Story 14 – Part 4 – Seeing Stars

“Did you guys manage to finish anything on that list?” Vire asked.

--We did look at some good ties,-- Tech signed.

“In other words, no,” his mother sighed.

“Don’t pout,” Jordan said. “The wedding is not for a while. Let’s just stay out here and enjoy the stars.”

--What stars?-- Tech asked. --You can’t see the stars in the middle of the city lights.--

“Oh, that hurt,” Jordan waved his arms dramatically. “I was trying to be smooth and come up with a reason to spend the evening on the rooftop with my fiancée.”

--In other words, I should stay as chaperone,-- Tech teased.

Everyone laughed and Tech sat on the swings. As each day passed, he was getting more used to the idea of adding Jordan as a member of the family rather than just a neighbor. The sound of someone climbing the stairs reached his ears and Tech tried to guess who it was coming up to visit. When Agent Michaels opened the door, Tech grinned with pride that he had guessed correctly. He had to admit that his favorite game was still guessing sounds.

“Hey,” Michaels said. “Nice to see everyone up here.”

“How was the rest of your day, Regg?” Jordan asked.

“Those two are going to drive me crazy, but not as much as Driver is going to annoy the new director.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Depends on how things turn out,” Regg admitted. “Currently, though, I can make use of the Freelance Agency again. I’ve got the crazy assignments again.”

“You sound really happy about that,” Tech’s mother observed.

“Well, I have realized how much I actually missed that insanity and the rules that go with it,” Agent Michaels said.

“Rules,” Vire said, and then she paused for a moment. “That reminds me, Tech. I got a call from Principal Steele today. Do you know why?”

--To congratulate you?-- Tech signed sheepishly.

“Yes,” his mother sighed. “And also to tell me that you and Don are signing to each other during classes.”

--We don’t do it that often,-- Tech signed. –Honest.--

“I believe you,” Vire assured. “Just realize that since Steele and I went to high school together I’ll hear everything.”

--Yes, mother. Though, he did tell us a funny story about the time you broke one of the drinking fountains.--

“What’s this story?” Jordan asked.

“Do tell,” Agent Michaels added. “I’m feeling quite out of the loop here.”

“I tried to repair a drinking fountain in high school and instead ended up flooding a section of hallway,” Vire explained calmly.

--Apparently that was a common occurrence,-- Tech signed.

“You fiddling around with gadgets,” Jordan said. “I’m not surprised you have all sorts of stories like that. Did you end up taking apart your high school in practicing your mechanical skills?”

“More or less,” Vire admitted. “But I at least paid attention during class time, which is what I expect of you, young man.”

--Yes, mother,-- Tech answered.