A Fresh Start
Chapter Forty Seven
William came by the hospital several times over the next few days, usually after or before Richard and Cassie were there. They had talked a few times on the phone but Richard hadn't had the chance to talk to him about Jon and Sarah. He is lying next to Cassie early Thursday morning, watching her sleep and thinking about how grateful he was that they were back together.
Leaning over, he lightly kissed her shoulder before he pushes the covers back and climbs out of bed. Walking quietly into the bathroom, he turns the shower on and then starts washing. A few minutes later, he turns the water off, reaching for a towel he dries off quickly before wrapping it around his waist and leaving the bathroom. Glancing at the bed, he sees that Cassie is still asleep.
Walking into the closet, he gets dressed quickly before he walks back out and sitting down on the bed he puts his shoes on, before he turns to her, watching her sleep for a few minutes before he stands up. Walking into the sitting room, he reaches for a note pad and pen.
Darling,
I've gone to the palace to talk to William about Jon and Sarah. I'll be back before we go to pick up Will from the hospital. I love you
Richard
Walking back into their room, he lays the note on his pillow. Looks at her one more time and then leaves. Taking the car, he drives over to the palace. The guards let him through, and pulling up to the front of the palace, one of the pages comes to open the door for him. Getting out, as he walks up he feels mixed emotions fill him.
This used to be his home, he grew up here, ruled here, married here, raised a family here, and now he was once again trying to find out where he belonged. He nods as the other page opens the palace door, very much aware of the looks he receives as he walks through the palace to William's office. Walking into the outer office, he walks in as Henry looks up. "Sir." He says, standing as Richard closes the door behind him and walks over his desk.
"Hello, Henry." Richard says, reaching out to shake his hand.
"It's good to see you again." Henry says, smiling as he shakes Richard's hand
"Thank you, is William in his office?"
"Yes Sir, he's preparing for the press conference."
"Could you see if he can see me?"
"I'll see Sir." Henry replies, reaching for the phone and buzzing William.
William is sitting at his desk. For the last hour, he's been trying to look over some legislation that the Lord Chancellor has sent over, but he can't concentrate, his mind keeps wondering to Will and the press conference later. He is staring at Will's picture, when his phone starts to buzz. Reaching for the button, he answers the call. "Yes, Henry."
"Sir, your brother is here to see you?"
"Send him in." William says, releasing the button and getting control of his emotions.
Henry opens the door to William's office. Stepping back, he allows Richard to walk in. "William." Richard says, reaching out to shake his hand.
"Will you need anything Sir?" Henry asks
"No, Henry. Thank you." William replies, as he releases Richard's hand and Richard sits down in front of William's desk.
Closing the door behind him, Henry leaves and William turns his attention to Richard. "So, what's up? Is this about Will?"
"No, it's another matter. I was surprised to see Henry out there."
"Jodi is on vacation, so Henry is covering for her."
"Oh."
"You said this was about another matter. I've got a lot on my plate right now Richard."
"I know, but this needs to be settled before we leave today?"
"You're talking about Jon and Sarah?"
"Yes. Right now he and Sarah are staying at the embassy in Washington and while that's better than them being on the run, they can't stay like that."
"What exactly is the situation?" William says, sitting down at this desk.
"He faked his death to keep Sarah away from Alan. After Tammy was killed, Jon realized that he would come after Sarah. He tried to get Sarah before she was born, by trying to prove that Lizzie and he would be unfit parents. To keep that from happening, Jon married her and they stayed together until a couple months after Sarah was born, but he couldn't stay away from Tammy, Lizzie went to Alan to try to hang on to him and Alan used Lizzie to get to him. Tammy found out what Alan's plan was and she went to warn him and that's how she got killed."
"How did it end up that Jonathan faked his death?"
"Alan showed up to Tammy's memorial service. He and Alan got into it and Jon realized that he wouldn't stop until he had Sarah, so he faked their deaths and left Springfield. They have been on the run ever since."
"You realize the potential complications here."
"Yes."
"Spaulding has a plant down here. If they were to find out that he and Sarah were on the island then it could cause major problems for the country."
"I realize that, but he's your nephew. You're family." Richard says, getting up and walking over to the window. Looking out at the view that he had looked at many times when this used to be his office. Turning he looks back at William. "I know that you have to consider what could happen with the Spaulding plant, should Alan find out that Sarah was on the island and Jonathan is alive, but sometimes you have to look past duty to what is the right thing to do, and protecting your family is the right thing to do in this case. You know Alan. And all Jonathan did was follow his heart. Alan is the center of all of this."
