The Return by Jennifer Torres Read Free Book Online

authorities had done here was wrong.”
    Mr. Kull stepped forward.
    â€œThat’s where we come in,” he said. “We are part of a specialized extraction team from Earth. We’ve been here a long time, waiting and watching.”
    â€œWho are you?” Tim asked pointing at the woman.
    â€œYou know me as Ms. Duvall,” she answered.
    â€œBut you’re young,” he stammered. “Ms. Duvall is old and in a wheelchair.”
    â€œThe magic of makeup,” she said. “And as you can see, I walk just fine.”
    Mr. Kull suddenly ran to the window.
    â€œSomeone is out there,” he said.
    He quickly made his way outside, and when he returned to the room, Nina was with him.
    â€œNina!” Tim called out as he ran to hug her. “You won’t believe what they’re telling me—we’re all from Earth!”
    Rusty moved closer to Nina and took her gently by the arm.
    â€œNo, Tim,” he said. “Nina was born on Indus. She is not one of you.”

Chapter 11
Escape
    â€œIt’s unfortunate that you followed him,” Mr. Kull said sternly. “She’ll have to be detained.”
    â€œWhat?” Tim asked looking him straight in the eye. “What are you talking about?”
    Rusty let go of Nina’s arm, motioning for her to sit down on the couch.
    â€œWe have to go,” he said facing Tim. “We are leaving for Earth today.”
    Tim looked over at Max who having learned the truth just a day earlier still seemed in a state of shock and unable to say much. Then he looked at Nina.
    â€œNo way, I can’t leave. I won’t leave Nina or my parents,” he pleaded.
    Luke and Max came to stand by their friend.
    â€œYour parents will come later,” Luke said. “But your Earth parents are waiting for you. You don’t belong here.”
    Tim tried to stay calm as Rusty explained that their parents from Indus would make the trip to Earth later. Another team would be sent for them.
    â€œI have to go,” Ms. Duvall said. “Emily’s parents are bringing her in through the tunnel. We’ll see you at the station. Don’t be late.”
    And with that she was gone.
    Tim’s mind was racing.
    â€œWait, we are all from Earth—except for Nina?” Tim asked as tears of frustration began to form in his eyes. “Nina, did you know?”
    Looking up from the floor where her eyes had been focused, she faced Tim.
    â€œYes, I knew. But the planet needed you . . . we needed you.”
    Rusty turned to look out the window.
    â€œShe was told to keep an eye on you and the others, make sure you adjusted to life here,” he said. “Her parents are the people who came up with the whole idea . . . to save the planet from eventual extinction.”
    Nina looked back at the floor, then jumping up from her seat, ran to Tim and flung her arms around him.
    â€œBut . . . I . . .” she mumbled. “I grew to care about you so much . . . all of you.”
    Tim’s arms remained at his side. He was numb. Everything he thought was real was just a lie.
    She eventually let go.
    â€œOkay, time to go,” Mr. Kull said.
    â€œWait, where are you taking her?” Tim shouted at him.
    â€œDon’t worry, Tim. She’ll be just fine, just going to take a little nap is all,” Kull responded with a wink. “She’ll wake up good as new but without any memory of this conversation, or this entire day for that matter.”
    Tim’s heart was breaking, but he knew what he had to do. He wanted to get off this planet and get back home, his real home on Earth.
    â€œCome on,” said Max holding out his hand. “We’ll do this together.”
    Luke and Tim both placed their hands on top of the other’s in a gesture of brotherhood.
    Max had already said a tearful good-bye to his parents, and Rusty promised Tim his parents would meet them along the way to the station so he could