After (Parallel Series, Book 4)

by Christine Kersey

  An overwhelming urge to find out swept over me. I had to know. I had to find out.

  “What do you think, Billy?” Morgan’s dad asked, interrupting my thoughts. “About these new rules regarding junk food?”

  Morgan’s grip on my hand tightened, and I glanced at her before looking at her father. “I agree with Morgan. Although people in this . . . I mean, although there are many people who look like they could take better care of their bodies, I don’t think it should be up to the government to push us in any particular direction. We have liberty here, right? Doesn’t that mean we should be able to choose, free from government interference?”

  Her dad smiled, and I wondered if he’d caught the way I’d nearly said “people in this world”.

  “I see what you mean,” he said. “It doesn’t seem right for the government to compel us to only eat certain foods. But what about parents? Do parents have the right to decide what their children should eat?”

  At the mention of parents forcing their children to do anything I automatically wanted to say no, but I realized that was only because my own parents didn’t have my best interests in mind. Most parents weren’t like mine. At least I hoped not. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Then what if a parent wants his child to not have junk food, but the child is able to get it at school? These new rules will prevent that.”

  “But, Dad,” Morgan said. “What about the kids who are allowed to have junk food? Now they can’t buy it if they want to.”

  “True. Sounds like a conflict that may not have a good resolution.”

  “Besides,” Morgan said. “If a parent doesn’t want his kid to have junk food, then he needs to teach that kid why that’s important, and then the kid can make his own choice.” She paused, like she wanted to emphasize an important point. “To me, it’s all about choice. I mean, I don’t need some central authority telling me what I should or shouldn’t eat.”

  “You really feel strongly about this, don’t you?” her dad asked.

  “Well, yeah.” She looked at him with an expression that said, After what we told you had happened to us, why are you surprised?

  Slowly nodding, like he was just starting to get it, he said, “I see.”

  “Can I have some more milk?” Brandon asked, drawing everyone’s attention away from the tense conversation.

  “Sure, honey,” Morgan’s mom said, then she filled his glass.

  The subject of the new rules didn’t come up for the rest of the meal, and I enjoyed watching how Morgan’s family interacted. They seemed so easy and comfortable with each other. I envied that, and longed for a family of my own.

  When everyone was done eating, I surprised myself as much as Morgan when I offered to clean up.

  “That’s okay, Billy,” Morgan’s mom said. “You’re a guest here. You don’t have to do that.”

  “We can do it,” Morgan said. “It’s fine.”

  Her mother smiled at her. “Okay. Thank you.”

  After everyone helped to clear the table, Morgan and I went into the kitchen and got to work—me rinsing the dishes, and Morgan loading the dishwasher.

  “Thanks for getting us on kitchen duty,” she said with a smile that let me know she was fine with it.

  I laughed as I handed her a plate. “Anytime.” I was quiet as I rinsed off the next plate, and after a moment I said, “I really like your family.”

  She smiled, and I could tell my comment pleased her. “I know. I’m really lucky.”

  My heart pounded as I came to a decision, and my hands stilled under the stream of water flowing from the faucet. “I want to find them.”

  A furrow formed between Morgan’s eyebrows. “Who?”

  I gazed at her, wondering if she would think my idea was foolish. That wouldn’t stop me, but I would prefer if she would help me. “My parents.”

  Her mouth fell open and her eyes widened. “Really? Are you sure?”

  “I have to know, Morgan. I have to know what they’re like.”

  “But the Billy in this world is dead. You can’t just show up on their doorstep.”

  I picked up a glass and rinsed it off, then handed it to her. “I know.” I sighed and my voice softened. “I know.”

  “I’ll help you,” she said with a smile, then she put her hand on my arm. “You helped me—so much. Of course I’ll help you.”

  A feeling of warmth grew within me, and I knew I could count on her. Absolutely.

  “It should be easy to find them,” she said. “But what are you going to do after that?”

  “Uh . . .” Sudden panic welled up inside me. I hadn’t thought much past the decision to actually search them out.

  “It’s okay,” she said. “We’ll figure it out once we find them.”

  Her calm reassurance settled my nerves. “Yeah. Okay.”

  Chapter 16

  Morgan

  Seeing Billy panic was a rare thing. The only other time I’d seen him lose his cool was when we’d viewed the video of me being tortured. That had upset him for sure. But I could understand his reticence in seeing his parents in this world, especially since this world’s Billy had died.

  How could he possibly approach them when seeing him would be so hurtful?

  “Thanks, Morgan,” he said as he handed me the last dish to load into the dishwasher.

  “You would totally do the same thing for me.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, but this is going to be a lot trickier than giving someone a ride to a tunnel that may or may not lead to an alternate universe.”

  “Ha! That was not easy. Especially with Hansen and the rest of the Enforcers after us.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Exactly.”

  What was he implying? That it would be harder to find and talk to his parents in this world than to deal with Hansen and the rest of the Enforcers? “Do you really think it will be that hard to talk to them?”

  “Of course,” he said. “I mean, how can we explain how Billy is suddenly alive and well?”

