Flying Circus - 12. The Twins [Epilogue]

Sunday, 9 May 2027
Barcelona

“I want you to come with us, Ceej.” Jefferson clung to his father’s leg while Roosevelt tugged on his coat and nodded in agreement.

“I can’t, guys.” He squatted and placed a hand on a shoulder each. “I have to go to work. And you three”—he glanced at Liebe standing next to Owen and winked at her—“are going to have so much fun with your cousins.”

“Grandma’s not going to be happy with me. She’ll be upset when I tell her I don’t want to go to mass with her. She said something about going to church on Sundays.”

The twins couldn’t figure out why CJ closed his eyes, but they moved aside when he tilted his head, reached for Liebe, and moved her to the spot they had occupied.

“Listen to me carefully, Munchkin. If Grandma offers to take you to the cathedral in Newcastle, go. I was there years ago, and it’s a beautiful building. You’ll love the stained glass windows behind the altar. But, if she tries to take you anywhere you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

CJ looked upward, and Owen nodded. Jefferson grinned because he and his brother talked to each other the same way. Sometimes, only a nod was needed.

“I’m—we are sending you to Australia to stay with your aunt, your uncle, and your cousins, not with your grandparents. I trust your uncle. If Grandma gives you crap, you tell Spencer. Okay?”

Liebe nodded while CJ stood. “Oz, warn your mom to not give her a hard time about going to mass. You’re gonna have to warn Spence and Tilda too.”

“I will. We know Mum’s never fully recovered from my sister’s death, so I’ll be gentle. But if she acts up with the kids, all bets are off. I’ll sit with dad and explain we’re willing to give her some leeway, but not when it comes to the children.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not only her fears but also her disapproving of our child-rearing.” CJ grinned. “You have to admit we’re not typical parents. Some of the stuff we let the kids get away with…” He ran a hand down the back of Liebe’s head. “Don’t ever take shit from your grandmother or anyone else.”

CJ had to move to his departure gate, so he hugged and kissed everyone goodbye, saving Owen for last. “I’ll text you when I land. Do the same.”

“We should be in the air when you set foot in Ljubljana.”

CJ chuckled. “You know? Ritch was right. At four and seven, our kids are about to circumnavigate the world. How old was I when I first did it? Like eighteen or so?”

“I think it’s cool they’re following in your footsteps. I betcha Liebe will do just as you suggested; she’ll tell Mum going to mass would be fine if it’s in Newcastle. Otherwise, she’ll stand her ground. I think our kids inherited the independence and explorer genes. And I’m glad. That constant quest for knowledge will help them succeed.”

“Don’t get all philosophical on me now. But you’re right. They got good genes from both of us.” CJ leaned in and pecked Owen’s lips. “Love ya. See ya in a few days.” Shouldering his backpack, he blew a kiss in the kids’ direction. “Love you, guys.”

“Bye, Ceej! We love you too!”

The End