July 1992

  Chris stands next to the ambunce, watching his dad getting stitched up from the cuts Garcia gave him. Another ambunce leaving with Garcia just left, followed by a couple police cars. Not to mention the fireball guy they fought and a few of the others. Most of them got away, unfortunately. Either way, though, it’s finally over. For now.

  Elle leans her head on Chris’ shoulder, her arms wrapped around him. She’s exhausted. Like he was when he stopped that van. Though he has to give her credit, she didn’t pass out like he did.

  “Mr. Talvert.” The head of the conference comes up. “We’ve decided to cancel the conference for now and reschedule.”

  “I understand.” Larry says.

  “We’d still like to have you back for the conference, though we’ll be doing more intensive background checks from now on.”

  “Understandable.” Simon says.

  “We’ll talk with you ter.” The chairman says, then walks way to attend to other matters.

  “Well, guess we’re going home early.” Simon sighs.

  “What?” Elle raises her head. “N-No!”

  Elle pulls away. Everyone looks to her.

  “Elle, honey. They’re moving the conference, we…”

  “Fine. But we’re not leaving. This has been the best vacation I’ve had.” She sobs a little. “I got a new dress, we got an awesome hotel room, Portnd is great and…” She stops, her frustration stopping her dead. Chris takes her hand and rubs her back.

  “Aww. Simon, we can stay.” Melissa tells him. “We have the hotel until Monday. It won’t hurt anything to stay.”

  Simon smiles. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “Elle, said it. We have the best accommodations and all. And it won’t hurt anything to stay.”

  Elle wipes some tears away. “Really?”

  Simon comes over and gives her a hug. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Of course we can stay.”

  She returns the hug, thanking him greatly. Frankly, Chris is gd they’re staying too. She is right. Portnd is great, and there is a lot to see and do here. Plus, spending it with Elle will make it even more special.

  “Better head to the convenience store then. Elle’s gonna need a few dozen more disposable cameras.” Jerry taunts.

  Elle beams a smile.

  *?*?*?*?*

  The cops sit and question everyone for a few hours before they are let go for the night. Elle occasionally dozing off with her head resting on Chris’ shoulder. She had to have been tired, seeing as how much power she used. They all would sleep well tonight.

  A nice hot shower is just what Chris needed. He picks up his watch off the counter and looks at the time. Just after two in the morning. He yawns big. Yeah, it was pastime for bed.

  Yawning again, he walks into the bedroom and sees Elle rubbing her eyes as she situates the covers.

  “Hey.” She says weakly.

  He gives her a smile and crawls into bed with her. She quickly snuggles up close with a sigh, his arm wrapping around her.

  “So, what’d you wanna do tomorrow?” Chris asks her.

  She nuzzles his chest. “Mmm, I don’t care. Long as we’re all together.”

  “Yeah. This weekend is gonna be pretty great.