Chapter 19: Seeing Siblings

~ Even the briefest of time apart can drastically change the people you once knew, whether it be for better or worse. ~

As I sat in the back of the car, I was excited and nervous at the same time. It felt like forever since then, the day it all started. Was her brother going to be mad at her for leaving, would he have grown, would he miss her? There were so many thoughts going through her head, some of them good, some of them bad. Suddenly I heard a voice.

"Ms. Morrison, we're here."

I jolted to attention at hearing my last name, something I only heard from teachers in the past, then after coming back to reality, calmed down. "Thank you. I'll send a message if I leave and need to be picked up anywhere else. Thank you again." I hopped out of the back of the car, and slowly made my way to the house. As I opened the door, I was pleasantly surprised. The house was as if I had never left. I walked in, calling out to see if anyone was home. I didn't hear my parents, which wasn't surprising, but after a few seconds, I did hear the stomping of feet as my brother and sister ran throughout the house. A few seconds later, I saw them both pop around the corner.

"Bee!" They both called.

"Hey Sammy, hey Jordan! I missed you guys!" What followed was a hectic whirl as they began talking about all the things I missed while I was gone. Sammy had apparently gotten a job, and Jordan was playing soccer for his school. After a bit more time something they said stood out among everything else.

"Wait, what did you say?"

"What do you mean?" Jordan cocked his head, confused at what exactly I meant.

"You said something about mom and dad."

I could see Sammy trying to motion to Jordan to stop while he was ahead, but it was too late.

"Yeah, mom and dad said they were going to go get something, and they've been gone for a few days now, so I'm glad you're here. Sammy's cooking isn't nearly as good as yours!"

"What do you mean they've been gone a few days?" I asked with anger rising in my chest. At that point Sammy stepped in.

"Hey, Jordan, why don't you go get some of your toys to show Bee? You got some new ones recently didn't you?"

"I did" Jordan's face beamed at the idea of showing off his toys, and he went to go grab them. As he left, Sammy turned to face me, looking frustrated.

"Listen, I get you're angry, but Jordan doesn't know any better, so try to keep it to yourself okay? I'm handling it."

"What do you mean you're 'handling it' Sammy? They have been gone for days!"

"I KNOW!" Sammy took a deep breath. "I know. Listen, I got a job, so I was able to cover everything you did before you left. Listen, I got this. Enjoy seeing your siblings again, spend time with Jordan, we'll be alright. Okay?"

It took everything I had to hold back the tears. I left, and Peace Keepers said they were going to take care of them. I took a deep breath and made sure that I would speak with someone when I got back. After a little bit, Jordan finally came down, holding a few different action figures.

"These are my new toys! Sammy got them for me!"

I looked curiously over to Sammy. I was never able to get them anything, my job barely covered bills, let alone food and toys. "Oh, Sammy got you those toys? That's nice of her!"

"I know! And she has a new friend too! He comes by and plays games with me. His cooking might even be as good as yours Bee!"

"Oh really? Well then, I'll have to make sure to make the best meal I can tonight. Why don't you go see what there is to eat and decide on what I'm making for dinner, and then afterwards we'll play with your toys? Sound like a plan?"

"Okay!" Jordan skipped off to the kitchen. I looked over to Sammy.

"Mind telling me about this new 'friend'?"

"It's fine Bee. She came up to me while I was at work and said she wanted to help. She said she was a friend of yours. She helped me out at work getting a raise and comes by every once and a while to play with Jordan. She noticed our parents were gone too and said she was going to look for them, she hasn't been back since."

I stumbled as the anger that I felt, the preparation and understanding that I was right to not trust the Peace Keepers was unnecessary. They upheld their end of the deal, they were making sure my siblings were alright, and they apparently were trying to keep my parents in line, at least to the best of their ability. After getting my bearings back Jordan came back from the kitchen.

"I figured out what I wanted. I want tacos, burgers, and some rice!"

"Well that's like 3 meals, are you sure you can eat all of that?"

"Well, no. You're leaving later though, so I want to make sure we have lots of food that you made so we can have it even after you leave, and maybe even give some to Sammy's friend next time!"

I couldn't help but get teary-eyed at Jordan's request. It seemed silly, but he really was excited for me to be back, and neither of them were mad. "Alright, I think I can do that. But if I'm making that much, I'm gonna need some helpers." As I said it, I grabbed Jordan and Sammy, bringing them in for a hug. After some squealing from Jordan, due to Sammy's tickling I let them go, and we all made our way into the kitchen.

We spent the rest of the time cooking and enjoying the time in the kitchen. Jordan went back to telling me about school, and now that Sammy had told me everything, she seemed a lot calmer and relaxed. We sat down and picked whatever we felt like eating, and kept enjoying the rest of the time I was there. After a while, I heard a knock at the door, and I saw the agent who dropped me off standing there.

"Sorry to cut it short, but it's time to go."

"Alright, do you mind if I help them put the food away, it shouldn't be more than five minutes." I looked at the agent with pleading eyes.

"Okay, if it's just to clean that's fine, but then we have to get back."

"Of course. Why don't you come in, I'm sure Jordan would love someone to play with."

The agent looked confused, but stepped in, and Jordan stepped out as soon as I said his name. Once the door was closed, I told Jordan to go play with the nice man while I finished cleaning up with Sammy.

"So the person did know you. That's a relief."

"What do you mean?" I looked quizzically at Sammy as I packed away the taco meat.

"The person I know and the person who came to pick you up, are almost identical in some ways. I guess it's comforting knowing you made some friends who can help us and look out for us while you are gone."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

After I got done putting everything away, I came back to the agent giving Jordan a ride on his shoulders, as I cleared my throat to get some attention, the agent stopped and carefully put Jordan down. "I'm ready to go." I said.

"Alright, let's get going then."

As we made our way to the door, I caught the agent giving Jordan a fist bump before leaving. After we got into the car I looked up to him. "Thank you." I said. He nodded silently, as if understanding without any more words being said. After a few minutes on the road, I slowly nodded off, letting sleep take me, hoping for dreams of my siblings.