Life – Chapter 4

Almost a Year Later

It had been almost a year since Ace had died and things had finally returned to normal, well as normal as things were going to get.

I looked around the room from my position on the couch, everyone was doing there own thing on a lazy Friday morning.

Tech and I had become really close over the past year; he was, and still is, like a brother to me. I guess it was bound to happen after we were assigned co-leadership of the team.

Duck, Rev and Slam hadn't changed a bit. Duck still thought he should be the leader of the team, Rev was still hyperactive ALL the time and Slam still ate anything that was remotely edible, and I mean anything; he had eaten the shower head the week before last!

Even though we had all moved on to an extent, I wasn't sure how we were going to handle tomorrow; one year, to the day, since Ace died.

I wasn't sure I wanted to know, it had taken us 2 months to become a fully functioning team again.

During my musings, I heard the door open, I gasped and turned towards it, part of me still expected Ace to walk in saying "What's up doc?" as if he had never left.

I'm still not sure what I would want to do more if such a situation arose, hug him out of happiness or slap him in anger.

Not that it matters, it won't happen.

Zadavia and Tweetums walked through the open door and into the room still unnoticed by the guys.

I exhaled the breath I didn't know I had been holding.

"Hi Zadavia, hello Tweetums!" I called enthusiastically across the room, hiding my disappointment well. I had been doing this for about a year now and each time it got easier.

My words broke the silence in the room and awoke my friends from their stupor.

It took them a few moments to realise what was going on before they chorused their hellos.

"We have some exciting new for you Loonatics!" said Tweetums excitedly.

Duck jumped up, "We're getting paid?" he asked hopefully.

"Almost, guess again" replied Tweetums, and the guessing game began.

Zadavia interrupted them, "The Royal Tweetums has contacted me and told me of the misfortune you have all endured and the added stress that has been upon you this past year" she said.

"So," continued Tweetums, "We have decided to give you a long weekend off so you can deal with Ace's death."

I felt as if everyone in the room glanced at me as he said that.

I was surprised at the proposition, so much so that I was speechless even though I wanted to know who would take over while we were gone.

Luckily Tech, being co-leader and all, was thinking the along the same lines.

"What about the universe?" he asked.

"That's why I am here, I will take care of things while you are gone" answered Zadavia.

"Wow-thanks-Zadavia-you're-the-best!" said Rev as he flitted from one side of the room to the other with excitement.

"Anything for my heroes" smiled Zadavia.

"Just for the record," Duck piped up, "She was referring to me!"

Duck struck his most heroic pose.

It reminded me so much of the times before Ace died, that I was momentarily transported back in time and forgot the past year.

I started to giggle at his statement but realised what I was doing and quickly covered my mouth, horrified at what I had done. I still felt wrong being happy without Ace.

Tech sensed my discomfort at everyone looking at me, so he diverted their attention by saying "Actually, Duck, she was referring to all of us."

"You're despicable," cursed Duck.

Tweetums smiled at them then turned to us all.

"Your holiday starts immediately. Have fun!" He said.

Zadavia nodded her confirmation, and then followed Tweetums out of the building.

Duck stalked off to his room to pack mumbling something about being appreciated.

Rev overtook Duck at the door and was back in seconds carrying a bulging suitcase.

"Well-I'm-off," he rushed, "See-you-guys-later."

"Bye Rev" chorused Tech, Slam and I.

Rev nodded and was gone in a blur of red.

I stared at the door and tried to think of where I could go but my train of thought was interrupted by Slam spinning across the room.

I watched in amusement as he spun over to the fridge, opened it and cleared out the entire contents into his mouth with one almighty sweep, headed to the door and waved at Tech and I as he left.

I lifted my hand to return his wave but he was already gone.

Tech walked over and sat down on the arm of the couch.

"Where are you planning on going?" he asked softly.

I sighed as I realised that there was only one place I wanted to go.

"Home" I replied turning to look at Tech.

"As long as you come back to us," he said, "I can't lead this team without you."

I nodded my response, not game enough to speak as a wave of emotion crashed through me.

Tech started for the door, and thinking that he was leaving, I relaxed and let a few tears trickle down my cheek. One tear dropped onto my hand, so I just looked at it.

"You know Lexi," said Tech, startling me, "It's ok to be happy without him."

I looked across the room and saw him leaning against the wall watching me as if I was a semi-interesting show on TV and he couldn't be bothered changing the channel.

"Ace would have wanted you to be happy" he continued.

I looked away, suddenly angry.

"If he wanted me to be happy he wouldn't have died!" I yelled through the tears that were now falling freely.

I heard Tech sigh in defeat and annoyance, we have had this conversation many times and he is yet to come up with a comeback.

"Lexi?" he asked softly, the question in his voice melted my anger so I looked up. "Take care" he said with a small smile.

"Yes sir" I smirked as I saluted him.

Tech chuckled before he too left for his holiday.