"That still doesn't cover the people of this country Richard. They depend on these jobs. If the Spaulding's find out that we're protecting Jon and Sarah and they pull out, how are we going to explain them loosing their jobs?"
"I don't believe that Alan would do that? He's selfish and self centered, but he's also a shrewd business man. The plant here on San Cristobel has worked out well for him and Spaulding, and he's not going to sever ties on a venture that is making him money. He's too ambitious."
"That's a huge gamble you want me to take." William says, as Richard walks back over to his chair.
"I know, but he's my son. I didn't look out for him when he was growing up. I wasn't there. I'm not going to desert him now. He and Sarah can't be on the run for the rest of their lives. Sarah deserves better than that, and so does Jonathan. He needs time to settle down, time to relax. I doubt that he's even taken the time to grieve for Tammy, not properly, because he's too busy looking over his shoulder and keeping Sarah safe."
"Alright, I'll think about it. And I'll see what I can work out."
"Thank you." Richard says, standing up. "If you decide to do this, he won't put this country in jeopardy."
"I won't let that happen." William says, following Richard and standing up.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, you're my brother, and he's my nephew. We have to protect each other."
"Are you ready for later?"
"I'm trying to get some paperwork down as you can see, but my mind isn't on it right now. I'm sort of glad you came by this morning. It got my mind off Will."
"It's going to be alright?"
"I wish I had your faith."
"You are not responsible for this."
"I know I'm not, but I wish I had more answers than what I do."
"Have you gotten anything from the hospital?"
"No, everyone is afraid to talk. They're afraid of reprisals from you, Cassie or me. I even told Captain Mitchell to make it clear that if they were forced to do something under duress from Edmund then there would be no reprisals but he hasn't gotten anyone to talk as of yet. But I promise I'll get to the bottom of this. We will know exactly what happened. When will Will be released?"
"We're supposed to be at the hospital around eleven. If Will's test results are clear then he'll release him. In fact, I have to be going. I left Cassie a note telling her that I was here and that I would be back before we left for the hospital."
"Okay."
"You can come to the hospital if you want too. I noticed that you haven't been there for the last few days, since we told him."
"I know, I thought it was better to allow you all time to become adjusted, at least a little bit."
"You're still going to be apart of his life, when you come up to Springfield to visit."
"But not the way I was Richard, we both know that."
"That's true, but you'll have the easier job. You're the uncle. I'm his father and you've done a wonderful job with him. Let me tell you that right now."
"He's a smart kid." William says, glancing down at the picture on his desk.
"Yes he is. He's so much smarter than I was at his age."
"He smarter than either of us was at his age."
"Do you want us…?"
"No, take Will back to the villa after he's released. I'll come by after the press conference and I'll ride over to the airstrip with all of you. We'll say our good-byes there."
"I appreciate you letting us use the royal jet."
"It's the better way to do this. After the press conference, the press will be at your door within the hour and this is hard enough for Will, he doesn't need that, nor do you and Cassie? You're all victims in this."
"I better go. Cassie is probably up by now."
"I'll see you both later this afternoon."
"Okay." Richard says, as he and William walk towards the door.
Richard is walking in as Cassie comes downstairs. "Hi." She says, walking over to him.
"Hi." He replies, hugging her.
"Is William okay?"
"I won't say he's fine, but he'll be okay."
"What did he say about Sarah and Jon?"
"He'll think about it and let me know. He has a lot to weigh when it comes to that."
"Is he willing to help?"
"I think he is. He's just got to figure out a way to keep them from being discovered by Alan."
"Because of the Spaulding plant."
"Yes, that plant provides millions of dollars in revenue for the country, if it should suddenly disappear, on top of this business with Will. It could be enough to start major problems for him."
"You think they would revolt."
"Citizens have revolted for less so it's a possibility Cassie. Where is RJ?"
"He's upstairs. I thought we would let him stay here and we'd go get Will together."
"Did you talk to him?"
"Yes, we talked while we had breakfast."
"How did he react?"
"He seems to be excited. He missed Will after he moved down here and I know he missed him after Tammy died. He talked about him all the time. Did you eat anything before you left this morning?"
"No." Richard says, following Cassie into the kitchen.
"Alright, let me fix you something and then we'll go to the hospital. I want to be there early so that when the nurse comes I'll be there."
