nothing like keeping your routine," Sylar laughed. "See you downstairs in ten minutes,"

Noah groaned & rolled over, burying his face in a stock pile of plush. "UGH! I hate everybody!" He trudged into the kitchen over fifteen minutes later. "Where are your glasses now?"

"Dude! I'm going back to bed," Sylar replied. "You're driving now, remember? I get to sleep in." Noah swore under breath. "Have fun at school today," Sylar laughed as he headed back upstairs with Aviv.

"I hate my life!" Noah complained to himself. He took his sweet time to finish breakfast as he didn't have to leave for almost another two hours. He wondered how to get his father off the military routine & stop waking him up so early all the time. By the time he was ready to leave, Aviv had just come downstairs after having a longer sleep with Sylar. Noah just glared at the dog before heading out to the garage to the car.

Noah parked the car close to the front doors of the school & got out. He was fully awake by now & the cooler winter wind helped. Checking his phone, he found a text from Jason to meet in the washroom before classes started to swap phones. René was standing guard near the washroom doors but didn't follow Noah inside. It was the only safe place to switch their phones around. Jason was already waiting for him.

"I'd still be careful with René watching," Jason said as he handed over his own phone before taking Noah's. "We'll switch back after classes. If we can keep it up for a few days, you can really catch up on some stuff I found."

"Sounds good," Noah pocketed the phone. "So, um, about the surprise. I was thinking, once you're a fully fledged Rabbi, do you want to help me convert?"

Jason stared at him. "Convert?" He finally gasped. "You mean that?"

"I've been thinking about it for years," said Noah. "Besides making things easier for you, I think there might be something beyond, ya know, all this. Dad has claimed to be atheist all this time, but how can he hate something that doesn't exist?"

"I often wonder if he isn't more agnostic than anything else," Jason said. "With the way he goes on sometimes. He'll let you convert?"

"Yeah."

"Of course I'll help you!" Jason pulled Noah close for a moment. "You'll be my first guinea pig."

"Gee, thanks!" Noah burst out laughing. "We better get going. See you after class."

It wasn't until the lunch recess that Noah managed to do anything with Jason's phone. Keeping René in sight, he plugged in the headphones & pretended to listen to music. He called up a game screen to have on display in case René came to check on him but was really going on the full unblocked internet of Jason's phone. For the first time, Noah felt he could look anything up without having to worry about getting caught. There were three things he wanted to look up. Other people beyond Israel who had abilities. He wanted to try finding some names & perhaps what their various powers were. Was there another immortal being? Who was the New York serial killer his father was hiding from?

Noah went straight for anything about people who had abilities & was rather amazed to find anything at all so easily. America, apparently, didn't hide abilities like Israel did; though, it didn't appear to be a wise choice to have super-powered humans exposed. It seemed to be a war raging between not only those with powers vs. those without, but also fighting among each other at the same time. A lot of them were around Noah's age as well, most claiming to come from parents with powers.

"Mister Gray?"

Noah glanced up at René who was standing dangerously close to him. He quickly called up the game screen before asking, "Something wrong?"

"Your next class is starting in two minutes."

Noah closed off all screens & checked the time. "Yikes!" He quickly stood up. "Remind me to not try new games on recess again!" He hurried away, hoping the Haitian had bought it. He didn't dare try anything on the shorter recess in case he went over the time.

"So," Jason began once they had a moment alone in the washroom. "Like what you saw?"

"I don't get why those in America don't stay hidden," Noah said. "But there are a lot more people with powers than I think even Dad knows about."

"It is pretty bad over there," Jason admitted, putting his phone away. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Definitely!" Noah hoped he had time to look up the other two things he wanted to know on one break. He assumed he probably wouldn't find any one else with Regen as his own father had said it was a rare power & planned to spend most of the lunch break reading about the serial killer.

But all thoughts of real life slashers fled his mind the next day when he found her. The girl in the photo from his father's box appeared. Noah could do nothing but stare at one video he had found of her standing at a podium as if giving a speech. It was only forty seven seconds long but she was shot by someone from the crowd, only to heal instantly as someone pulled her out of sight to safety. He replayed the video several times before his watched beeped. Noah had set an alarm to warn him of the time before René would have a chance to get close to him. He put the phone away & passed the rest of the day in a daze.

