CHAPTER 34

On her last official day at the museum McPhee was talking to her in his office. This report was one of the last assignments she needed to hand in to her advisor in order to graduate. She knew she had broken down a barrier to McPhee but with his mood shifts, it was hard to tell if it was a happy occasion. She sat on pins and needles waiting for him to give her a verbal report on her performance.

"Thank you for the opportunity to intern here, Dr McPhee. It was quite the learning experience." In more ways than one.

"Well Ms Daniels, I wouldn't say goodbye just yet." She looked at him while quirking an eyebrow. He continued on.

"With the help of your stunt over Thanksgiving, the board would like to extend to you an offer of employment. Your title would be assistant Director. It would be no different than what you experienced as an intern. Except this time, you will be paid. I daresay that you are the best intern we have had in a long time. Please let me know of your decision later this week." His tone sounded so uncharacteristic of his normal demeanor, it maybe even pained him to pay her a compliment. But she thanked him all the same. A compliment was a compliment after all.

"There's no need, I accept!" She was ecstatic and agreed right away. She knew she probably should have waited and analyzed her plans for after graduation. She had no idea that she would be offered a position right out of college.

"Very well then. I will send over some paperwork detailing your position, payment, the like. You can expect to start in the next few weeks. I recommend taking a short vacation before you start. On that note, a letter addressed to you arrived. Ms Daniels, please do not get in the habit of mailing your personal things here. We are a museum, not a postal service."

"Oh, uh, yes of course. Sorry Dr McPhee." Curiosity got the better of her as she opened the envelope addressed to her. She was anything else but prepared for the contents of the letter.

Hey kiddo,

I know it's been awhile but a little birdie tells me you're graduating. Congratulations my dear!

I know the way we left things was less fortunate and I apologize for the way I left things. I should never have gotten you involved in our plans. You're a great kid and I just wanted to say I'm proud of you. Most interns wouldn't understand the magic of the museum, but you saw something special in it. I know it's too much to ask you to forgive an old man but should you ever want to talk you can visit me here at this retirement home. By the way, the boys send their regards too.

Cecil Fredericks

At the end of his letter was the address of the retirement home. She did not know how to feel. The audacity of this man and the lasting trauma that he inflicted on her, it was too much to even think about reaching out to him. How dare he! She thought angrily and crumpled up his letter, before jamming it in the trash, she did not wish to reopen old wounds. It was time to move on.

"Hey Larry, I don't know if you or Nicky are doing anything this Saturday but I'm graduating and I would love it if you both would be there for me."

"Of course Avery! We'd love to be there."

That Saturday morning, the entire senior dorm building was bustling with activity. Everyone was getting ready and presentable for their graduation. Avery hadn't had the time, nor the budget, to go shopping to pick out a new dress. So she decided to reuse the dress from the ill fated formal night. She figured she should make some happy memories in it.

Waiting in line to hear her name be called, Avery took a moment to look at the stands where friends and family sat. Since her own family couldn't be bothered to show up she was glad to have invited two people she could count on, not to mention Beth's whole family. She spotted Larry and Nicky in their best outfits. They gave her a thumbs up when they noticed she was looking at them.

"Avery Daniels." She walked onto the stage, shook hands with the Dean, grabbed her diploma and held it proudly to her chest. As she was walking back to her seat, she snuck a glance at the audience again. Larry and Nicky were applauding her. An hour or so later, the graduation had ended and families and students reunited.

"Here Avery, these are for you!" Nicky said as he gave her a hug and presented her with a small bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you Nicky, these are beautiful!"

"Well we best be off. But congratulations again kid. Will we be seeing you at the museum tonight?"

"Of course! Though it may be later because Beth's family wants to take us out for dinner. So I'll text you when I'm on the way."

A photoshoot was taken all throughout the popular spots on campus. Just when the girls thought they were done smiling and posing, another family member's camera or phone came out and started snapping pics. Looking around, they weren't the only graduates whose families had the same idea. Though unfortunately standing around outside in New York's climate, both girls started to complain about their dark robes. Finally the family let them take it off much to their immediate relief.

"So now that I'm sure you've filled up your camera rolls, can we go get something to eat? I'm starving, and I'm sure Avery could agree. You know me, heat and being hungry is a recipe for disaster!"

