Part 23

As I rushed to the gate, I spotted Allerick and Blythe sitting next to the guard, waiting for someone to pick them up. I tried not to weep because I wanted to show them a smile, not my tears.

"Hey, you mischievous kids!" I yelled out while waving my hand in the air.

"ATE!" They dashed out the door and flung their arms around me.

"How come you're here?" Allerick leaps for pleasure. "I told you, Blythe, ate Gemma was coming home."

"OK, you win," Blythe replied, frowning. "It's nice you're here, ate. Allerick won't force me to come to you every day."

I messed up both of their hair. "How are things going?"

"We're fine," Allerick responded.

"It's a relief to know you're all okay," I said. "How did you do while I was gone? Aren't you causing Mama's head to hurt?"

"It's Blythe who gets on mama's nerves every time she asks about Ki..." Blythe abruptly shut Allerick's lips, preventing him from finishing whatever he was about to say.

"Can we go home? I'm sick of all the things we did."