When he met with Jason in the washroom once more, Noah barely managed to whisper, "I think Mom's alive."

"What?"

Noah got the video up. "You never looked for any one else with Regen?"

"Didn't really think of it & anyway, I try not to do anything with René around," Jason said. "Besides, didn't your Dad say it's a rare power?"

"It is," Noah said. "She's the only one that showed up. Look." He let Jason watch the video. "It's her, isn't it?"

Jason pocketed the phone. "That is definitely the girl in that photo."

"My Mom's alive!"

"Wait a minute," Jason began. "How do you know for sure she is your mother? Didn't she die in an explosion? Why would your Dad lie about that, of all things?"

"I just know & the point is, I don't think HE knows," said Noah.

"You're not making any sense."

"My power didn't show up until I got run over & died from it, right?" Noah reminded him. "What if this explosion happened & she got her power AFTER that, but too late for Dad to know she survived?"

"Oh," Jason thought about that for a moment. "OH! That. Wow. That's probably what happened! If it's her, that is."

"I'm sure of it. I gotta tell him!" Noah exclaimed. "He'll be so happy to know she's alive! Maybe she could come home. Get out of America."

"It's a good plan."

Noah gave him a look. "I'm getting my family back together. It's an excellent plan!"

"Mhm," Jason looked Noah over. "How are you going to explain how you found out without having your hide tanned? Or mine for that matter? Mine's more important since I can't heal as easily as you."

"Oh, yeah," Noah deflated slightly. "That could be a problem. Didn't think about that."

"Can you hold off for a day or two?" Jason asked. "We'll come up with something."

"Just a couple days," Noah insisted. "I can't hold something like this back for long! He has to know."

"I know," Jason said. "We need to get to the lobby. Something is going on." He led the way out & down the stairs to where a large group of students were chatting excitedly about something. Jason pushed forward to the table & grabbed a brochure to bring back to Noah. "Look at this."

Noah took the pamphlet. "It's another field trip for Grade 11 & 12. Leaves next week for the long weekend. Any student in history & biography can go to—" He quickly handed the paper back. "The last one was for Egypt. Dad let me go. But he will find a way to kill me before letting me go to this one since it's for New York."

"I suppose you're right," Jason dropped the thing into his bag. "I better get to the synagogue before my own Dad has a camel spider. See you on Friday."

Noah drove half way home before pulling over. "Is René around?"

It was several minutes before an answer came. "Dude, I'm trying to recite some Torah, here. No he isn't."

"Then get me on that plane to New York."

"EXCUSE ME?!"

"I'm going to New York to get my mother," Noah returned.

"Have you forgotten who your father is? He'll never sign the consent form!"

"So let's make him another one!" Noah insisted. "We can't verbally lie to him but a piece of paper with any destination should get by that ability."

"You're crazy!"

"I'm going to New York, one way or the other!" Noah declared. "I've been wanting to for ages but I couldn't because, uh something. Never mind. This is the only way for you to be safe."

"What are you talking about?"

It was Noah's turn to take some time before answering. "There is something in New York that has Dad running scared. It could harm you unless you're disguised as a student. You'll be fine so long as you stay with the group."

"If your Dad finds out, he'll be really mad."

"He'll only be mad for a moment. When he sees Mom alive again, it'll be fine."

"Know what? Just tell him now."

"I want to bring her here as a surprise."

"I'll deal with you later; I gotta get back to my recital!"

"Sure, but this isn't over."

"You bet it isn't!"

Noah made it home before Sylar did & went to bed early to avoid seeing him. He got up a little earlier than usual on Friday though still late in the morning. Sylar was already gone to be with the Kabbalah, making it easy for Noah to hold off on telling him anything. He found Jason at their usual favorite restaurant & after ordering, he tried to say something.

"No."

"Jason."

"I said no."

"Why not?"

"Noah, you just FEEL that this girl is your mother," Jason pointed out. "What if she really isn't & doesn't know anything about you?"

