Chapter 1
Michael could hardly believe that he finally got his well-deserved vacation. Devon Miles had given the entire team of FLAG almost a week off because of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Devon had flown home to England a few days ago. He still had some family there who he hadn't seen in a few years. Since the Foundation didn't have that much work over Thanksgiving, he had decided that it was the perfect time for a short trip to his home country. RC III had immediately gotten on his bike and headed to Chicago. He had told everyone about the delicious turkey his mother always prepared. Michael felt a bit jealous thinking of RC spending the holiday with his parents, something Michael would never be able to experience again.
Now he and KITT were driving through the streets of Los Angeles without a specific destination while Michael considered their options for the next few days.
"Michael, where are we going?" KITT interrupted Michael's thoughts, wondering what their destination would be.
"It's Thanksgiving week, buddy, and we are on vacation. We can do whatever we want. So I was thinking, maybe we could go to the beach or leave the city and go rock-climbing? What do you think?" Michael replied while putting on his sunglasses. Several days without worrying that Devon might call and interrupt his plans. He still couldn't believe his luck.
"Wherever you wish to go, Michael. Though I must state, rock-climbing is a quite dangerous activity." KITT reminded him.
Michael grinned. He knew KITT would say that. "Hey pal, any news on Devon and RC?"
"Devon already landed in London yesterday and RC should have arrived in Chicago as well according to my calculations. I must admit that it is crazy to drive all the way to Chicago on a bike though. It is certainly not as warm there as it is here. Especially on a motorcycle." KITT explained.
"You know RC, KITT. He loves his bike. He'd go anywhere on that pile of junk." Michael laughed. "So, he and Devon have arrived safely at their destinations. What about Bonnie? Shouldn't she be in Boston by now?"
"Well, technically she should be, but Bonnie didn't go to Boston, Michael. She is still in town." KITT replied hesitantly.
"What?" Michael could hardly believe what KITT just said. He knew that Bonnie missed her family and Boston. He would have thought that she had gone home for the holidays, especially since her birthday was also that week.
"She didn't tell anyone, Michael. You know that Bonnie has always been afraid of flying and ever since that incident last year, she won't board a plane. She could have driven to Boston, but her car hasn't been very reliable lately. And all rental cars were booked. There was no way she would have gotten home in time for her birthday and Thanksgiving." KITT told Michael.
Michael felt bad. He wished Bonnie had told him when they were discussing their plans for the week off. He now remembered that she had been quiet and not mentioned what she had planned. Everyone had assumed she was also going home to see her family. If he'd known, he would have offered to drive her to Boston. But it wasn't too late yet if she wanted to go. They could still make it to Boston in time thanks to KITT's new enhanced Super Pursuit Mode.
"What do you think, buddy, if we go back and visit Bonnie? We could celebrate her birthday and then spend the holidays with her. She shouldn't be alone on her birthday or on Thanksgiving. And maybe we can surprise her with a trip to Boston."
"That's a wonderful idea, Michael." KITT said. "I'm sure Bonnie will be surprised to see us."
XXX
November 24. It was her birthday, but Bonnie couldn't enjoy the day. She hated not having anything to do. She couldn't work on KITT because he had left with Michael. She already cleaned her workstation in the Semi and in the lab the days after Devon had left. Now she was rearranging the furniture in her apartment. She had also answered all her mail, and she had figured out what was wrong with her car. And it wasn't even noon yet. She wouldn't mind spending the week here if Devon, RC III, KITT, and Michael would have been here too. But they were all gone and everyone, except for KITT, thought she was gone too. She wondered why she had told KITT. She knew KITT would eventually tell Michael and she didn't want to ruin Michael's well-deserved vacation. But deep down in her heart, she didn't want to be alone either, not on her birthday.
"What a fun way to spend one's birthday! Cleaning, watching TV, and eating junk food." Bonnie said to herself remembering the last few years when either Devon or Michael had taken her out for dinner on her birthday.
This year was different. Her parents had called and had wished her a happy birthday, telling her how sorry they were that she wouldn't be able to come to Boston. Devon had given her a present before he had left. It was the book Devon had told her so much about, but she didn't feel like reading. She smiled at the thought that Devon would never forget her birthday. Michael on the other hand hadn't called or given her anything. She wasn't surprised as he never remembered her birthday, unless KITT reminded him. But then Michael thought she was in Boston anyway.
A knock on her door startled her. She wasn't expecting anyone. Maybe it was the janitor, making sure everything was fine, or one of the neighbors asking her to watch their apartment during the holidays.
XXX
When she opened the door, she saw nothing but flowers …. mostly roses in all colors. "Wow…." Bonnie was speechless. She wondered who had sent them.
"Happy birthday, beautiful." Michael showed up behind the flowers and kissed Bonnie. He enjoyed the confused look on her face.
She was still speechless and looked puzzled. "Michael …. you remembered my birthday?"
Michael couldn't help but smile. "Of course, I remembered. And this time, KITT didn't even have to remind me. I know I forgot your birthday last year, and the year before but this time I didn't. But I thought you'd be celebrating it with your family."