  I chewed on the inside of my lip, then I grabbed the sponge and wiped down the counter. “Yeah, that could present a problem.” Once the kitchen was sparkling clean, I took Billy by the hand. “Let’s see where they live.”

  His eyes widened. “Now? Like, right now?”

  “It’s not like they’ll know we’re looking them up.” I couldn’t hold back a giggle. “Besides, they won’t be able to see you through the Internet.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I know.”

  “Okay, then. Let’s go.”

  We went to the computer in the corner of the living room and I sat in the chair while Billy stood beside me. We quickly found the obituary for Billy Foster that we’d found before, and a few minutes later we had his parents’ address.

  Using Google Maps, I pinpointed exactly where they lived, then I looked at Billy. “They’re an hour south of here.”

  “Uh-huh.” His gaze was glued to the map on the screen.

  “When do you want to go?”

  He looked at me. “Not yet, okay? I’m not ready yet.”

  “Okay. I was just asking.”

  His gaze went back to the screen. “Maybe I can wear a disguise of some sort.” He turned to me and laughed. “You can be like Brynn.”

  I thought about the girl who had cut and dyed my hair in an attempt to hide my identity, and I smiled. “Yeah. That could be fun.” I began imagining how I could change his look—hair extensions, glasses, a fake mustache and goatee. Yeah, this could work. “We should go to the store tomorrow,” I said.

  “Why?”

  “To see what we can use for your disguise.”

  “Why do you need a disguise?” Zac asked as he leaned on the desk next to me.

  “We were just joking,” Billy said, then he ruffled Zac’s hair. “Hey, do you have any more card tricks to show me?”

  “Yeah.” Zac’s face brightened with excitement. “I’ll go get my stuff.”

  When Zac had bounded up the stairs, I turned to Billy
with a smile. “Good distraction.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, I figured you wouldn’t want to explain to your parents why we were talking about disguises.”

  “No.”

  Later that evening, after Dad left to drive Billy to Tasco’s house, Mom pulled me aside. “You didn’t come up with that slogan, did you, Morgan?”

  My heart pounded at the look on her face. I hesitated only a moment. “No. It’s from the pledge I had to learn when I was . . . well, there.”

  Her lips compressed. “That’s what I suspected.”

  The fact that she’d even considered that possibility led me to think that she still believed my story. “The other day you sounded like you were beginning to doubt what I’d told you,” I said. “About, you know, being in an alternate reality.”

  She sighed. “To be honest, Morgan, I was starting to doubt it. I mean, in the cold light of day it seems pretty fantastic.” Her lips curved into a small smile. “But after listening to your impassioned argument about this new junk food rule, and after learning about the slogan you came up with on the fly . . .” She nodded. “I’m starting to get more comfortable with your story.”

  Relieved to hear this, I decided to tell her about Billy’s desire to find his parents. I briefly explained what his parents had done to him in his world, then told her how spending time with our family had kindled a desire in him to see what his parents in our world were like in the hopes that they were different from the parents who’d raised him.

  “I understand why he wants to learn more about them,” she said. “But that decision is fraught with so many issues, I hardly know where to begin.”

  “He just wants a family.” The thought made me inexorably sad. “That’s all.”

  Mom was quiet, then her eyes became bright with unshed tears. “That breaks my heart.”

  “I know. Me too. Which is why I’m going to help him. We already found their address.”

  “Morgan . . .” Mom’s tone showed a warning.

  “It’s okay, Mom. He doesn’t even want to go there yet.”

  “Where do they live?”

  “It’s an hour from here.”

  She stared at me a moment. “Tell you what. When he’s ready to go there, let me know.” She paused, like she was deciding if she really wanted to say what was on her mind. “Maybe I can take him.”

  That was unexpected. “Really?”

  “I think so. Maybe.”

  I laughed. “Okay. Well, when he feels ready to go, I’ll let you know.”

  She pulled me into a hug. “I’d rather know what’s going on than have you do it behind my back.”

  “Okay, Mom.” I hugged her in return, happy that I could share something so important with her.

  After she released me, she smiled. “I have something for you.”

  “What?”

  She turned and went into her bedroom, and I followed. Opening one of her dresser drawers, she said, “Dad and I talked about this, and we decided you could have this back.”

  When I saw my cell phone in her hand, a mix of feelings rushed through me. Excitement to have it back, disgust with myself that it had led to me running away in the first place, and eagerness to prove that I was grateful for all my parents did for me.

  She held it out to me. “Would you like it back?”

  I hesitated. “Uh, sure. Why not?”

  Mom looked perplexed. “I thought you’d be thrilled to take it back.”

  “It’s just that . . . well, I don’t want you to think that I’m the same girl who you had to take it away from.”

  She smiled. “I don’t. I’ve seen a change in you since you came home. I know your experience changed you, Morgan. You’ve adjusted your priorities.”

  Her words pleased me. “You can see that? Really?”

  “Of course. I see the way you’re treating your siblings now, your willingness to help out, the way you take your studies more seriously.” She handed me the phone. “I think you’ve earned this back.”