"Who else could she be?" Noah shrugged. "Why would Dad keep a picture of her?"

"Maybe they were friends," Jason said. "Or maybe she's a sister of his. Your aunt. Did you ever think about that?" He added, "What if she isn't your mother & you go sauntering on over there calling her Mom? She'll think you're an idiot! Unless you know for sure, there isn't much you can do."

"I suppose so," Noah sighed. "I would have to get a DNA test first perhaps." Jason rolled his eyes so far back he saw his brain for a moment. "But she is still someone important in Dad's life. I want to meet her."

"You shouldn't go."

"I have to!"

"No, you don't," Jason disagreed. "There is no reason why you can't just show him the video. You don't have to go to New York."

"Yes, I do."

"Why?" Jason demanded. Noah didn't answer. "Damn it, Noah! There is nothing in New York worth it. If that woman is anything to your Dad at all, then your Dad can go get her."

"It's more than that," Noah said. "I've always wanted to go home. Just to see it."

"Home?"

Noah hesitated before saying, "Jason? I was born in New York, ok? I'm not really an Israeli citizen."

"What?"

"Dad lied on my birth certificate when he fled here with me," Noah said. "That's why I still have to do service because he made me an Israelite on paper. But I'm from New York."

Jason was beyond shocked. He leaned close to Noah. "If the government finds out what your Dad did about your records, he could get in trouble! Why would he do that?"

"I have no intention of exposing him," Noah replied. "I don't mind serving my time in the IDF either. I was already thinking of joining it anyway. But he did it to protect me."

"From what?"

"Remember those slasher movies we like to watch?"

"YOU like to watch," Jason glared.

"Dad knows someone like that in real life," Noah ignored him. Jason put both hands on his face in a hushed gasp. "A New York serial killer no less."

"Oh you are too much!" Jason finally managed to say. "You are really too much!" They stared at each other.

"Jason," Noah whined.

"What about this killer?"

"Well, you'll be with the school group & I can't die," Noah said. "Besides, that was almost twenty years ago. He probably isn't even there any more. America has bigger problems with exposed powers in humans."

Jason rubbed his face with both hands. "I bet you get this impulsiveness from your mother, 'cause Rabbi Gray is very reserved & calculating. Bit creepy really."

"I would like to know that for sure," said Noah after a short laugh.

"I know you would," Jason said. "I get it. You want to know your mother but when we get back, you're own your own. I'm not risking his wrath!"

"You'll help me get to New York?"

Jason sighed heavily. "It's impossible to resist you." Noah looked away, turning red. "First of all," Jason went on. "What are we going to do about the consent form? Secondly, how do you intend to get rid of René?"

"Can we knock him out with a sledge hammer?" Noah laughed.

"I wish," Jason leaned back in his seat before going on. "There's also the matter of dodging your Dad. What if he comes to the airport with you? He'll know right away & stop you."

"Well, since school is going to be out for the holidays now, I can just stay at your place," Noah said. "But Dad never comes to the airport with me. He told me once he shouldn't be seen at airports."

"Really? Any idea why?"

"He just said it wasn't his thing," Noah shrugged.

"Your Dad gets weirder every day," Jason gave up. "I have an idea. You said you will stay at my place for the rest of the holidays. Can you get a copy of your Dad's signature? I'll make a copy of my consent form before getting Dad to sign it. If you come over for Shabbot dinner, I could give it to you & you can just forge his signature onto it. He'll never know until it's too late. Then you can just stay with me until it's time to leave. I will drop off both consent forms on the last day possible so hopefully, no one would think to call your father to confirm it in time. I'll also pay for your plane tickets so it won't show up on any of your records in case your Dad goes snooping. We don't have to worry about René at my place either."

"I could leave out the fact we are going on a field trip," Noah said slowly. "Just tell him I'm going to be with you for a few days. He might never find out."

"That would be a miracle if he doesn't," Jason said.

"We are back a day before Christmas & then after that, I go back on duty," Noah went on. "If Dad asks when I'll be back I can just say that. I'll go home before returning to the base & I'll have her with me. It'll all work out!"

"Just remember to leave me out of it if it doesn't," Jason ordered.

