Chapter 24

New Years. It didn't beat Christmas but Evey kept the festive behavior very much alive in the Shadow Gallery despite the lack of decorations compared to Christmas. The kids helped bake cookies stirring the batter and scooping small clumps onto foil lined baking sheets. Evey was beginning to think she was turning into her mother, who looked for any excuse for a festive occasion to spend hours baking or cooking. Evey hoped to spend the day together as a family but Gordon declined declaring to be busy filming a very important show that would be airing soon. He was vague on details claiming he would much rather surprise her and that he had a feeling she would enjoy the show. Evey's eyes narrowed though it had no effect since they were talking over the phone. Gordon was clearly up to something and if he pulled another stunt like he did before with dragging her onto live television she wasn't completely confident she wouldn't throttle him. She would never physically harm him but his pride would definitely take a good beating.

That morning when she awoke V was gone and had yet to return so Evey spent the day with Agatha and George. Even though George pretended she was getting on his nerves with her constantly being around all day she had a sneaking suspicion it meant just as much to him as it did to Agatha. There was no sparring or talk of violence that day and Agatha even took a break from her artwork. The three ate cookies, watched movies from V's collection which was ever growing and now included more options appropriate for the children, plus Evey and Agatha danced as George sat watching his sister with the hint of a smile.

Today was also a celebratory occasion because it marked the last day of Agatha's treatments. V gave her a physical the previous day and deemed her well enough to stop her last dosage the following day. The color had returned to her rosy and chubby cheeks, she was no longer as thin as before, her hair had grown and Evey took pleasure sticking her hands in it and coming up with cute styles for the girl to wear. George's hair was long enough to do something with as well and Evey even offered to play around with it and find something he liked. The next morning she found him sitting in the living room with a fresh hair cut. He smirked when their eyes met while V seemed unusually preoccupied avoiding her accusing stare. Evey couldn't help but laugh at the two.

"What's up?" Evey asked taking a seat beside George glancing at Agatha who was keeping herself entertained by dancing and singing to the jukebox.

"Nothing" George said a little too quickly to be believable.

"George. You can talk to me it's OK"

George glanced at his sister to make sure she wasn't listening then lowered his voice as he answered.

"I...I miss being outside"

Evey's lips pressed into a smile. She knew exactly how the boy felt. Although she loved being down here with V and the kids and knowing they were safe she did miss being outside. She missed going for walks, or simply stopping into her favorite coffee shop for a drink or pastry. She missed her home too, the place she worked so hard to earn. It had been so perfect with it's quaint kitchen and cozy living room. Norsefire had stolen so much from England and its people but there were still simple pleasures to enjoy, to treasure.

"Then let's go out"

George spun towards her staring wide eyed as if she sprouted two heads from her shoulders.

"Don't be stupid. We can't leave"

"Why not?"

"It's dangerous, and what if V finds out?" The boy seemed to be more afraid of the second revelation more than the first.

"We won't go far. I go out with V for patrol so I know how to be careful. We'll just go out long enough to watch the fireworks, how does that sound?" Evey smiled.

"Oooo fireworks. Can we Georgie?" Agatha pleaded with her innocent eyes.

George sighed but softened his gaze as he nodded to his little sister.

"You know he'll find out" George stated staring at me.

"I'm not telling you to keep it a secret from him. I'm the adult here so if he gets upset he's not gonna take it out on you, don't worry. I'll probably end up telling him all about it anyway"

Hours later Evey moved around the kitchen packing sandwiches, a large container of mixed fruit and shoving a few bottled drinks into a black backpack. Agatha had changed out of her dress and into a pair of black sweats and a dark colored tank. George was dressed in all black and Evey desperately wished she had a camera. He reminded her so much of V, especially with his gloves, however unlike V George's were finger less.

"Well don't you both look cute"

George frowned at the remark but Evey only rolled her eyes swinging the bag on her back. Turning away from the children she slid a hand to her hips quickly patting her sides relaxing once she felt the concealed weapons. Spinning back around with a smile she clasped her hands together.

"Alright. All set?"

The two nodded and Evey took one of their hands in each of hers as she lead them out of The Shadow Gallery. Her mind searched for the safest route that the two could handle and with a little assistance for Agatha when it came to climbing they finally came to a nostalgic rooftop. The charred remains of the new Big Ben that V bombed what seemed like ages ago lay in the distance. Evey couldn't help but smile as she gazed at the cindered remains. That was the first night she and V spent together. Evey smiled as George took a seat on her right and Agatha on her left while she shrugged off the bag and unpacked their lunches sparing a brief gaze to the watch attached to her wrist.

"They should be starting any minute now" Evey said passing out sandwiches, opening the container of fruit they would share, and handing them drinks.

Moments later the core vibrating booms and crackle of colorful bombs exploding in the air lit the sky leaving a slight burning scent behind. The spot was perfect and because of it's height the entire sky seemed to be a light with colorful explosions. Agatha cheered and clapped happily while George stared in wonder clutching a half eaten sandwich. Evey hid her grin at watching the two by finishing her sandwich. Thoughts of she and Isaac sneaking out of the house as teenagers to find themselves on some rooftop staring up at fireworks munching on snacks surprisingly didn't bring tears, but rather, widened her smile. She couldn't recall if they ever went to see the fireworks together as a family before Norsefire but she guessed they probably did with her brother's love for them. If he were looking down on her now, or here with her now, depending on if you believed in all that she would bet her last sandwich that he was standing on the tallest rooftop in London taking in the show.

An hour flew by and soon George and Agatha grumbled in disappointment when it seemed the show was over. Evey packed up and the three headed back for The Shadow Gallery. Agatha was anxious to get back to her art station to get all the images in her head down on paper. Even George rambled on about the fireworks eyes still shining with excitement and happiness. As Evey stared at the two she felt her own happiness grow ten times in size. Agatha and George had been through more than they should at their innocent ages so it meant more than words could describe to see them have fun and return some of that childlike wonder in their gazes. There was no doubt the two would forget all about V being upset as they showered him in their excitement and rattled on like they were now. V may be upset a bit but she doubted he would be too upset with her, maybe she would have to pay for it during training but it was more than worth it.