"Alright. Are you okay?" Richard asks, watching her for a few minutes.
"I'm fine. I'm excited and yet I'm a little scared. I almost feel like a new mom, about to bring her baby home from the hospital. Although Will is past that stage, I feel that way." Cassie says, looking embarrassed.
"It's understandable, I feel like a new dad."
"I miss that. We didn't get to do this when he was a new born, although in a way we did, but yet it's wasn't the same. I don't know it's a little confusing."
"Being confused is understandable, even being angry."
"I haven't reached that point yet." Cassie says, pulling the eggs from the refrigerator. "I probably won't feel that until we find out what exactly happened. Even though my money is on Edmund. We know he would do this type of thing, especially back then, if he thought it would hurt us, he would do it."
"I'm not going to argue with you Cassie, my money is on Edmund as well, but we can't accuse him of anything without proof."
"I know." Cassie says putting Richard's egg's on his plate. She fixed them exactly like he likes them, over easy. Putting the plate in front of him, she realizes what she's done. And looking up she smiles at him. "I guess old habits are hard to break."
"Thank you." He says, taking her hand and holding it for a couple of seconds.
"Do you want anything else?"
"A couple pieces of toast, and I'll be fine." Richard says releasing her. She goes to get the bread.
Ten minutes later they are on their way to the hospital.
When Richard and Cassie walk in to Will's room, the nurse is already there to draw his blood. "When will you have the results?" Cassie asks, as the nurse labels the vials.
"We should have them within a couple of hours." She replies. "And then Dr. Simon will be in to discuss the results with you."
"Thank you." Richard says, as she leaves and Cassie sits down on the bed.
"How are you feeling sweetie?"
"I'm ready to go home." Will says, scooting up in the bed.
"Well, hopefully you'll be able to go this morning after Dr. Simon looks at your results."
"Am I going to be sick like this all the time?" Will asks, looking up at Cassie.
"I hope not but we have to be careful."
"I'm tired of the hospital."
"I know sweetie." Cassie says, leaning over and kissing his forehead.
"Is Da…?" Will looks at Richard.
"It's okay Will. It's going to take some time for us all to get used to this."
"Okay, is Uncle William coming this morning?"
"He's busy this morning, but he'll come by later this afternoon before we go to Springfield." Cassie says.
"Okay, where is RJ?"
"He's at the villa, waiting for you."
"Can I watch cartoons?"
"Sure, sweetie." Cassie says, turning the TV to Disney.
While Richard and Cassie are at the hospital with Will, William is in a meeting with Natalie. "Is everything set up?"
"Yes, we have all the major newspapers here on the island and we have news feeds to both CNN and the BBC, so it will be broadcasted internationally."
"Did you make the corrections to the press release?"
"Yes Sir."
"And any mention of Ava and the baby have been taken out."
"Yes Sir, but I think you need to say something to put the people's fear at ease."
"Ava doesn't want to be involved with this. We'll…."
"But sir, she is involved with this. She's carrying the next heir to the throne."
"Not unless we get married Natalie, the law specifically states that the heir has to be legitimate. Did you look into the other matter I asked you about?"
"Yes Sir, I'm not sure how we can do want your brother is asking. From a public relations standpoint, having your nephew and niece here on the island would cause major problems if Mr. Spaulding found out."
"But Richard is correct. He's my nephew and Mr. Spaulding isn't going to give up the profits that the plant is giving him. If we did this we have to have a plan to keep Jonathan and Sarah safe."
"Do you want to do this Sir?"
"I don't think I have another choice. Jon and Sarah can't be on the run for the rest of their lives. We can protect them."
"I can start the paperwork for asylum. It's in your discretion to offer asylum to anyone, you believe deserves it."
"Alright, get the papers started and I'll tell Richard when I go to the villa this evening."
"Are they leaving this evening Sir?"
"Yes, it'll be easier for them to settle in, in Springfield."
"I'll get those papers started immediately."
"Thank you Natalie."
"We have twenty minutes till the press conference."
"Thank you." Natalie leaves
Will is watching Sponge Bob when Dr. Simon walks into his room about an hour later. "We will be right back?" Cassie tells Will.
"Yes ma'am." He says, as they walk out of his room.
"So, what's happening Doctor?" Richard asks
"His counts are back to normal."
"So he can go home today?"
"I don't see why he can't, but he needs to be checked every couple weeks for the next six months, just so we can keep an eye on them."
