SPD 9- “Home Is… Part 2”
After Clarissa and I woke up and had breakfast we headed to Starlight. My parents were going over there anyway since that’s where they worked, so they were giving us a ride.
“So what are you girls planning today?” Mom asked.
“Well, I think Gramps is taking me to the track today. He’s going to coach me on my riding.” Clarissa said.
Mom made a face.
“What?” I asked.
“Your grandfather is too old to be riding.” Mom said.
“Yes, but because of his extended proximity to Grams’s Amethyst he’s very fit for his age.”
“Well, that’s true…I still worry. Just keep an eye on him Clarissa.”
Clarissa nodded, “I will.”
“And Sammi, what are you and Grams planning?”
“I don’t know. I think we’re going to just go hang out.” I said.
“If you get a chance you may want to go see Granny Kira. I know she wants to see you too.”
“Yeah, I’ll try.” I said as we pulled up to Starlight, “See ya.”
“Have a good day. We’ll see you tonight.” Mom said as Clarissa and I jumped out of the car and ran to the house. We went in. Grams and Gramps were sitting in the living room watching TV.
“Hey girls.” Grams said.
“Clarissa, you ready to hit the track?” Gramps asked.
“Totally.” Clarissa replied.
“Ok, the truck is loaded up, let’s head out.”
“Be careful Hunter.” Grams said.
“We’ll be fine. See you tonight.”
After Gramps and Clarissa left, Grams turned to me.
“You ready to cut your demo?” she asked.
I smiled, “So ready.”
“Does your mom know we’re doing this?”
“No way. She wouldn’t want me doing this yet…but we don’t have to tell her, right?”
Grams laughed, “No, we don’t. Let’s get going.”
Grams and I went to the recording studio. It was so exciting.
“Ok, now just relax and play your guitar and sing. I just want a rough acoustic cut so I have something to let people listen to.” Grams said.
I nodded and went in the sound booth and put the headphones on.
“OK, whenever you’re ready.” Grams said.
I started to play ‘Place in This World’ and once I did that I played ‘Our Song’. Both were songs I’d written that sounded really good acoustic. I was so excited I could barely think straight.
Clarissa
~~~~~~
“Nice job Clarissa.” Gramps said as I took my helmet off.
“It felt a little rich on the 4th lap turn.” I said.
“You did amazing. You’re a natural.”
“Thanks.”
“Only issue I saw you have were your jumps. Most of them were ok but some were a little uncontrolled. If you don’t keep it low then it will slow you down.”
I nodded.
“You really are good. What other sports do you play?”
“Well, I like BMXing but I also like basketball, baseball, and surfing.”
“You’re a regular sports girl.”
“I’ve always enjoyed sports. It’s a great way to let off steam when things at the Academy get hectic.”
“I can see that. I always enjoyed riding when I needed a break from my ninja training too.”
“Yeah, but you made it a career. You still hold like a gazillion records. You’re one of the best riders of all time.”
Gramps laughed, “I’m not sure about a gazillion, but I hold a few. So you want to go pro some day?”
“Oh I don’t know. Even if I did I’m nowhere near good enough.”
“I think you could probably make it on the factor circuit if you wanted it bad enough.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really.”
I smiled, “Well, it would be cool. Maybe someday. You know, if the SPD thing doesn’t work out.”
“Can I ask you something Clarissa?”
“Of course.”
“Do you stay with SPD because you feel you are obligated to because of your father or because you truly love it?”
I paused, “I’m not sure. I guess I don’t know anything else.”
“Maybe you should consider stepping back and seeing if you enjoy life outside SPD more.”
“You mean resign?”
“No, take a leave. You could come stay with your Grams and me and attend Reefside High…see what life without SPD is like.”
“My father would have a fit.”
“I don’t know about that. I think he just wants you to be happy.”
“Well, I’ll think about it…but even if I decide to do that it’ll have to wait until after Mirloc is captured.”
Gramps nodded, “I know. I wouldn’t ask you to leave your team high and dry…just something to think about for after your mission is complete.”
“I’ll think about it Gramps. I promise.”
He smiled and hugged me, “That’s my girl. Now, let’s try ten more laps.”
Bridget
~~~~~~
Connie had taken a break to have lunch with Andie and I. We were just about to start eating when Sage came in.
“Hey Sage!” Andie cried as she stood up and hugged him.
“Hey Andie. Hey Connie.” Sage replied.
“Where have you been?” I asked.
“Hanging out with Dad. I was testing a new game for him.”
I laughed, “Did you have fun?”
“Quite a bit. Thanks. How are you guys?”
