Page 3 of Drake Eternal

In about fifteen minutes, Maureen, Chris and Matthew showed up at the entrance, and Maureen was clearly flustered, her hair in disarray, and her face flushed. She saw us sitting by the window and pointed to us, speaking with Chris, who had the small boy in his arms. Matthew was now a toddler and was wiggling like crazy to get out of Chris’s embrace.

They came over and Drake stood, shaking Chris’s hand and saying hello to Maureen.

“Sorry we’re late but getting everything together with a toddler,” she said and rolled her eyes. “It’s been fun.”

I smiled and glanced at Matthew, who looked like a mini version of Chris. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters. The kids have been enjoying the view.”

Maureen went to where Liam and Sophie were sitting and gave Liam a kiss. “Hello, Sophia. You’re going to miss your big brother, I expect.”

Sophie turned and smiled. “We’re going to Skype all the time, so I won’t miss him as much.”

“That’s good. Hopefully the little oasis we’re going to has good Internet so you can chat when you want.”

“We’re going to an oasis?” Liam asked, standing up and giving Chris a hug and then tickling a squirming Matthew.

“Yes, there’s a lovely beach-front property we’re staying at. Don’t worry,” she said and turned to Drake. “It’s not far from the main children’s hospital. We will be only fifteen minutes away. But there’s sand and surf and palm trees. It will be really nice. Chris can attend the convention during the day and the three of us can spend time on the beach. Then, when the convention’s over, we’ll go home, and you and Sophie will be able to see each other on weekends.”

Chris checked his watch. “Looks like it’s time for us to go through customs. Thanks for bringing Liam here. We’ll keep in touch during the trip, so you know how things are going.”

“Sounds good,” Drake said and gave Liam a warm hug and kiss. “Make sure to keep your mask on. I’ll miss you. We’ll all miss you, Sophie especially.”

“We’ll Skype and maybe we can play video games online together,” Liam said and turned to Sophie. “I’ve been teaching her how to play.”

They hugged and then we walked out of the Emirates lounge with them and to the security check in. Liam rode his scooter-suitcase all the way. Because they were first class tickets, they could walk right to the check in without waiting in line with the rest of the passengers.

“Have fun,” Drake said and kissed Liam on the top of the head one more time.

“I will,” Liam replied and waved. Then, he rode his suitcase-scooter and followed Maureen, Matthew and Chris to the check-in gates.

Beside me, Drake sighed, and I glanced at him. His eyes were wet. Beside me, Sophie’s eyes were as well and so of course, that made my eyes well up with emotion.

Liam turned around once they arrived at the check-in and waved once more.

“Bye,” Drake whispered and waved back.

I squeezed his hand. He loved that boy so much. We all did.

“Let’s go before I start bawling,” I said and took Sophie’s hand in mine.

“I wish he wasn’t going,” Sophie said, her voice shaky with emotion.

“He’ll be back soon.” Drake picked her up and carried her out of the terminal to the waiting limo.

We were largely silent on the way back to our home in Brooklyn, each of us struggling with emotions. Sophie played with her Gameboy while Drake and I watched the passing scenery. We should have all been happy to see Liam off on an adventure, but both Drake and I knew that Liam would always be at risk of catching Covid or some bug when on a trip.

“He’ll be fine,” I said and squeezed Drake’s hand. “Maureen is a nurse. She knows the risks Liam faces. She’ll make sure he’s protected.”

He nodded but kept his gaze out the window. I knew he was fighting with his desire to protect Liam and at the same time, the need to let him be with his mother and stepfather — and new half-brother. We couldn’t keep Liam from the world, as much as we wanted to protect him. He had to live his life and grow.

We arrived home finally and took the elevator to the apartment. Sophie ran inside and went right up to her room.

“Where are you going?” I called up after her. She came to the top of the stairs.

“Liam is going to do a FaceTime with me before the plane leaves. Their plane has been delayed. He’s going to show me video of the plane.”

“Oh, that’s nice.”

I turned to Drake. “Their plane has been delayed. I wonder why?”

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