Beth's family had taken the girls to both lunch and dinner to celebrate their graduation. In between the meals, the graduates migrated to the dorms to pack up their belongings.

"God, can't say I'm gonna miss this cramped room. Or that shower that runs out of hot water the second you step in it. Or our lovely upstairs neighbors who insist on rearranging furniture and tap dancing at all hours!" Beth started listing all the inconveniences of dorm life and Avery had to agree. Although she was reluctant to leave. This campus had been her home for the last four years. It's where she formed a beautiful friendship with Beth.

"Hey, are you alright? I know saying goodbyes are kinda hard for you." Beth stopped packing as she noticed Avery was unusually quiet after what should have been a celebration. She made her way over to sit beside her friend.

"Yeah, I think so? I just feel this bittersweet feeling in my chest. It's just weird to think that our college adventure is over. Like we have a diploma now and everything! Our whole lives have been shaped by these four years. And now it's over."

"Well, that doesn't necessarily mean our adventures are over. Just the ones where we live in a tiny box and do endless amounts of homework." Beth joked, lightening the mood.

"Plus, Avery, you have the museum adventures! I'm pretty sure Larry will let you sneak in to see Ahk."

"Right, I forgot to tell you. McPhee offered me a position to work there. I don't have to leave!" A smile came across her face. Beth grabbed her in a hug.

"See? You're gonna be alright! The future doesn't have to be so scary."

"Ugh, how are you so good at this advice all of a sudden?"

"Well, I like to think of it as a result of that one psych class I took last semester. And I'm naturally talented!" Beth flaunted her academics.

"You're so lucky I already packed my pillow or else I would have hit you."

"Alright, let's get this show on the road before my mom starts badgering me through texts asking if we need any help."

Both girls shared one last look at their now empty room before closing the door. They had a bit of downtime before their dinner reservation, so they decided to do a little sightseeing while still dressed in their graduation outfits. Avery truly loved Beth's family and the feeling was mutual. They swapped stories, told jokes and enjoyed some fine New York cuisine. After some dessert and a few more pictures, it was time to head out.

"Avery, honey, would you like a ride home with us?"

"Thank you, but I still have a few things I need to do before I join you guys. And don't worry about a ride, I have my car back on campus. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Hey, tell Ahk I said hello and goodbye when you see him," Beth whispered as she hugged Avery goodbye and left with her family. Avery grinned in response.

She texted Larry that she was on her way. Larry had told her to meet him around back at the loading dock area. He met her outside and welcomed her inside the building. As they began the trek upstairs Larry put a hand on her shoulder.

"You might want to wear this, sorry I didn't have time to get a proper blindfold." He handed her a night guard's uniform tie. She stared at him quizzically before putting it on. After testing that she couldn't see anything, he gave the go ahead and guided her through the halls. She had a feeling where this was going.

"Alright, removing the blindfold in three…two…one!" Larry gently pulled off the tie and Avery's eyes widened in surprise. She was met with an audience of her museum friends yelling,

"CONGRATULATIONS!" There was even a banner that said "Congrats Grad!" Everyone gathered around to celebrate her. Tears leapt to her eyes but she quickly brushed them away and put on her biggest smile.

"Oh my gosh, you guys. Thank you! I did not expect any of this!"

"Yeah we thought you deserved a big celebration for your achievement. Not to brag but it was kind of my idea." Jedediah said jokingly while perched on Teddy's shoulder.

"Jedidiah…" Octavius said while elbowing his friend.

"Alright fine, it was Gigantor's and the Pharaoh's idea."

"Happy graduation Avery!" A familiar voice sounded behind her.

"Ahk!" She said, spinning around to face her boyfriend. She greeted him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Like Jedidiah said, we wanted you to have a celebration for all your hard work. If anyone deserves a party, it should be you!"

"Yeah, if this is the last night we get to see you, we want you to go out with a bang!" Jed demonstrated his point by pulling out his gun and firing a shot in the air. His posse, who was gathered on the reception desk, followed suit.

"Yes, if this is our last time together, it has been an honor getting to know you Miss Daniels. Thank you for your service." Teddy said, giving her a salute.