“Pretty good. Bridget told us about your coming out. About time!” Andie said.
Sage sighed, “I guess everyone knew about it but me.”
“It was kinda obvious.” Connie agreed.
“Clearly.”
“How’s SPD?”
“Pretty good.”
“Be careful Sage, as I was telling Bre I…” Andie started.
I grabbed her arm, “I think I need more mustard for my sandwich. Come with me.”
“But…”
“Really, I need your help.” I said as I pulled her away from the table.
“What?!” she cried as she pulled away from me.
“Listen, telling me your half-baked conspiracy theories is one thing because I could give a rat’s ass about SPD as an organization, but to Sage is means a lot. Don’t go spouting off theories unless you have the proof to back it up.” I said.
Andie rubbed her arm, “Fine. I’m just worried about you guys.”
“I get it, but find proof before you mention it to Sage.”
“I have proof.”
“Ok, proof you can share.”
Andie sighed, “Fine.”
“OK, thank you. Now let’s go finish lunch.”
“Everything ok?” Sage asked as we sat back down.
“Just peachy.” I said with a smile.
“O…K.”
Sammi
~~~~~~
After I finished recording Grams took me over to see Granny Kira and Grampy Conner.
“How is SPD going?” Granny asked me.
“It’s ok. I’ll be glad when Mirloc is captured. I want to come home.” I said.
“Your mother mentioned something about you coming home and working on your music.” Grampy said.
I nodded, “Yeah, Grams is gonna help me.”
“You know, I’d be happy to help you too.” Granny said.
“Um, yeah, I know. It’s just, you’re a rock singer and Grams is a country singer, like me.” I said. I didn’t want to hurt Granny’s feelings, I’d just always been closer to Grams.
“I know sweetie, if you need anything you can ask me.”
“I know, thanks.”
“Have you seen Connie or Andie yet?” Grampy asked, referring to two of my other cousins.
“No, but if I had to guess Bre and Sage are hanging out with them. They’ve always been pretty close.” I said.
“Yeah, but I’m sure they want to see you too honey.” Granny said.
I nodded, “If we have time maybe I’ll stop by Cyberspace and say hello.”
“What’s wrong sweetie?”
“Nothing.”
“Kira, this is her visit and it’s short. We shouldn’t push her to go see everyone. There isn’t enough time and there’s no reason for her to feel back if she doesn’t see everyone. She has a large family.” Grams said.
“I know that Michelle, I’m just sure her cousins would like to see her.” Granny said.
“She will see whoever she wants. Stop pushing.”
“Stop monopolizing her time.”
I sighed. My two grandmothers did not get along well.
“Are you ok sweetie?” Grampy asked.
“Yes, fine. Grams, can we go?”
“Sure.”
“It was nice seeing you sweetheart.” Granny said as she hugged me.
“I love you.” I said as I hugged Granny and Grampy and then left with Grams.
Sometimes being part of a big family is more trouble than it’s worth.
Clarissa
~~~~~~
After Gramps and I finished at the track we grabbed a couple of burgers then headed back to the Academy. He had a couple of issues to take care of so I went to the Lodge to find Aunt Harley. She was watching to make sure the students were doing homework.
“Hey Aunt Harley.” I said as I sat next to her.
“Hey Clarissa, did you have fun with Gramps?” she asked.
I nodded, “Oh we had a blast.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
“Me too. I wish I could spend more time with him.”
“You’ll have to come to Reefside more often.”
“Or…you know…move here.”
She paused and looked at me, “Move here?”
“Yes. Gramps wants me to take a leave from SPD after Mirloc is gone and enroll at Reefside High. I’ve never known anything other than the Academy. He wants me to experience another way of life so I know if I actually like SPD or if it’s just all I know.”
Aunt Harley nodded, “That makes a lot of sense.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah. You were raised as SPD. It would be good for you to gain some life experience outside of the Academy. The real question is do you want to?”
“I don’t know. I mean…I think so but my dad wouldn’t like it.”
“You’re right, but Dru is reasonable and he does love you very much. If it’s what you really wanted I think he’d be ok with it.”
“I don’t know if it’s what I want.”
“Well, you know that if you decide to move here you’re always welcome at my house. If you don’t want to live with Gramps at Starlight you are welcome to live with your Uncle Josh and I.”
I smiled, “Thanks Aunt Harley.”
She hugged me, “You know you’re like a second daughter to me. Anything you need I’m here for you sweetie.”
“Thanks.”
I still didn’t know what I was going to do but Gramps’s offer was extremely tempting.
