One by one, every portrait I'd ever painted for my friends was returned to me with a short story of how I'd touched their lives. By the end, I was silently blessing whoever had invented waterproof mascara.
Even Tommy walked up, a small stack of papers in hand, with Serena beside him. The kids we'd rescued had gone home, if they had homes. Those who didn't now lived here. Tommy handed me the papers. "You made these for me when we first met. I hope they help you go to school, though I don't know why you want to go to more school when you don't have to. Adults are weird."
I looked at the papers and laughed even as tears streamed down my face. Every crazy make-believe animal he'd asked me to create for him and draw would now be a part of my permanent portfolio.
I hugged him so hard he squealed. "Sam, can't breathe."
I released him. "Sorry. This is just so amazing, Tommy. Thank you." I held his hand in one hand and reached for Serena's hand. "I love you both so much. I'm sorry you've had to go through such hard times, but know that you have a family here with us."
Serena's cat Angel ran by in a streak, chasing a barking Eddie, who had a piece of watermelon dangling from his mouth. Our resident dog and cat had a love/hate relationship with each other. Eddie loved Angel, and she hated him, at least on the surface. When she thought no one was looking, she'd snuggle up to him and sleep. The two were favorites among the children and adults alike.
Greg walked up to the stage and asked for everyone's attention. "Sam, without you and your bravery, we'd still be locked up in our lives, oblivious to what we were about to endure. You're the bravest person we've ever met, and you deserve to live your dreams. We will all be here for you to help with Ana, and anything else you need, so you can go to school and become a famous artist."
The entire school cheered as I sobbed tears of joy. Drake's arms wrapped around me and I beamed at my friends, so happy to finally have a real home and a real family.
Chapter 136 - Lucy
Bodies pressed together, swaying on the dance floor, as the four friends watched. Hunter and Mary approached Luke, Lucy, Sam and Drake. Lucy's heart fluttered when he smiled at her.
He held up five envelopes made of thick parchment, and handed one to each of them.
Lucy looked at hers. "What's this?"
He smiled. "Open it."
On the inside was a single sheet of paper with her name and the words, "You've been selected," with the IPI logo embossed on the back. She looked up. "Really?"
He nodded. "IPI wants you all to join us in Washington, D.C. You'd attend college at the IPI Academy and be full agents with pay, benefits and a free education."
Lucy looked at Luke and they shared a twin moment. Sam and Drake handed the envelopes back.
Sam smiled. "Thank you, Hunter, we're honored, but our place is here with our baby and this school. We're retired."
Hunter didn't look surprised. "I figured, but we wanted you to know it's an open invitation, if you ever change your mind."
Mary clutched her envelope. "Well, I'm in. I need a change of pace, a fresh start."
Lucy paused. She hated leaving Sam and Drake and Ana, but she knew where she belonged, and she knew Luke agreed. "We're in."
Hunter beamed and twirled her around, then kissed her on the lips.
She laughed and pulled away. "Just don't get too cocky, mister. I'm not accepting to be with you. I'm accepting because I'm a damn good agent and you need me."
"I'm not going to argue with a woman who can save the world and still look this good when it's done."
He held her close to him, their bodies pressed together and fitting so perfectly. This was their second dance together, and now they had real music, but nothing would ever compare to their first night, their first date.
Her life fell into place, and everything finally felt like it would work out for the best. Sam and Drake looked deliriously happy dancing together, but Luke looked bored, sitting alone. Lucy was about to pull away from Hunter to dance with her twin for a song, when he got up and walked to Mary, who also sat alone, and ushered her to the dance floor. Wow. The one guy she couldn't seduce had asked her to dance. Lucy smiled at that despite her not-so-loving feelings toward Mary.
Even Adam looked happy, swaying to the music. He'd been staying at the mansion, enjoying the quiet life. The world may have known about paranormals, but they weren't quite ready for Adam living amongst them yet. The other Grunts had stayed at the compound and taken it over, content to live their lives in peace.
After a few more dances, lemon-filled cake and food, the limo pulled up for Sam and Drake. Everyone threw rice at them and cheered. Darren used his powers to make the rice hover and dance in the air. He'd handled Sam's wedding well, all things considered, though Lucy hoped he'd find someone who would love him as much as he'd loved Sam.
The evening settled on them quietly, and Hunter pulled her away from the crowds. "Walk with me?"
"I'd love to."
Arm in arm they strolled down a trail, as the sun set over them, drenching them in the hues of another day ending, leaving them with the promise of a new day yet to come.
Chapter 137 - Sam