"We're taking him back to Springfield with us today." Richard says
"I'll have a copy of his records with his discharge papers. I'll get those papers started immediately. When are you leaving?"
"Not till later this afternoon."
"Alright. I'll be back when I have the papers."
"Thank you Doctor." Cassie says, reaching out to shake his hand.
"Yes, thank you." Richard says, as Cassie steps back.
"You're welcome." He says before he walks away.
Cassie turns to Richard with a huge smile and tears sparkling in her eyes. "Hey." He says, putting his arms around her.
"We're taking our son home." She says, laying her head on his shoulder.
"I know." Richard says, holding her for a couple minutes. When she steps back, he reaches up to wipe the tears off her cheeks. "Are you okay?"
"Yes." She says nodding as she looks up.
"I love you."
"I love you too." She says, kissing him softly. Opening the door, they go back into Will's room. "Will, are you ready to go home?" Cassie asks, walking over to the bed.
"Yes. I get to go home."
"Richard, look in that cabinet and get his clothes for me."
Walking across the room, Richard opens the cabinet and pulls out a pair of slacks and a polo shirt. Bringing it over to Cassie, he lays the clothes across the bed and then he sits down.
"What's that?" Cassie asks, looking down at the clothes.
"It's the clothes that were in the cabinet?"
"He needs to be comfortable. Can you go to the house and get some clothes for him."
"What's wrong with these?"
"He looks like a miniature William."
"Maybe we should wait till we get to Springfield before we start changing his wardrobe. These are what he's accustomed to wearing."
"Okay." She says helping Will change.
She finishes packing up the rest of his stuff while they wait for Dr. Simon. Richard and Will watch cartoons together. When she's finished, she sits down on the bed with them.
While they wait for Dr. Simon, William is walking into the press briefing room at the palace. Natalie is standing with one of the reporters when William walks in. "Could you excuse me?" She says to the reporter.
"Yes, of course." He says as she walks away.
"Your Highness." Natalie says, walking up to William.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes Sir, we are waiting for the station break."
"Okay."
A couple minutes later, William is standing behind the podium that Natalie has set up, bearing the crest of San Cristobel. He takes a deep breath just as he's given the signal that he is on air.
"Citizens of San Cristobel please excuse the interruption, but I have an important announcement to make. As you know, His Highness Prince William has been in the hospital undergoing treatment for an infection. He is still recovering as you know, but we expect him to be released some time today. As you also know, that as a baby William was given a liver transplant to counter the damage caused by a non-specific virus that he was exposed to and for several years now has been in good health. However, as a result of this recent infection it became apparent that his liver was shutting down and as a precaution, we had my brother Richard, his wife Cassie and their son tested to see if anyone of them matched Will.
As a result of those tests, it has been brought to my attention that Will is the biological son of my brother Richard and Cassie. As such, he can no longer be the heir to the throne. The palace has launched an investigation into what exactly happened when Will was born and if there are any connections between the loss of my brother's child and Will's adoption we will find out. As always, I appreciate your time and your continued support and God Bless San Cristobel."
"Cut." The cameraman calls after a few seconds
Turning away, William steps down and then walks away from the podium. Of all the speeches that he has made to the country that was the hardest one. Leaving the briefing room, he walks through the palace to the informal garden where they thought that Richard and Cassie's son was buried. Sitting down, he slowly runs his hand over the weeping angel. Since Richard and Cassie, had their son buried there, the gardener has kept the stone cleared off.
"I don't know what happens now?" William says, talking to an empty grave. Realizing that this was where he was supposed to have been buried as a baby and it was where his son had been buried. He sat there in the garden for almost an hour.
About twenty minutes after Dr. Simon left, he returns to Will's room, carrying his discharge papers and instructions, along with a copy of his records for the doctor in Springfield. After he gives them his instructions and they sign the discharge papers, Richard goes to get the car as the nurse arrives to bring Will down.
Pulling up in front of the hospital, Richard gets out. He helps with Will while Cassie gets in the car. Walking around the car after Will is in and buckled up, they leave. Reaching for Cassie's hand, he looks over at her and smiles, squeezing her hand.
RJ is in the pool with Ms. Chitwood supervising when they pull into driveway to the villa. Helping Will out of the car, they walk inside and through the house to the patio.
"Will." RJ calls, smiling.
"Hi. Mom can I go…?"
"No, I think you need to go upstairs. Dr. Simon wants you to rest for a few more days." Cassie says
"Okay." Will says grudgingly.
