I9DT - Saying Goodbye

[Ethan Cheng]

Ethan paced through the apartment, checking every room before moving on to the next. Of course, it was the responsibility of the movers to make sure that everything was taken out, but he wasn't going to take any chances.

"Find anything they missed?," he called to Averi, as the last few boxes were being loaded up onto a cart by a couple of workers.

[Averi Cheng]

"It'd appear that everything's accounted for," Averi said from her bathroom in a loud enough voice for Ethan to hear. She did some final touches on her make-up before exiting and smiling over at Ethan. "We're just about in the clear."

[Ethan Cheng]

"I couldn't find anything of ours either. Go ahead and take the rest of it down," he ordered the movers.

"Well, I guess this is it. Funny how a place turns into home after half a year."

[Averi Cheng]

"Agreed. I just might miss it. I'm glad the fiasco is over. What fools..thinking they'd get away with attacking our family."

[Ethan Cheng]

"It is nice to not have to look over my shoulder. Well, quite so much. It'll be great to see Mom back in the world of the living, too."

[Averi Cheng]

"It's really about time." She placed her hands on her hips, glancing around the apartment one last time. "So, shall we head out and say our goodbyes?"

[Ethan Cheng]

"I guess so." He took one last glance around before heading for the door, letting it lock shut behind them.

"One more drive around campus? I think we have enough time."

[Averi Cheng]

"I believe so," Averi said, making sure to grab her bag before slipping out of the door before Ethan.

[Ethan Cheng]

"So, did the land of your forebears live up to expectations?" He held the elevator open for her.

[Averi Cheng]

She stepped inside. "I suppose. It was very nice except for all the life and death situations that seemed to spring up at any moment. I'd of almost questioned if we would of been safer just staying in China."

[Ethan Cheng]

"The only thing I ran into personally was the zombies that one time." Almost undetectably, he shivered. "It is kind of a magnet for the weird, though."

[Averi Cheng]

"After we get some and spend some time with our parents, I might decide to just continue school here," Averi said with a tone that seemed stern in her answer. She must of been thinking about it for a while already.

[Ethan Cheng]

He raised an eyebrow. "Really? I had no idea you liked it that much."

[Averi Cheng]

"I wouldn't say I like it here that much. I just enjoy new scenery the new people. It's also a little nice not having people come right at us with some agenda related to our money or family? Wouldn't you agree that's nice?"

[Ethan Cheng]

"I guess I had just kind of accepted that as a fact of life."

[Averi Cheng]

"Well, I did too but it doesn't really make that happening any less annoying." She smiled over at him. "Did you not have a good time while you were here?"

[Ethan Cheng]

"Yes. Sort of. But you didn't get someone pregnant."

[Averi Cheng]

She snickered. "Oh, yes. That. By the way, have you talked to Victoria in awhile? Is she doing well?"

[Ethan Cheng]

He nodded. "I saw her just the other day. The baby is gone already, away with someone she trusts."

[Averi Cheng]

"Away?" Averi asked with a rather concerned expression. "The baby's in danger? I suppose Victoria is pretty much in our situation.."

[Ethan Cheng]

"In a way, yeah. At least she's somewhere safe." He sighed. "I still hope I can, you know, meet her one day."

[Averi Cheng]

"I highly doubt Victoria would keep your daughter away from you. I'm sure when she's sure the baby is safe you'll be the first to see her."

[Ethan Cheng]

"Maybe." Once they got to the lobby and walked out of the front doors, a limo was waiting for them. "After you."

[Averi Cheng]

"Not maybe. I'm sure of it. Of course, it's not like we're really up in that whole...magical realm stuff. To be fair, I don't think we could deal with it if we tried. You may not like it, but we need to trust her judgement." Averi said fight before stepping into the limo.

[Ethan Cheng]

"Tell me something I don't know," he muttered, getting in after her. "Take a lap around campus," he ordered the chauffeur.

[Averi Cheng]

She was actually quiet for a while. Something that wasn't the norm for Averi all the time, unless she was rather uncomfortable about something.

"Should we try and see Victoria one last time before we go?"

[Ethan Cheng]

"I think she's in New York right now."

[Averi Cheng]

"Really? Hm. I just might have to go see her anyway if she's free." She said as he leaned back into the seat. "We should probably stop by the campus over the next couple days and say our goodbyes."

[Ethan Cheng]

"So you're planning on sticking around longer than me?" He looked amused.

[Averi Cheng]

"Perhaps," would be the only reply Ethan received from her.

[Ethan Cheng]

"Whatever suits you," he said with a shrug. "I'm flying back this evening, though. Maybe I can sleep the whole way."

[Averi Cheng]

"Well, I'm definitely going back. I have to see mother but I might just return. That's all."

[Ethan Cheng]

He nodded. "And why not? It's too bad we can't say goodbye to Mr. Taylor, though."

[Averi Cheng]

"True. Of course, who really knows what's up with him." She shrugged.

[Ethan Cheng]

"No idea. Who knows, we may see him again back home."