She sighed. KITT must have told him that she was still in town. "Well, actually I was but I just couldn't get on a plane." She took the flowers from his hands and closed the door behind him. "I know it sounds stupid but even the thought of making a reservation scared me. Every day, I said to myself I would book my flight and when I finally decided not to fly, it was too late to drive all the way to Boston. So, I decided to stay here instead." She put the roses in a vase and placed it on the table in her living room. "But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the beach or in the mountains? Bonnie asked remembering Michael's plans for the holidays.
Michael hesitated a moment before he answered. "Yeah, I was, but then KITT mentioned that you were here all alone and I didn't want you to be alone on your birthday."
Bonnie looked up and their eyes met. Hearing him say that he didn't want her to be alone on her birthday meant a lot to her. He had given up his plans for her. She knew that he cared about her, but she had never dared to hope that he would choose staying with her over a vacation. She glanced at the roses in the vase, then walked over to Michael and hugged him. "Thank you, Michael. That means a lot to me. I was actually feeling a bit lonely. It feels strange not to work."
Michael held her close in his arms. "I know. We are just not used to it. But believe it or not Devon gave us almost an entire week off. And I have a surprise for you."
Bonnie slowly pulled away from him and looked at him. "A surprise? You know that I hate surprises, Michael…."
"You will like this one, trust me." Michael interrupted her and smiled. "Now pack a few things. We'll be gone for a few days."
Bonnie raised her eyebrows and gave him a surprised look. "We are going on a trip? You and me? Are you sure?" She wasn't sure if she'd heard correctly and wondered what he had planned. "Michael, please tell me…. You know me. You know that I don't like not knowing what is going to happen next."
Michael laughed. "Are you scared to go on a trip with me? Just pack a few things, warm things. It might be cold and snowing where we are going…. And don't ask any more questions. I'll tell you more later."
Bonnie gave up. She went to her bedroom and quickly put a few things in her duffle bag. She wondered what Michael was up to. She was surprised when she realized that she actually liked his secretiveness and the thought of going on a trip with him.
XXX
Bonnie sat down into the passenger seat about ten minutes later. KITT was excited to see her and wished her a happy birthday. She was glad that he had told Michael and that Michael had decided that she shouldn't be alone. If he'd only told her where they were going. Judging from the fact that he mentioned it might be cold, she figured they could either go up north to do sightseeing or go skiing.
"KITT, do you know where we are going?" Bonnie used the moment while Michael put her bag into the trunk and asked the AI.
"Michael will tell you in a few minutes, Bonnie. Please don't ask me any more questions. I promised Michael that I wouldn't tell you." KITT replied.
"Did she try to make you tell her where we are going, buddy?" Michael slipped into the driver's seat and started the engine.
"I didn't say anything, Michael." KITT immediately answered.
"I know, pal. So, are you ready for your surprise?" Bonnie nodded, and Michael continued. "KITT, Super Pursuit Mode. Bonnie, relax and try to sleep a little. We'll be driving all day and night long. KITT and I did some math and we figured if we use SPM, we will be in Boston right in time for lunch tomorrow." He smiled when he saw the surprised look on her face. "We'll drop you off at your parents' house and pick you up after the holidays".
"What? Boston?" She repeated and he nodded. "Michael…. I don't know what to say. That's great. No, it's not great, it's even better. It's wonderful. You don't know how happy that makes me. Thank you so much. This is the best surprise ever." Bonnie felt tears of joy in her eyes.
Michael started the engine and steered the T-Top out of the parking lot. His surprise had been a success and had made Bonnie happy.
"Wait. "Bonnie said. "KITT, can you take over for a minute?"
KITT did what she asked him to do. He didn't question her motives but wondered why.
"What…" Michael couldn't finish his sentence because Bonnie quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss "Wow…. I like the way you thank people." He was surprised by her reaction. He hadn't expected that she'd kiss him. Not that he minded. He had enjoyed the short kiss and still felt her soft lips on his.
Bonnie blushed and pulled away from him again. "Well, you deserved it." She justified her rather unusual reaction, then changed the subject. "Are you really sure that you want to spend your vacation on the East Coast? It's not as much fun as lying on the beach. And as you said it's cold."
"Bon, it's ok. I want to do this for you. I can go to the beach the next time I have a few days off. But this is your birthday and it's Thanksgiving. A holiday that should be spent with family. I would feel bad if you couldn't be with your parents. And KITT and I don't mind going on a road trip, as long as I get some leftover turkey too." Michael grinned.
"Of course, you will. My mother will cook a whole turkey only for you because you are driving me up there. But don't even think about just dropping me off there. You are spending Thanksgiving with my family. No one should be alone on the holidays." From the sound of her voice, he knew she wouldn't take no for an answer. "I'm sure my father will be happy to see you again, and my sister likes you anyway." Bonnie looked at him happily. "We will have a wonderful Thanksgiving."
Michael smiled at her and took her hand. "I think so too."