"Ms. Chitwood, can you take him upstairs?"
"Of course." She says, walking over to them.
"Thank you, he needs to rest until we're ready to leave for the airstrip."
"Yes ma'am."
They leave as Cassie turns to RJ. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes ma'am, I've got everything packed up." RJ replies, swimming over to the edge of the pool.
"I'm going to go finish packing." Cassie says, turning to Richard.
"Do you want me to help?"
"No, stay here with him." Cassie says, leaning over to kiss him quickly before she goes in the house.
About twenty minutes after they got home, William arrives. He's in his private car. Walking up to the door, he nervously wipes his hands on his pants before he knocks. Richard answers the door. "Hi."
"Hi, can I…?"
"Of course, you don't have to ask." Richard says, stepping back.
"Is Will…?"
"He's upstairs resting before we leave. Dr. Simon released him, but he still wants him to take the next few days and rest." Richard says, walking out to the patio. "RJ, you need to get out and go upstairs."
"Okay." RJ says, swimming to the ladder and climbing out. Padding over to one of the lounge chairs, he grabs a towel. Wrapping it around him, he heads towards the house.
"He seems to be relaxing a little towards you."
"Yeah, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"We heard a little of the address on the radio."
"I didn't stay to see what the people's reaction will be. I'll think about that tomorrow. I need today..."
"To grieve, I understand." Richard says, putting his hand on William's shoulder.
"I didn't think it would be this hard."
"You thought he was your son. You've spent a lot of time with him, and you're mourning your own son. What happened to him?"
"I ordered that he be buried beside his grandfather, in the royal cemetery."
"With no royal burial?"
"Yes, I couldn't go through that too. He's had a simple existence up until now and I figured we should keep it that way."
"Okay, have you…."
"No we haven't found out anything. Colonel Mitchell is still investigating."
"I'm sure they are afraid of what we'll do, and more what Edmund will do."
"He's locked up."
"I know he's locked up, but he is allowed visitors."
"Yes, but they are closely screened and watched. Even he couldn't…"
"Don't underestimate my brother, exile didn't stop him. Even getting what he wanted didn't stop him. He's resourceful and manipulative."
"I know about Edmund." William says, walking over to the cliffs overlooking the beach. Richard watches him for a few minutes before he follows him and they stand there together for about a minute before William says. "I feel guilty."
"Guilty! Why?"
"Because I've had him for so long and you should have had him all along."
"We've had him too, and you are not responsible for this. None of us are."
"How is Cassie?"
"She is fine. She's upstairs packing up the rest of our stuff."
"What are you going to do once you get to Springfield?"
"I don't know. The first thing I need to do is to call Reva and let her know that we're flying in tonight."
"Speaking of Reva, I've made a decision about Jonathan." William says, as Cassie walks out onto the patio.
"William, I didn't know you were here." She says, walking over to them. Turning, they hug before she moves to stand by Richard.
"I arrived a few minutes ago."
"Where's RJ?" She asks, looking in the pool
"I sent him upstairs to get ready to go." Richard says, turning to William. "You were saying something about Jon."
"Yes, I spoke with Natalie about his situation and we discussed all the possibilities and we've decided to offer him political asylum on one condition. Jon has to stay in another part of the island. He can't stay in the capital or at the palace. It's too much of a risk that Alan will discover him."
"I understand. Reva and I will work that out. I'm just relieved that he'll be able to relax and raise Sarah without looking over his shoulder all the time."
"Richard, why can't Jon stay at your estate on the other side of the island?" Cassie asks.
"I think it would be better if he stays away from the royal family's property all together. The press coverage on them…."
"You don't have to remind me." Cassie says, holding up her hand.
"So, you can see why…?"
"Yes, it may accidentally reach the American papers or news channels and Alan may hear about it."
"That's right, and he and Sarah still have to keep a low profile. We'll find him a job at one of the smaller cities on the island and we'll help them get settled, but he can't really be apart of the royal family. The only way we'll be brought into it, is if Alan happens to discover that he and Sarah are alive." William says.
"Reva and I will be there to help him, and this way we'll be able to see him and Sarah without having to worry about Alan." Richard says.
"When you get to Springfield, contact the embassy and tell Jon to get ready. We'll have everything ready for him within a matter of days. I'll leave instructions with the pilot tonight that he is to fly to Washington after he leaves you in Springfield. That way he can leave the country immediately after we have everything in order here."
"I'll tell Reva."
