Chapter 20

Nash stared out the window, taking in the sights. The trees, the streets, the houses. Everything looked the same as when he’d last seen it six months ago, but still it felt strange to be on Earth again.

They had already dropped Alex at his grandparents’ place where they had shared a tearful reunion. Yuri had been transferred to a nearby hospital where he could recover and Orson had jetted off to Hawaii for a much needed holiday while Nash went to spend time with his mum and step-dad, Mike.

‘Turn in here, please,’ he instructed the green auto-drive car.

The vehicle pulled up in his driveway and Nash jumped out. He ran up onto the porch and flung the door open.

‘Mum! Mike!’ he called out.

The house was empty.

Where is everyone? Nash wondered, checking his watch. It was the right date and time. Nash’s spirits sank. He couldn’t believe his family wasn’t here to greet him. He’d been so excited to see everyone, to catch up and share stories, to give his mum a hug. He’d missed them so much. But now … they weren’t here. Nash was about to walk out the front door again when a movement caught his eye.

‘Surprise!’

People jumped out from behind sofas and doorways. The air was suddenly filled with people cheering and laughing and clapping.

Mum. Mike. His grandparents. And Cole and his mum and dad.

Nash grinned. ‘Very funny, you know I hate surprises!’

Mum and Mike ran to hug him. ‘It’s good to have you back,’ Mum said, ‘even if it is just for a holiday.’

Cole jumped up and down and punched Nash playfully on the arm. ‘I can’t believe how tall you are. You’re bigger than me now.’

Nash laughed. ‘Finally! It must be all the space food I’ve been eating.’

‘So, how did the trip to Mars go?’ Mum asked. ‘I want to hear all about it.’

‘I can’t wait to tell you,’ Nash said, ‘but first there are a few people I want you to meet.’ He ran back outside to the car. Mum, Mike, and Cole followed behind.

‘They’re here, guys,’ he called inside the car. ‘Come and meet everyone.’

‘Wow, Nash!’ Cole gasped when he saw the car. ‘You’re travelling in style.’

Nash laughed. ‘Yeah, Cooper Borgstein let me take one of his special enviro cars. It runs on water, can you believe it? This is Viva, his latest self-drive car.’

Mike and Cole ran their hands over the sleek, green exterior of the car. ‘I’ve always wanted a Borgstein car,’ Mike said.

‘Me too,’ Cole said, practically drooling.

Raj and KC stepped out of the car. Raj was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans and a pair of hover sneakers while KC was wearing a rabbit suit and fluffy pink shoes.

‘Raj! KC!’ Cole cried in surprise. ‘It’s really you! I’ve been wanting to meet you guys for so long. Nash has told me so much about you.’

KC handed Cole a package. ‘Same,’ she said. ‘And I’ve brought you something. Nash said your favourite animal was a penguin, so I hope you like dressing up as them.’

Cole grinned. ‘I could think of nothing better. Thank you!’

Raj reached back into the car and turned around holding a small green box in his hands. He held it out to Cole. ‘And this is a pair of hover shoes. Courtesy of Cooper Borgstein.’

Cole’s eyes lit up. ‘Are you kidding?’ His hands trembled with excitement. ‘This is the best day ever! Thank you! Thank you! Come and watch me try these on. We can hover together.’

Standing between Raj and KC, Nash put an arm around each of their shoulders. ‘Let’s go hang,’ he said cheekily.

Laughing together, the three Space Kids walked towards Nash’s house, happy to be Earth Kids for the next few days.