"It'll be fine," Noah laughed. "Calm down. Let me run over to Dad's office right now & let him now I'll be staying with you for a few days. He should be just about done with the Kabbalah for the holidays so I better go before they finish today."

"Alright but be careful," Jason warned. "He has more than one power & we don't know all of them."

"I know," Noah said as he got up to leave. The small temple was only about fifteen minutes away by driving. Noah hurried in to find his father. He walked in on a very odd scene.

"It's driving me crazy," Yacov was saying to Sylar. "That cat my roommate got has it in for me."

"Must be something about you it doesn't like," said a woman sitting at the table.

"It wants to kill me, I'm sure," Yacov told her. "Does anyone want a free cat?"

"You'll be fine," the woman said.

"Come on, Merida," Sylar interjected. "Help the poor guy out. Just think, you could be playing with a nice soft pussy tonight."

"Thanks Rabbi, but I can play with a nice soft pussy any time I want, seeing as how I'm a girl," Merida began. There was a collective gasp among the others. "Unlike either of you who probably need written invitations to get anywhere near one."

Laughter broke out across the room as Sylar's face turned redder than a beet. Yacov turned away, looking horrified while Noah tried to back track but was met with the wall.

"Yup," Sylar slowly started. "That sounded a hell of a lot better in my head."

"I bet it did, Rabbi," Merida laughed. "You walked into that one."

"I sure did!" Sylar got up from his desk & went out into the hall with Yacov close behind.

"Hey, Gabriel?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't ever try to help me sell cats again," Yacov finally said.

"Nope, no," Sylar sank to the floor, shaking with laughter. "Never again!"

"Uh, Dad?" Noah came out a moment later.

Sylar stared at him. "Oh hell no. Were you in there?"

"Yup!" Noah turned away, laughing. When he could keep his face straight, he said. "She's got a point."

"Shut up," Sylar & Yacov ordered at the same time.

Noah just snickered before saying, "Uh, I'm going to stay with Jason for a few days ok? I'll be back in time for Christmas."

Sylar did a thumb up with one hand. "No problem!"

Noah walked away as all three were once more laughing. He hurried to the car before his Dad could recover & ask for more details. He went straight home to pack a few things & find something with his father's signature written on it. That was relatively easy since there was a Hanukkah card from both of them ready for Tirzah & Nehemiah so Noah took a picture of the signature then put the card into an envelope to bring along since he was going there any way.

Late in the afternoon, Noah turned into the Gatineau driveway. He parked the car on the grass by the side & sat still in the driver's seat. He realized suddenly that the next time he would see his father would be most likely after coming back from New York. He was suddenly apprehensive about it, knowing his father's first reaction wouldn't be good. But only until he saw her, Noah kept telling himself. It would be the best Christmas present he could ever give his father.

"I'm going to New York," Noah suddenly gasped. "I'm really doing this!" He got out of the car & staggered to the house, feeling both exhilarated & terrified. What if he couldn't find her before the trip ended? What if he came back empty-handed? His father would be furious one way or the other, Noah knew, but if he had her, it would calm Sylar down.

Jason opened the door to let him in. "You alright?"

Noah let out a long sigh before answering. "By the way, if Dad gets nosy these next few days, just distract him by asking how the pussy is doing."

"What?" Jason stared at him. Noah explained what happened & both doubled over in pain.

"It's probably sheer dumb luck I walked in on that conversation," Noah said through a gasp of air. "I can keep Dad busy with that for a while."

"What is so funny?" Tirzah asked as the pair came into the living room & flopped onto the couch still guffawing. It took either of them a while before they could tell her. She just rolled her eyes as she left them alone in the room.

Noah put the card on the pile of others waiting to be opened later & called up the screen of his father's signature. With Jason's help, they got it onto the consent form for Noah & then Jason put both away before anyone could ask about it.

The next few days passed without incident. Noah did send a text back to his father to let him know he had taken the cards, then as a precaution he quickly asked about the pussy ... cat, earning a short & sweet 'fuck off' & nothing more. Noah sent back several devil laughing icons & left it at that. So long as he could keep that up, he hoped his father wouldn't pry & end up using any of those abilities around him.