"Maybe we should do that now." Cassie says.
"That's a good idea."
"Why don't you go upstairs?" Cassie says, looking at William.
"How is he doing?" William asks.
"He's fine. He's upstairs resting."
"I had all of his things taken over to the airstrip before I left."
"Thank you, go on. We'll call Reva." Cassie says, nodding towards the house.
"Okay, thank you."
William heads upstairs while Richard goes in to call Reva. Will is laying down when William walks into his bedroom.
"Hey buddy."
"Fath… Uncle William." Will says, sitting up in bed.
"How are you feeling?"
"I feel okay. I'm bored though."
"You'll be up and around in a few days."
"It's hard for me to get used to calling you Uncle William, instead of Father."
"I know it's going to be hard for you, but you'll get used to calling Richard your father. He was your father before."
"Yeah, but I was just a baby. I don't remember it."
"I know, but he and Cassie love you a lot both you and RJ. You'll be happy in Springfield with them and your Aunt Reva and Uncle Josh, along with the rest of the family."
"I'll miss San Cristobel."
"I know, and we'll miss you. But you can come to visit. You will always have a home here Will." William says, hugging him.
"I love you." Will says, holding onto William
"I love you too buddy." William replies, looking up and trying to blink back the tears.
"Uncle Will…," RJ stops as he walks into Will's room.
"Hi RJ." William says, releasing Will.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." He says, taking a deep breath.
"Mom sent me to get you. Aunt Reva wants to talk to you."
"Tell her I'll be down in a minute."
"Okay." RJ says, turning he walks from the room.
"I'll see you later." William says to Will.
"Okay." Will says, trying to sound brave.
William leaves, as Will reaches up and wipes the tears that are shining in his eyes away. Richard and Cassie are in the living room when William comes downstairs. Walking in, he walks over to the couch as Richard says. "Reva, William's here." "Okay." He says, handing the phone to William.
"Hello Reva." William says
"William, thank you so much for looking after Jon and Sarah."
"You're welcome, but we have to still be careful."
"I know, but at least I know he has some kind of protection."
"I'm happy to help."
"We'll explain everything to Jonathan." Reva says, as Josh walks in the room.
"Who's on the phone?" Josh asks.
"Richard."
"What does he want?"
Reva holds up her hand as William asks. "Are you still there Reva?"
"Yes, I'm here. Josh just came in."
"Tell him hello."
"William says hello." Josh nods as Reva says. "I know that Richard and Cassie are getting ready to leave, so I'll let you go, but I wanted to tell you thank you."
"You're welcome. I'll keep both of them safe."
"Thank you. Can I talk to Cassie?"
"Sure." William hands Cassie the phone.
"Reva." Cassie says, taking the phone.
"I'll see you both when you get to Springfield."
"We'll be leaving here in a few minutes."
"Okay."
They hang up. A few minutes later, the car from the palace arrives to bring them to the airstrip. The driver loads their luggage into the car as everyone gets in. The drive over the airstrip is quiet and when they pull up to the plane, the ground crew starts unloading the car as they all get out.
"Are you coming on board?" Richard asks, turning to William.
"No, I think it's better if I say my good-byes now." He replies, reaching for Richard's hand.
Shaking his hand, he turns to Cassie; he hugs her and then RJ. Cassie sends RJ on the plane as he kneels down to Will. "You be good, do your school work?"
"I will." Will says, nodding
"I want good reports from your, Mom and Dad."
"Yes Sir." Will says, nodding. Looking up, he says. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too buddy." William says, pulling him into a hug as Richard and Cassie turn away "I'll miss you too, but you can call me anytime."
"Okay." Will says as William sits him down.
"You go on." Cassie says, nodding towards the plane.
"Yes ma'am." Will replies.
Will starts across the tarmac to the plane about halfway there he turns around, waves and calls "Good-bye, Uncle William."
"Good-bye, Will." William calls, watching him run the rest of the way to the plane and up the stairs before he turns to Cassie and Richard. "You guys have a safe trip." He says, swallowing.
"We will." Richard says, taking his hand
Turning to Cassie, she hugs him tightly. "We'll take care of him."
"I know you will." William says, returning her hug
After a couple seconds, Cassie steps back and takes Richard's hand. Turning they walk towards the plane. Walking up the steps, they each turn and wave before they board.
William is standing by the car, watching, tears shining in his eyes. He stays until the plane begins to taxi and then getting into the car he leaves as they take off.
47.14