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* * *
It was several days before they were able to leave the lab. The cots finally turned up, so they had some comfort, but with the threat over, everyone was agitated being cooped up in the small room. Only Sydney was able to keep busy with her research while they waited, and with the contract with Biotech now dissolved, she had the freedom to connect with the other group openly and begin the process of developing the drug further.
Sol was doing jumping jacks to expend his energy when they got word that they were free to go. They chased one another out of the room but embraced before they all went their separate ways.
“What now?” Sydney asked as she walked with Aaron to his car.
“I’d like to go see my dad as soon as we can. I want to get it over with.”
Sydney winced. “You really think it will be that bad?”
“No. But I’m not looking forward to it. Maybe because I don’t know what to expect.”
“I’m free whenever, so call your mom and organize a time.”
“What, now?”
“Why not?”
“You don’t want to take some time to recover?”
“We had the last couple of days. I wouldn’t mind going now.”
“Okay.” Aaron turned aside as he made the call. His mom was breathless when he told her about his plans. He walked over to Sydney, who was leaning against the car while they waited. “If you’re up for it, we can go tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Tomorrow it is.”
“Great. I’ll take you home then. You can get settled back in there.”
* * *
The next day was drizzly, and the traffic was horrible. When they parked in front of Aaron’s parents’ house, Aaron was wound up. He had to focus to keep his teeth from grinding.
Sydney put a hand on his knee. “You okay to do this?”
“I won’t be any different on another day.”
“Then take a breath before we go in there. If your dad is terrible, we can walk out. But I don’t think it will be that way.”
“Why not? It’s been horrible every other time I visited. Why not this time?”
“Because your dad almost died. That changes things.”
“Maybe. Let’s go.”
Aaron walked up the front steps with Sydney trailing behind.
When the door opened, his mom was standing there with red-rimmed eyes, holding back a smile.
“Aaron.” She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Please come in.”
Aaron entered and, as Sydney followed, his mom grabbed her wrist. “Sydney, when Aaron said you’d be coming with him, I was so pleased. I always thought you were such a nice little girl and to hear what you’re doing now is wonderful.”
“It’s good to see you again, too, Mrs. Pritchard.”
“Call me Sylvia, please. We’re all adults now.”
“Sylvia. I was pleased when Aaron asked me to come.”