"Well, I actually have an update on that front… it turns out that you'll be seeing me a little while longer. The museum and McPhee were so impressed by our collective 'stunt' on that fateful November night, and my hard work as an intern that they have offered me a position as assistant director! I'm staying around guys!"

More cheers erupted from everyone and Ahk picked her up with surprising ease and spun her around. She laughed and kissed him sweetly on the lips when he set her down. She felt a sudden pressure on her shoulder and turned to see Dexter perched there wrapping his little arms around her head. He was grinning in his own Dexter way. He leapt off soon after to go about his night.

Music began playing through the speakers and everyone danced, much like their victory night all those months ago.

Wanting to find a little quiet spot away from the crowd, the pair took a moment to catch their breaths. They hadn't spent much time talking with everyone congratulating Avery and wanting to take a moment of her time. So they went to the only place that could offer them a moment of peace, the Ocean. The loud music from the lobby was literally drowned out by serene, underwater noises.

"I know you are probably tired of hearing this tonight but once again congratulations Avery! I am so proud of you." He hoped his tone would show his genuine sincerity.

"Thanks Ahk. It's honestly been a lot today. Four years of university…done. I honestly thought of giving up a few times. Especially once I began my internship. McPhee has such a 'welcoming' demeanor, ha! But I'm glad I stayed and met you. You changed my life. You believed in me, listened to me. You encouraged me. Like the time you pretended to be my student so I could review the material in a new way, I aced my exams because of it. You were my rock in many ways."

"Avery, it is your day. You are the one who is supposed to be showered in compliments , not I." He gazed lovingly at her.

"Well as long as it's my day, I say I can do whatever I want. And that includes thanking my boyfriend for just being there for me." She made her point by giving him a sweet kiss on his lips.

"Ha, well now it is my turn again. You are an incredible woman. Kind-hearted, intelligent, thoughtful. You have helped all of us in some way. You did not give up hope when searching for Jedidiah or Octavius from the snow. You helped free me from my prison and helped me find the joy in this afterlife. You orchestrated a way for Teddy to propose his love to Sacagawea. I think it is time I returned my affection to you."

"Ahk what are you talking about? You've already returned my affection twice over."

"That is a relief to hear, but I was hoping to give you a physical reminder of it. Much like how Teddy proposed his love to Sacagawea." He reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a simple gold ring with hieroglyphs on top. Avery's eyes grew wide. She was speechless, stunned even.

"Avery, this ring has been crafted for the members in my family. The engraving of hieroglyphs shows our family crest and has the symbols of the Goddess Bastet to invoke protection and good fortune. I know it is not a lot but it is all I can offer you. I would be honored if you accepted this gift."

"Oh my gosh, it's beautiful. But I can't possibly take such an artifact for myself. Won't it be missed? I wouldn't want to get in trouble."

"Ah well, I believe we have a solution for that. I asked Larry to have a near replica of it created. I'm not sure how he did it but he even got the weathered look on the metal just right. So for appearances sake, everything will still be as is. None will be the wiser."

"I can't believe you're entrusting me with such a valuable heirloom, Ahk. Don't get me wrong I'm touched! I just don't know if I'm the right person to wear it. I mean what if I lose it? I'm a clumsy person, something could happen to it. It's a literal part of history!"

"Who else to give it to than the woman I fell in love with? And as you told me weeks ago, that attitude is getting into self loathing territory. And that, my love, has no place here."

"Well I guess I can't argue with my own logic. Alright, would you like to place it on my finger?" She asked in a flirtatious manner.

"It would be my pleasure." He delicately slid the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.

"So, I guess you can say we're somewhat engaged now, huh?" She joked but noticed that she kind of liked that idea. Meanwhile Ahk's face grew red but his smile grew wider.

"Not that I mind it one bit. It's a pleasant thought if I'm being honest." She gently grabbed his face and brought herself to his lips. It startled him a moment but then he relaxed into it. It was a sweet kiss but not without passion. They didn't need to start a makeout session like in the movies to portray their feelings.

"Well, this night just got a lot better. I love you Ahk."

"And I love you, Avery."

Alright, there you have it, the finale of this book. I will post a note here when the sequel is up and running. Thank you for all the reads and those who commented. I'm glad you enjoyed this story!