CHAPTER 13

Within the next few weeks when she was back at work, she became possessive about the storage pod. Everytime movers came to permanently place the exhibits elsewhere in the archives, she would lie and say that the paperwork had gotten lost in transition and that before that happened she needed to check the crates themselves by herself. Workers tried to help her but she shooed them away and was determined to 'open the crates' herself. They were getting impatient with her as they also had a job to do. They thought she was unprofessional in constantly forgetting the paperwork. She felt guilty for having to lie to them but she didn't want them to question why the crates were lighter than when they originally packed them. She had thought about filling the crates with bricks but decided against it as it would be too much work. Her supervisor had called her into their office one day.

"So Avery, I'm hearing that there are some concerns about paperwork and refusal to let the crew unload the Natural History Museum of New York's storage pod. That doesn't sound like your normal work ethic. Care to explain that to me?" Their eyes bored into Avery's making her sweat.

"Well, the thing is I have an idea with a previous coworker at that museum that involves bringing them back to their original spot. We are trying to coordinate with their board of directors to develop this new program…" She tried to explain what little of their plan they had come up with. She was reprimanded at first saying that it was not her place to tell the crew to not do their jobs. Though they did say that they were intrigued by this idea. They let her go with a warning.

So one morning, she was supervising the unloading of the crates. She anxiously watched them trying not to appear suspicious. But it all went smoothly, none were the wiser. Of course it helped that they didn't open the crates either, that was her biggest fear.

Over the course of the next few months, Avery and Larry had met up to discuss their new plan. They regularly met with McPhee to keep him in the loop and even went before the board with their new idea. She was quite pleased with how everything had turned out.

On another note, she was shocked to learn that Larry had sold his company and took back his night guard position. Though after the shock faded, she was incredibly happy for him. Evidently her words struck a chord with him. McPhee was in disbelief that this successful man would sell his new company and start back in square one. But he wasn't complaining.

Finally it was the night of the grand reopening of the museum's new extended hours, or as she liked to call it the tablet's hours. She had settled against a wall and eagerly watched the faces of the patrons to gauge their reactions to the upgrades. So far she had gathered that they nailed it. She watched as little kids excitedly pointed to the various animals roaming about, asking to pet them. She saw some starstruck adults marvel at a living replica of a wooly mammoth. Nearly every conversation she overheard was filled with the question of how had they done it? History buffs were living for these actors' spot on portrayals of famous historical figures. They commented that they really knew their facts. Getting the 'actors' to agree to the job was easy. The board questioned how they should pay these actors but Larry and Avery explained that these people were doing what they do for their love of history and education. They explained that the actors unanimously voted for their payments to be funneled back into the museum. Satisfied with that answer, the board asked no further questions.

She watched as a group of teenage boys were harassing Rexy complaining that he was just a dumb animatronic. So Rexy gave them a piece of his mind and roared right at them. Scared out of their mind, they ran away screaming.

"Good boy, Rexy." She muttered to him and patted his muzzle.

She looked at the lobby which was constantly filling up with more and more patrons. Beaming with pride, she walked around the museum trying to find the one person on her mind to share the news with.

Avery had stuck behind a group who were currently listening to Ahk talk about his greatest possession, his tablet. He had not seen her yet. Of course he never needed a script to talk about his life. Giving speeches to crowds came naturally to him.

"Does it do anything?" A little girl asked pointedly.

"Do anything?"

"Yeah what's the point if it doesn't do anything?" He shared a glance with Dexter who covertly nodded his head.

"It has a magical power. It brings all the exhibits to life!" He was enthusiastic about it. Avery found herself curious to see how the kids would react to that news. But sadly his enthusiasm did not rub off on the girls.

"No, really, what does it do?" The eldest girl asked unimpressed. He faltered for a second before answering.

"Nothing, it's just for decoration." He deadpanned.

"I knew it," the other girl whispered as the family dispersed. Revealing Avery.

"Don't pay attention to those kids, I think the magic of everything is lost to them. Probably found out that Santa Claus isn't real."

"Avery!" He swept her in a hug and kissed her sweetly.

"How is everything tonight? I've been walking around and so far everyone is loving these new extended hours."

"It is better now that you are here. Though the majority of people mainly believe that the tablet is a prop."

"That's okay, let them. We'll always know." She rested her head against his shoulder before she straightened up. She had something on her mind.

"Hey, so, I've been debating this for a very long time but I think I'm gonna stay at the Smithsonian. It feels like the right fit for me where I am now. Please don't take this the wrong way, I still love and cherish this place. And I love you. But you were right all those months ago, I need to live my life. I need to see what's out there and I think staying at the Smithsonian is my next adventure."

"Avery, I am not mad, nor could I ever be mad at you for charting a course for your own life. I am proud of you for making this decision on your own. I know it could not have been easy. And should you ever feel the need to come by and visit, I will be here to welcome you again with open arms. That's a promise. Afterall you are the guardian of my heart." He gave her his trademarked smile. She wrapped her arms around him in a long hug as she was filled with relief. She had really lucked out with the sweetest man in her life. She smiled as they separated. She was about to say a word of thanks when people started walking up to him.

"I guess I'll leave you and your prop to it then." She joked and squeezed his shoulder as he shot her a grin.

She strolled contentedly throughout the museum, curious as to how everyone else was fairing. Teddy seemed naturally at home talking to a crowd. He had much more to offer than some hologram. Attila was entertaining a group of children with a story. The miniatures were a sight to behold for many as they wondered if it was all a projection. Surely they couldn't have tiny nanobots programmed to act like cowboys or Romans. She smirked to herself, leaving the guests to puzzle it out. All was well as the evening went on. People were excited to learn about history once again. She came into the eyeline of McPhee who waved her over. An uncharacteristically happy look on his face.

"Well Ms Daniels, it appears you and Mr Daley have done the impossible once again. I'm surprised you even had time to construct this new program. Attendance rates are projected to skyrocket! You have my deepest thanks. If you are still interested, your position still remains to be filled. It's yours if you want it back. Though I'm not sure how it compares to the grand Smithsonian Institute."

"You know Dr McPhee, as much as I appreciate it, I think I'm going to stay at the Smithsonian."

She had grown a lot. She was excited to find out who she was as a person. Her chapter here was done and it is one that she will cherish forever. It was time to move forward with her life, no matter how hard it was. She gazed down at the ring Ahk had given her. She smiled thinking to herself what could she do next.

I hoped you enjoyed this story and Avery's involvement in the Smithsonian. I know it was a little anticlimactic and not the ending you were predicting would happen. For those who are curious, no I will not be doing the third movie. I was just not a fan of it personally. Though I am trying to wrap my head around a potential third story with Avery of course. So if that happens to develop more I will post an update here saying the new story is up. Thanks again for reading, following and favoriting, and commenting on this story!