Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,81
world. It’s new to me too. I didn’t feel like much when I was so afraid of anything new. Now I love all the new people I meet and know that I can help in ways that matter, because I matter.”
Jesus. Gregor shakes his head. I wait holding my breath. “You always matter, Boss Alexia. You always important. Afraid steal you.” He waves his hands around his head like Alder does.
Alexia nods. “It did steal my mind. Like it held it hostage. I’m still afraid a lot, but now I have people that understand and help. You’re all my family and understand being scared and all the new things here. It helps knowing I’m not the only one scared anymore. I have to be strong to help the new Alpha-Bits. The older Alpha-Bits and my new family show me how.” She smiles proud making me smile.
“We get scared too. You help us all the time, Alexia. When I’m scared, I know you and Michael, Télia and Web are safe. That always helps. Now I have a new dog and he helps too.” Garren didn’t put Ford in there. I watch him wondering why. He always says Hamp first. Maybe not seeing Ford has him realizing more can be that help for him. It’s the first time I’ve noticed he isn’t relying only on our brother for safe. He asked for Télia when Alexia shot the dick at the store. I should have noticed that.
I shake my head and pay attention. The Lead calls two minutes to set down causing the Bits to get antsy. Not more than my cute ol’ lady. She’s got her hands clasped and watches out the window. I like that she has no fear of flying. She did the skydive jumps like the other agents in her unit. I wish I could have seen that. She was strapped to Marks the first time. She said it was scary but so pretty so she went alone after that. She’s an amazing woman.
We set down and the Bits that can run, do. The clearing is a good three hundred feet to the house, it’s not much when you’re my size, for wheelchairs and tiny strides it must seem like a mile. The Alpha-Bits make it look easy running. Garren and Michael stay with the chairs. Jacques is a maniac in his, hitting bumps like he’s on a gator, I’m glad he’s in the modified chair today. Marco built bigger wheels for him and Gregor for the tunnels and hiking.
Alexia pulls me forward like I’m not going to the same place she is. Alder comes out of the house and watches with a smile. Allen stops in front of him and gives him a hug then runs. I laugh seeing all the Bits hug him.
Alexia stops too. “Alder! We’re here, I’m so excited to see the cave house.”
He laughs. “You are, Boss Alexia. I make to Alpha-Bits, Brothers. You tell I need add to you. Anything to you comfort. Bathroom to you is room. I adjust to you next getaway.”
Alexia nods. “I’ll tell you, but you never miss anything. I’m glad you’re here with us. You need a break.” She’s already walking to the door behind Gregor.
I laugh and hug my little Brother. “I am too, Brother. Let’s get inside before she pops.”
“Boss Stella, Team, island Alpha-Bits here ten minute. Twenty to second Security.”
I nod. “Maybe they’ll be settled by the time the choppers come in. Are the Security rooms done?”
His head shakes as Alexia runs to Garren and Michael. They’re telling the Bits about the hobbies and balloons to get you there. “I add eight full bed to one Alpha-Bit bunk room. No time to finish full rooms to Security. I send to Pres Cort. He say it’s good. Room to move.”
“Good. He hates unorganized or cramped space. It must be fine.”
“He no like Security at Security house. All stay to here.”
Everyone is going up in the balloons so I’m surprised when Alexia takes my hand. “Show me the rest. I can’t believe there are balloon elevators. It really is another fun house.”
I smile and show my girl the rest of the house. She loves the Alpha-Bit bathroom and my room. “I was worried everything would be small.”
“Alder made rooms for guests. There are enough for a hundred Alpha-Bits at a time. He added rows to two bunk rooms since I was here last time. He has two Security rooms going in so they’ll stay here in the