  I gave her a quick hug. “Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate you letting me have a phone.”

  “I know you do, which is why I don’t mind letting you have it.”

  I smiled. “I guess I’ll get ready for bed.”

  “Okay. Good-night, Morgan.”

  A feeling of peace settled over me as I walked to my room. When I’d been locked up in Camp Willowmoss, the hope that I’d eventually get home to my family is what had kept me going. But that hope had vanished when I’d been locked in my room at Camp Stonewater. I’d really come to believe that I wouldn’t be able to get away, and that I’d be trapped in that world for the rest of my life.

  Now, grateful beyond words to be home, I got ready for bed and climbed under the covers, secure in the knowledge that my parents were there for me, no matter what.

  Chapter 17

  Billy

  “How are things going with Richard?” Morgan’s dad asked as he drove me to Tasco’s house.

  “Good.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” He paused. “What about school? Are things going okay there?”

  It was weird to have someone ask me those questions and to know he was really interested. I liked it. My own parents had never been that interested in my life. “Yeah. Morgan has helped me figure stuff out.”

  “Good, good.”

  A few minutes later we reached Tasco’s house, and Morgan’s dad pulled into the driveway.

  “Thanks for the ride,” I said.

  “No problem,” he said.

  I opened the door.

  “Billy.”

  I looked at him.

  “If you need anything, just let me know. Okay?”

  In the illumination of the car’s interior light, I could see the sincerity in his face. “Thanks. I will.”

  He nodded, then I climbed out of his car and went into the house. I heard voices coming from the laundry room down the hall and I went to see what was going on.

  Tasco stood in front of the washing machine looking baffled.

  “Hi,” I said.

  He turned and looked at me with a frown. “Hey.”

  “I thought I heard voices.”

  He laughed. “That was me talking to this stupid beast. It’s getting old and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep it going.” He sighed. “The agitator’s not working again. Right when I was in the middle of doing a load of laundry.”

  I set my backpack on the floor. “Mind if I take a look?”

  He stared at me a moment, obviously unsure if I would really help or just make things worse. “Do you know anything about washing machines?”

  I’d never actually worked on a washing machine, but I knew I was good at fixing things. “I know how things work.”

  Still looking uncertain, he took a step back and murmured, “At this point I’m going to have to call a repairman regardless.”

  “I won’t break it,” I said with a laugh. “I promise.”

  “Okay. I suppose you can take a look. But don’t touch anything important.”

  As if he knows what is or isn’t important on this machine. Holding back a smirk, I pulled the washer away from the wall, then faced Tasco. “Do you have any tools I can use?”

  He hesitated, like he was afraid I’d do some sort of damage while he was gone. Finally he said, “Yeah, I’ll grab them.” A couple of minutes later he returned and set the toolbox on top of the dryer.

  “Thanks.” I opened the lid to the toolbox and dug around until I found the right size screwdriver, then I used it to remove the rear panel. Tasco stood over me as I scrutinized the machinery, and after a short while I was able to pinpoint the problem.

  The whole time I worked Tasco stayed right beside me, but the moment the agitator began doing its job again Tasco’s whole demeanor changed.

  “You actually fixed it,” he said, clearly shocked that I hadn’t made the washing machine explode in a torrent of water and suds instead. He laughed. “I’ll admit it, I had my doubts. B
ut you surprised me, Billy.” He smiled. “I’m impressed.”

  It felt odd to be praised for something that seemed to come naturally to me, but I liked it. Especially after I’d proved his doubts wrong. “No problem.”

  He chuckled. “If you have time after school tomorrow, maybe you can take a look at my lawn mower. The lawn won’t be ready to be mowed until spring, of course, but it would be nice to know that the mower is working.”

  “Sure.” I was glad to be able to contribute, and I smiled. “Do you have anything else that needs fixing?”

  “Probably. I’m not too handy, so your skills would be greatly appreciated.” He paused. “In fact, I’d be happy to pay you for your work.”

  Though I liked the idea of earning my own money, he was already letting me stay in his home for free and I wasn’t sure how comfortable I was with him paying me on top of that. “That’s okay. You don’t have to pay me.”

  He laughed. “Oh, come on now. You need spending money, don’t you?”

  I couldn’t argue with that, so I shrugged.

  “Okay then. Fixing my washing machine just now saved me from having to call a repairman.” He took his wallet out of his back pocket and removed two twenty dollar bills, then held them out to me.

  I hesitated.

  “Take it. You saved me way more than this.”

  Except for a few shirts Tasco had let me borrow from his son’s closet, I had nothing—no money, no clothes. Nothing. I took the cash, though it felt strange for Tasco to be so nice. Maybe people in this world really were different. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I stuffed the money into my pocket, then went up to the bedroom Tasco was letting me use. I’d only spent two nights at Tasco’s house so far, and slowly but surely it was beginning to feel like a place I could call home.

  Chapter 18

  Morgan

  The next day at school several kids came up to me and said they liked what I said in the assembly, and they agreed with me. As good as that made me feel, I didn’t think it would make any difference to the people who had made the decision to disallow junk food to be sold at school.