Bridget
~~~~~~
After spending most of the day at Cyberspace, Mom and Dad took Sage and I out to dinner. They wanted to spend some time with us.
“Sage, have you given any thought to coming home after Mirloc is contained?” Mom asked.
“Not really. I love SPD. I really don’t want to leave.” Sage said.
“So do you see this as a possible career?” Dad asked.
Sage nodded, “I really do.”
“What about you Bridget?” Mom asked.
“I’m coming home soon as I can. I don’t mind helping but SPD is not for me.” I said.
“Do you know what you do want to do?”
“Go back to Reefside High.”
Mom laughed, “After that?”
“
“No, I mean what do you want to do as a career?”
“What? How should I know? I’m only 16!”
“I think that’s a fair answer. Bre has plenty of time to think about it.” Dad said.
“Thank you Daddy.” I said.
“Not everyone can be as balanced and together as me.” Sage said with a smile.
I rolled my eyes, “Not everyone can be as dorky as you.”
“Love you too Bre.”
“Seriously, who knows what they want to do forever at 17? That’s insane.”
“Sammi knows what she wants to do.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“It…it just is!”
“In that it’s not!”
“Kids, enough.” Mom said.
“Sorry.” I mumbled.
After dinner we spent a nice quiet evening at home watching TV and then went to bed. The next day I pretty much spent the day visiting grandparents. I had several to visit. I had to see Grams and Gramps as well as Granny and Grampy but I also had to see my Nanny and Pop-pop. They were my actual grandparents…well I guess all my grandparents were my actual grandparents but Nanny and Pop-pop are the ones that raised my mom. They adopted her as a baby after Grams gave her up. Anyway, with so many grandparents to visit that pretty much took up my day.
Monday came way too fast and before I knew it Mom was taking Sage and I to Starlight to meet up with Sammi and Clarissa.
Sammi
~~~~~
“You ready Rissa?” I asked.
“Yup.” She said as she zipped up her bag. We ran downstairs to meet up with Mom and Dad. They drove us to Starlight to wait for Bre and Sage. When we got there Grams pulled me to the kitchen.
“What is it Grams?” I asked.
She smiled, “I have big news.”
“What news?”
“Well, one of my contacts at Fernandez Records happened to be in the studio next to our when we were recording. He heard you sing and love it. He offered you a record deal.”
“What? Seriously?!”
“Yes, now, it’s just a probation thing. One album, two singles. If it does well they’ll sign you to a bigger deal. Are you interested?”
“Of course I am! But what about Mirloc?”
“We’ll work it out. I’ll have my producers go to you and you can record in whatever spare time you can fit. If you have to leave in the middle of a session for battle then so be it. I’ll handle all of that. Do you want the deal?”
“Yes! Yes! But wait, what about Mom?”
Grams laughed, “I’ll handle your mother, don’t worry about her.”
“OK, then I’m in. Thank you Grams, thank you so much!” I cried as I hugged her.
We went back to the living room. Bre
and Sage had just gotten their with Aunt Savannah and
“You look happy.” Bre said when she saw me.
“She should look happy. You’re looking at Fernandez Records newest recording artist.” Grams said.
Mom started to say something but Grams held her hand up.
“Before you say a word Harley I want you to consider the fact that this is Sammi’s dream and I know you don’t want to stand in the way of that. I will make sure she is able to continue her mission while also working on her album. I was able to be a Ranger and a singer. She can as well.” Grams said.
Mom nodded, “Ok. Congratulations Sammi.”
“Seriously?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m proud of you baby.” She said hugging me.
“Wow, this is insane, you’re gonna be famous!” Bre said.
I laughed, “We don’t know that yet.”
“Of course you will be. Everyone will love you.” Clarissa said.
“We should be going.” Mom said.
“Yes, we can’t be late. Angie will kill us.” Sage said.
“Heaven forbid.” Bre said rolling her eyes.
We said our goodbyes and piled in the car. Mom and Dad drove
us back to
“Thank god you guys are back.” Angie said as we headed to the training room.
“So anything happen this weekend?” Bre asked.
“Well, no.”
“Nothing we couldn’t handle anyway.”
“Ok then, chill out.” Bre said.
“I am chill. You need to take this more seriously.” Angie said.
“I take this plenty seriously.”
“Ok, don’t start you two.” Sage said.
“They can’t help it.” Clarissa said.
“Bridget doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut.” Ava said.
“Me? What about you?” Bre countered.
I laughed. As much as I wanted to get started on my career it was nice to know I had my friends and something told me even if I did get famous it wouldn’t faze them a bit.