Shay was surprised to find Tristan awake when she returned from her walk, but even more surprised to hear why.
Of course there was no question she would go back to California with him, and together they made their reservations to leave Nachton on the earliest flight they could get. Once that was done, Shay called her mom and told her what flight they'd be on. Shay's sister Cindy would pick up she and Tristan, and take them right to the hospital. Even in the short amount of time since they had originally called, their dad's condition had worsened. Shay's mom wasn't handling things too well either, and after a short crying spell between the two of them, Shay was able to get them both calmed down.
Tristan remained in the room with his arm around his sister's shoulder. No matter how big a flake Shay considered him to be, he was still her brother, and always seemed to come through to support her when she needed it.
Homesick
The house was dark when Tristan returned, but he quickly found Shay's note, so he didn't worry.
Checking the answering machine he found two messages, both for him. His old roommate had called to say he'd been released and was back in their apartment. It was a long story and he hadn't wanted to go on about it in a message, but that Tris was in no trouble, and unless he returned to the apartment and started helping out with the rent, Kelly would need to find another roommate.
A sense of relief washed over Tristan, and he relaxed into the beanbag chair where he was sitting, the answer machine held in his lap.
The second message was actually for Tristan and Shay, from their mom. It seemed their dad had just been diagnosed with lung cancer, and wasn't doing too well. Apparently the doctors hadn't decided if the cancer removal was possible through surgery, but that he would be started on radiation and chemo soon. She wanted both kids to come home for a short visit, if nothing else.
Tris cleared off the messages, and called his parent's home right away. He got their answering machine so he just left a brief 'hello' message, and a promise to call back later. His next call to Kelly was more successful, and after hearing all the gory details of the bust, et al, Tristan assured Kelly he would be returning to California. He told his roommate it would be no later than two weeks, but probably sooner.
That cleared up, but still concerned about his father, Tristan made a couple more calls to his brother and other sister in California. Neither one of them could shed any more light on the issue of their father's health, but they both stressed the desire to see him and Shay, and the importance of coming home. Tristan told them both he would be there in a matter of days, but he'd have to check with Shay and have her get back to them. Hearing the confidence in his brother's voice helped Tristan relax a bit more, trying to believe everything would work out fine.
Once the calls were made, he began packing.
Shay
18 years ago
Shay
18 years ago
It didn't take long to apprise Alexi of the events, and plans. Tickets purchased, they just had to wait now, until it was time to leave for the airport.
Needing to clear her head and put some things into perspective, Shay took off for a walk. After running into Paul, and then Alexandra, she had returned home, and took care of a few things with her publisher, via email. Now there was really nothing left to do, so she crawled into bed with Alexi, and snuggled close. The alarm was set, and the bags were waiting by the front door. Because she and Tris were leaving during the day, a cab had been called and would take them to the airport.
Though she didn't feel she had slept at all, four hours later the alarm sounded. Alexi was dead to the world, but Shay couldn't help but profess her love for him as she curled against him, in his arms. Putting off the inevitable for as long as she could, she slowly slid out of bed and dressed.
Meeting Tristan in the hallway, they both quietly moved to the front door. As Tristan walked out, carrying the large bags, Shay looked around briefly, grabbed her coat and purse, and locked the door behind her.
(Shay and Tristan out)
Needing to clear her head and put some things into perspective, Shay took off for a walk. After running into Paul, and then Alexandra, she had returned home, and took care of a few things with her publisher, via email. Now there was really nothing left to do, so she crawled into bed with Alexi, and snuggled close. The alarm was set, and the bags were waiting by the front door. Because she and Tris were leaving during the day, a cab had been called and would take them to the airport.
Though she didn't feel she had slept at all, four hours later the alarm sounded. Alexi was dead to the world, but Shay couldn't help but profess her love for him as she curled against him, in his arms. Putting off the inevitable for as long as she could, she slowly slid out of bed and dressed.
Meeting Tristan in the hallway, they both quietly moved to the front door. As Tristan walked out, carrying the large bags, Shay looked around briefly, grabbed her coat and purse, and locked the door behind her.
(Shay and Tristan out)