The Catalyst Boxed Set by Heidi Willard

Author:Heidi Willard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heidi Willard
Published: 2014-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22 – Friends and Family

Before they could get comfortable the door swung open again. Kyle ran inside and turned to sport a new jacket with a matching hat.

"I thought that car outside looked familiar," he noted as he looked at the Fletcher family. His eyes fell on Jack who still stood by the stairs. "Jack!" He sped over to his friend and took him in a big hug. "You're all right!" He heard Jack mutter something.

"Did we miss something important?" Mr. Fletcher inquired.

"It's nothing, Jack's just been sick," Mrs. Erikson assured the gentleman. She was still unaware of his insider knowledge.

"Oh, yeah, he's been sick." Kyle let go of his friend and stood back to survey his weakened friend. "Definitely a lot better. That was some bad cold."

"Sick, eh?" He glanced at Jack, and the boy could see he knew there was something deeper than that. "Glad to see you're feeling better."

"So you guys here for the free food, too?" Kyle spouted out.

"Not exactly," Mr. Fletcher laughed. He paused and glanced over to Mrs. Erikson. "It is free, isn't it?"

"Only if you help me make it," she hinted as she played into his teasing.

"Always glad to help in the kitchen," he offered before a sheepish grin spread out on his face. "Just don't expect a miracle of edible food."

"Oh papa, you're the best cook around," Violet argued. Liz had led her over to the fire and her skin glowed against the warmth of the high flames.

"If you're willing to stake all these poor innocent souls on that, I think I can get some food fixed up for breakfast," he invited as he looked around at the smiling faces. "Who's with me for some early indigestion?"

"I already ate, but I can help," Liz offered with a laugh.

"I'm starved," Kyle chimed in. "We ate a few hours ago."

"But it's only nine o'clock," Mr. Fletcher pointed out in confusion.

"Yeah, well, I get my folks up at five every Christmas," Kyle sheepishly admitted. "They really hate it, but it's only once a year." That explained how he was able to get away from his family so quickly. Their present opening had already happened.

"In that case, I'd better cook a big one." He turned to his hostess. "Care to join?"

"In a moment," Mrs. Erikson informed. Jack had quietly stepped over to the fire to warm himself. "I'd just like to talk with Jack for a bit."

"Certainly. Violet, Liz, Kyle, what say we make some black magic?" Mr. Fletcher led the way into the kitchen, allowing the small family time to themselves.

Mrs. Erikson sighed as the door closed behind that happy crowd, and she turned to Jack. His eyes were without his glasses, and the firelight was reflected in them. He seemed to be lost in his own world. She moved to stand at his side.

"What are you thinking, Jack?" his mom asked.

"I wish grandpa were here," he whispered. He sadly smiled as he looked into those warm, crackling flames. "I don't know why, but this place isn't right without him.

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