CHAPTER 17

True to her word, and after several long hours of uninterrupted sleep, Avery was back at the museum. Per her routine, she arrived several minutes before it was officially closed. Her heart was full when she saw how many patrons were leaving.

It's definitely an improvement!

Her phone had started ringing and caller ID showed that it was Beth. She had a good idea of what she was calling about.

"Dude! What the hell? We just saw the news! Is that why you needed to rush back to help? That stunt was awesome! I don't know how you guys did it, but you managed to pull off one of the greatest Thanksgiving parades I have ever seen! And all for a museum, no less! Anyway, gotta go now, but I'll talk later, love ya!"

Finding Larry wasn't that hard, he was at the reception desk talking to Rebecca. Both of them smiled as she approached. And Rebecca was quick to apologize once again for her words and behavior. Unfortunately she couldn't stay the night, so after grabbing her things she left. Now the only two people left were the night guard and the intern. Evidently Larry had something up his sleeve. No it wasn't a magic trick. He had planned a little celebration for the entire museum. Avery helped to set up the PA system and computer as a makeshift stereo. Larry even had a whole playlist set up. It looked like they were going to play some classic 70's and 80's songs.

A little while later, Nicky had made an appearance. He had with him a soccer ball. Larry had brought a set of nets so the exhibits could play. Avery was very curious to see how that would play out. She herself wasn't particularly athletic, but it might be fun to blow off some steam by kicking around a ball. After the nets were set up as goal areas, all that was left to do was wait. But that didn't take long and soon the museum was alive. Rexy seemed delighted to have his new friend Nicky there. Avery affectionately scratched his skull. Then she got an idea. She pulled out her phone and got to searching. Once she found it she called Rexy over.

"Hey Rexy! I want you to imitate this sound for me! Think you can do it, boy?" And he nodded his head. Avery had pulled up a clip of the ending scene of Jurassic Park, where the t-rex roars powerfully as a banner falls down. Since it was her favorite movie, she figured her favorite skeleton could easily replicate it. After showing the clip, Rexy adjusted his stance to fit the film's rex.

"Everyone, cover your ears!" And everyone in the general vicinity did as Rexy let out the same roar!

"ROOOARRRR!"

"Good boy Rexy!" Avery and others applauded. She scratched his head again before he removed his bone waiting for it to be thrown. While she was teaching Rexy a famous cinematic scene, Larry had gone up to the Hall of Miniatures and grabbed Jed and Octavious along with a new car. After attaching the car and bone with some rope, the small duo were driving off with Rexy in tow, much like they had the night before. Avery laughed and shook her head.

Never change boys!

As the other exhibits began making their way down to the lobby, Larry was explaining to the ones present how to play soccer. Soon the teams were decided and the game was on. Avery was on one team while Ahkmenrah was on the other team.

"It's been a while since I played, think you're up for the challenge Pharaoh?" Avery teased before the game began.

"Always!" He replied with a handsome smile.

Avery remembered playing soccer in PE classes, but beyond that she had no skill. Still she became weirdly competitive and determined to win for her team. That was until she was caught off guard by the Pharaoh's attempts at blocking the ball from entering into his team's goal. Avery watched fascinated by his quick footwork and how the ball danced between his feet.

Focus Avery! She scolded herself and tried to get her head back in the game.

A few moments later an opening was made for control of the ball. At this point both teams were tied. Both intern and Pharaoh lunged for it and collided, nearly falling over. Both stood there stunned, until Avery backed away. A blush creeping up on her face made her feel slightly embarrassed. Especially since she was in front of a lot of exhibits. While they were distracted, Columbus saw an opportunity to kick the ball into Avery's team's goal. Though they were a little upset that they had lost, her team carried on with revelry making.

"I'm sorry for crashing into you, are you alright?"

"Oh yeah, I'm fine. I just think that maybe I'll take a break from the game and grab a sip of water from the fountain. Though my pride might be hurt by saying this, you played really well for a thousands year old Pharaoh. It was a fun game but I demand a rematch at some point!" She teased again.

"Thank you. It has been many years since I have played such a game. You also played well." He was being sincere and she didn't know how to react. She just smiled and ducked her head as she went to the fountain.

After coming back from the fountain she happened to see Teddy and Sacagawea riding together. It was a sweet moment shared between them. Sac had wrapped her arms around him and was lovingly looking at him. Teddy seemed at a loss for words as this beautiful woman was finally with him. Everything seemed to be going better than expected. What a difference a night makes! The Civil War men were trading weapons down the row, Atilla and his Huns were getting along with everyone, the Neanderthals were being chaotic but in a controlled way, even Dexter was on his best behavior tonight! Looking at everyone from the sidelines was such a treat for Avery. She felt incredibly lucky to be a part of this.

As the song changed, Avery suddenly felt herself wanting to join the crowd and dance. She was awkward and didn't know many moves though but she caught sight of Ahkmenrah and giggled at his exaggerated movements. She figured that if a thousands year old Pharaoh could dance like no one was watching, then so could she. She sidled up to where he was and attempted to copy his movements. He laughed as he saw her dancing. He gestured for her to do a move that he would mimic. And the only thing that came to mind was the stereotypical 70's era move… the disco finger. One hand on your hip while the other points up to the sky and then back down. It was comical to see him, in his historical garb and crown, do something so modern. And so, the pair went back and forth trying to teach the other some dance moves.

"You know, Avery, you are a good dancer."

"Hah, thanks, but I'm really not. Most of those moves were things that I saw in movies. They're just fun to do. But put me in a formal dance setting and I stick out like a sore thumb!"

The night went on like the giant party it was. Avery was finally starting to come out of her shell by allowing herself to have fun. She had found her people. She waved at Larry before going back to dancing with Ahkmenrah.

Look at me, dancing with a king! Beth would never believe this, not like I can tell her though. But still! This is the best night ever!

(alright with the movie canon events out of the way, I can start writing some original chapter content. Thank you for reading thus far!)