Professor Harlow laughs. “I disappeared before Alva could get anywhere near me. It’s just that in the heat my spell took me a little farther away than the ballroom. Still, you did the job well, I must say.”
Ollie bows to her. “I guess that’s why I get a week’s vacation before I head home.” He looks at us. “Blackbeard is taking me on a voyage.”
“Yes,” Blackbeard says. “Madame Cleo and me thought ye could use a vacation after all this ruckus. We’re heading to the Enchanted Sea to visit the Little Mermaid.”
“We’re such good friends now,” says Madame Cleo, and I realize she’s being beamed from the nearby water in a handheld mirror in Headmistress Flora’s hands. “I’m long overdue for a visit.” She wags a finger at us. “Don’t you lot go too long without coming to see us, darlings.”
“We’ll miss you all greatly, but it’s time to let you go,” Flora agrees. “You’ve more than proven you’re ready to be reintroduced to the kingdom. I’m so proud.”
Kayla starts to sniffle. Maxine pulls her in for a hug.
“We haven’t forgotten you either, Kayla,” Flora says, her face clouding over. “Rumpel is proving tricky to deal with, but I hope we can strike a deal with him to find your family and end his protection over the school in an amicable matter.” She looks uncomfortable. “Until then, we hope you’ll consider staying on with us at FTRS.”
“You mean, I’m not being kicked out?” Kayla asks, her voice trembling.
“On the contrary,” Flora says. “To be honest, I feel you still have work to do after all your, shall we say, unsavory business a few months back with Gottie. You will have a home with us until you no longer need it. You needn’t even stay in the dorms anymore if you don’t want a new roommate.”
“Well, you’ll still have a roommate,” Jocelyn pipes up. “I mean, if you want one. Harlow and I thought you could stay in our quarters with us.”
“It will give us a chance to work on leads to your family,” Harlow says. “Jocelyn and I are experts at complicated enchantments and location spells.”
Kayla looks from me to them in amazement. “I think I’d like that. Thank you!”
Harlow semi-smiles. “You’re much obliged.”
“Set sail, captain?” a pirate says.
Blackbeard looks at his watch. “I think we can party a little bit longer, don’t ye lads think?” Everyone nods. “But ye should ready the ship.” He tips his hat to me. “I best be saying me good-byes. We shall meet again though. I sure hope we do.”
“We all do.” Ollie gives me a hug before he goes off to help the other pirates prepare for the voyage.
Maxine squeezes a little too hard. Kayla flutters over and Jax piles in. I reach for Jocelyn and she jumps in shock.
“Criminals for life,” Jax teases.
“Reformed criminals,” Maxine corrects him.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I agree. “Being straight and narrow my whole life would have been boring.”
“It will still be boring,” Kayla says. “We need to have a little fun.”
“Not too much fun,” I hear Flora say, and I smile. I know I’ll have just enough.
? ? ?
An hour later, Macho is giving me one last flight, and this time he’s landing right in front of my boot. A crowd has gathered outside and they cheer when I dismount. I give Macho a carrot and pet his snout. “I’ll miss you,” I say and he neighs in agreement. “Don’t be a stranger.” I watch him take off again and wait ’til he soars over the treetops and the row of boots and teakettles before I head inside my door.
When I do, I’m surprised to see it’s changed somewhat. There are new couches, new wallpaper, and even a tarp hanging near the kitchen. Extension, it reads. Our boot is getting an expansion? Business must still be good! What haven’t changed are the seven people waiting for me.
“Gilly!” Han is the first to grab my legs. Hamish, Felix, Trixie, Father, and Mother complete the sandwich. Well, almost.
“I’m so glad you’re home.” Anna kisses my cheek.
“Me too.” But in the back of my mind, I realize I’m still longing for FTRS. How strange when I wanted to get out for so long. “I’m so glad to see you all.” I lock eyes with Father.
“Let’s celebrate,” he says with a smile. “Mother has made a cake in your honor.”
“And we’re having roast beef for dinner,” Felix says in amazement.
It’s a whole new world in the Cobbler household.
“It’s all to honor you, our transformed little thief,” Mother says. “Our hero.”
I smile because I know the truth. I’m still a little bit bad, a lot good, and a whole lot of other things too. Just as it should be.
Pegasus Postal Service
Flying Letters Since The Troll War!
FROM: Prince Jackson Jax (Royal Manor)
TO: Gillian Cobbler (2 Boot Way)
Thief,