On the other hand, it didn't stop Sylar from prying into other aspects of Noah's life. "Speaking of which," he texted back. "How are you & Jason doing about that?" Noah rolled his eyes & sent back the same short & sweet answer, earning his own row of devil laughing icons. Noah put his phone aside on the table with a little more force than he intended to show & ripped up a piece of challah bread. Jason took hold of his hand for a moment before finishing up some fish from his own plate.

Nehemiah watched the pair for a moment. "So what's going on with you two, lately?"

Jason quietly exchanged some words with Noah for a moment. Noah nodded quickly so Jason announced to the table, "Noah has decided to convert."

"What?" Nehemiah smiled broadly at Noah. "Seriously?"

"What about your father?" Tirzah asked.

"He's happy as an atheist clam," Noah shrugged. "That's what he told me."

"But he is ok with you converting?"

"Seems like it."

"I'll start working with him once I'm accepted as a Rabbi," Jason said. "I'd like to help him convert."

"Well," Nehemiah extended a hand to Noah for a moment. "Sometime next summer, welcome to the clan. Think you'll join the Kabbalah as well?"

"Dad wants me to be in his group," Noah said. "But that can't be for another couple of years."

"It'll go by fast," Nehemiah said. "Just like these past few days. You two should get to bed early. Fly out first thing in the morning."

"I'm surprised your Dad let you," Tirzah said, making both Noah & Jason freeze. "I thought he didn't like America."

"He doesn't really care about America," Noah said. "But I'm just going with the school, not running around the country by myself. I guess it doesn't matter to him as far as that's concerned. Besides, I am almost eighteen, anyway. He can't hold me back forever either."

"That's true," Tirzah said.

"He has mentioned to us about talking to you soon," Nehemiah added, making Noah look up at him. "I guess this is his way of starting."

"What do you mean?" Noah asked.

Nehemiah looked unusually uncomfortable. "It's a father/son thing. For your birthday."

"My birthday isn't until May."

"I know," Nehemiah said. "But for this one, Gabriel has a lot to prepare for. I guess this is the start of it."

It was now both Noah & Jason's turn to feel uncomfortable. They had planned this on their own. It had nothing to do with any birthday. "Maybe," Jason shrugged it off. "Rabbi Gray is very mysterious."

"Yeah," Tirzah said in an odd voice. "He is. Well, let's get you off to bed. It's a long flight to America."

Once they were in Jason's bed & left alone in his room, Noah turned the light back on. "What do you think that was about? My Dad planning something for my eighteenth birthday?"

"I don't know," Jason replied.

"Maybe I shouldn't do this," Noah stared at the ceiling.

"Well, you still have plenty of time to back out," Jason said.

Noah rolled over, putting his back into Jason's chest. "But she's his Christmas present. It's my last Christmas & I want it to be big with him."

"I'm sure you can still do Christmas with your Dad after you converted," Jason said. "You guys are keeping it secular to begin with anyway. You never made it about that radical rabbi from two thousand years ago."

"I guess you're right," Noah stretched out to turn the light off again.

Noah lay awake for a long time after Jason had fallen asleep beside him. He was nervous about sneaking off to America behind his father's back. He kept wondering if the school would figure out that one consent form was forged. What if René showed up? What if he couldn't find her in time? What was his father planning for his next birthday, his last birthday since Jews don't celebrate those things?

He was just on the verge of sleep when Nehemiah came into the bedroom to get them both up for the flight. Noah was suddenly wide awake in a rare morning moment & was in the car before Jason could figure out dream from reality for once. At the airport, he kept looking around for René, but so far, he didn't show up. From the bay window, Noah watched the large plane come in. It soon started to unload.

Jason grabbed his hand. "Last chance to back down."

Noah realized the plane was half way through boarding & they were next. "No," He said in a small shaky voice. "No, I've come too far. Let's finish this."

As they walked down the hall towards the plane, Jason said, "You do know your Dad will find a way to kill you for this, right?"

"Not with her by my side," Noah insisted. After a short hesitation at the door, he stepped over the threshold onto the plane headed for America.