Disclaimer: Glen A. Larson and Universal own the Knight Rider characters in this story.

Chapter 5

Michael's heart was beating faster when they reached the Foundation's mansion. He was excited to be back home. Home. He'd almost said it out loud. Luckily, he hadn't. It would have upset Stevie that her husband didn't think of their house at the lake as home. Her fear that he wasn't fully happy with his new life would officially be confirmed if this word had slipped his mouth. And what would happen then? Would she ask him to choose between her and his old life? Or would she consider leaving him?

He would have never imagined that it was so hard for him to let go of his old life. He wondered how people could leave everything behind without looking back and be happy. He wasn't one of them. It had been one of the hardest decisions he'd ever made. And now he constantly had the feeling that a part of him was missing. Michael felt guilty for leaving and these feelings were the reason why he couldn't fully enjoy his new life. If he only knew how to rid himself of these feelings of guilt. Had Bonnie felt the same when she had left their team in order to pursue post-graduate studies? Was this the reason why she had decided to return to the Foundation?

Why wasn't there was a way to combine his old life with his new life?

Stevie was aware that the smile on Michael's face had grown wider the closer they got to their destination. More than once did she wish his car would break down and they wouldn't be able to make it in time for the dinner. She knew it wasn't fair that she hoped they'd miss the party. It was just a birthday party and it was obvious that Michael was looking forward to seeing his friends again. He'd been a different person ever since he'd opened Devon's letter. Instead of withdrawing from her and being broody, he was cheerful again. Happy. Alive. His eyes were sparkling. As if the old Michael Long she'd fallen in love was back again. She wasn't someone who'd force her husband to give up his friends because she wanted him all for herself. That wasn't who she was. All she wanted was for him to be happy with her and to be safe. Not in danger every time he left for an assignment. She couldn't lose him again, now that they were finally reunited. His presumed death had almost thrown her of the track. She wouldn't be able to live through it again.

They pulled into the driveway where Michael was tempted to park his car in his usual parking spot. The sign that told everyone that this was his designated spot was still there and he wondered why they hadn't bothered to change it or put it down. He glanced around and spotted the semi, also parked in its usual spot. Did it still look the same inside or had Devon finally given in and granted Bonnie her wish to upgrade the semi's interior? If things were less complicated, he would take Stevie's hand and walk over to peek inside. But not today. Not when he knew that his wife would rather be anywhere else but on Foundation grounds.

His eyes wandered to the garage where KITT was parked when they weren't away on an assignment. KITT. Was his former partner aware that Michael was only a few steps away? Had Bonnie or Devon informed KITT that Michael would be coming? Would Michael get a chance to say at least hello to him?

Usually, Bonnie called Michael at least once a week to tell him what was happening at the Foundation and how KITT was doing. This week she hadn't called. He had assumed that she had been busy organizing Devon's birthday. Or was it because she had been worried that he could change his mind and decide not to come? Or because something had happened to KITT and she didn't want him to find out on the phone? He'd ask her later if he had a chance to talk to her privately.

He was tempted to press the button on his comlink and let KITT know he was on Foundation grounds. It would be so easy, yet Michael's stopped halfway. This wasn't the right moment. They were expected inside the mansion. He didn't want to have to hurry when he talked to KITT.

"We can always turn around and leave again." Stevie's voice interrupted his thoughts. His eyes wandered over to the passenger seat where she was sitting. "We arrived here about ten minutes ago and you don't seem to have any intention of getting out of the car."

Ten minutes. He hadn't been aware that he'd been staring at the semi, the garage, and his comlink for such a long time. " these memories came back to my mind and I forget about the time." He mumbled quickly while he climbed out of his truck and opened the door for Stevie. "At least Devon won't be surprised. He knows that I'm always late."

She took his hand and pressed it lightly as they walked to the door of the mansion. He loved this house and the people inside. They were his family and he missed them. She knew he was looking forward to seeing them again and that he was even more anxious to talking to his partner in the garage. And maybe this evening would give Michael some sort of closure so that he could finally enjoy his new life.