Chapter Text
I fiddle with the pen on my desk. I’m trying to avoid answering the question just posed to me. After a few moments, I finally look up.
“I really don’t think I’m the best person for this, Dr. Harding,” Surrendering, I look at Sarah.
“Wow,” Sarah breathes as she leans back in her chair. “You got formal on me real fast, Em.”
“Twenty-two years, Sarah,” I state leaning forward and placing my arms on the desk. “I’ve been trying to forget about that place for the past twenty-two years. Why in God’s name would I ever want to go back there?”
“Owen Grady,” Sarah answers plainly. I sigh at the mention of his name and lean back in my chair.
“You’re playing dirty, Harding,” I comment shaking my head. Sarah just smirks in reply.
“Go, visit your cousin,” Sarah instructs as she heads for the door. “See if his program is going to change our behavioral assessment of these animals. And try to have a little fun. I know it’s been a crazy year for you.” She pauses at the door and looks back adding, “Also, please try and stay on Masrani’s good side. We want him to continue funding our research.”
I smile before Sarah disappears into the hallway. After a few moments, I reach over and grab my lesson book. Looking over the plan for the next three weeks of classes, I take the time to make a few extra notes in the margins before reaching for my phone to call the TA.
EGEGEGEGEGEG
“This is a terrible idea,” Charlie’s voice floats through my bedroom.
“I think it’s a lovely idea,” Ellie argues. I roll my eyes at my family as I continue to haphazardly toss clothes into a suitcase.
“I really don’t need your approval, bud,” I point out, ruffling his hair. Charlie scoffs and swats my hand away as Ellie chuckles. She walks over and begins to neatly fold the clothes. “Besides, Owen tells me he’s got a bungalow with a beautiful view.”
“I don’t know why you need to go see him when your favorite family member is right here,” Charlie states with a huff.
“Sarah thinks there is some merit to what he does. She’s my boss, Charlie. I kind of have to jump when she says jump.” I stand up and place a hand on his shoulder. “Besides, I see you all the time. I haven’t seen Owen since he left for the island.”
“They are literal theme park monsters, Aunt Em,” Charlie asserts.
“Aw, you sound just like my dad,” I comment with a laugh. Charlie sticks his tongue out.
“That theme park has run smoothly for the past ten years,” Ellie points out. “Let your aunt get away for a while. She needs a vacation.”
Charlie huffs again before leaving the doorway. I toss a few more clothes on the bed before sitting down on it.
“I don’t have to go. I know it’s been hard since you and Mark split up,” I comment softly. “I will be breaking my promise.” Ellie sighs as she sits down on the bed next to me.
“You gave up a lot to come and help me,” she answers. “Sarah’s worried you’re burying yourself in your work. Honestly, I’m worried too. I think seeing Owen will be good for you.”
EGEGEGEGEGEG
I sift through the information that Sarah had dropped off about the program. I reach the last page, shaking my head in disapproval when I reach the bottom. I reread the page twice to make sure I fully understand what it means. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I mentally curse my cousin.
“Is everything okay?” I look up to see Megan looking at me in concern.
“Hey, Meg,” I greet, patting the spot next to me on the bed. “I’m fine. I’m just looking over the information Sarah dropped off for me.” I place the folder back in my bag.
“I can’t believe you actually get to go,” Megan laments as she plops down on the bed. “I’ve been begging mom to let me go since it first opened.” I laugh.
“If Charlie had any say, then I wouldn’t be going,” I point out. “I think he’s just jealous.”
“Because your cousin works at the park?”
“Yeah, Owen has been a sore subject with Charlie since he found out about him. In his eyes, he thinks he'll never be as 'cool' has him.”
“What does Owen do at the park?” Megan questions.
“He’s working with the raptors.”
“That’s so cool,” Megan states. I laugh. “They’re amazing.”
“I used to think the same thing a long time ago,” I offer in amusement. “Your view of them changes when they try to eat you.”
“It’s going to be weird with both you and my dad gone,” Megan points out sadly.
“I know it’s hard with your mom and dad being separated. I’ll be back soon, though. We’ll take a trip together.”
“As long as it’s not an educational trip,” Megan states with a pout.
“So, a trip to the Smithsonian is out of the question?” Megan huffs and crosses her arms. “I don’t know, Meg,” I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “You could end up having a great time.”
“Be serious, Aunt Em,” she begs as she shrugs my arm off her shoulders.
“I was thinking more along the lines of a nice beach somewhere.” Megan brightens at this. “Now, hand over the list of souvenirs you want me to get you.” Megan looks offended.
“I don’t have a list,” she objects. I stand up, holding out my hand. Megan sighs and pulls a piece of paper out of her pocket and hands it over.
“You are so predictable.” Megan just rolls her eyes.
EGEGEGEGEGEG
The helicopter whirs as it heads toward the island. I flip through the itinerary I received upon arriving in Costa Rica. I am to meet Claire Dearing, Operations Manager, on the helipad. Claire is going to give me a quick tour and then I’ll have a short meeting with Mr. Masrani. They have a room for me at the resort.
“Dr. Grant,” the pilot’s voice comes over the headphones. “Please buckle up. We’ll be landing in a few minutes.” I put the itinerary away and buckle the seat belt. I angle myself to look out the window. The island comes into view, and I take a deep breath before a thought occurs to me.
“Do we need to worry about wind shears?” I question through the headset as we get closer. The pilot chuckles.
“No need to worry, Dr. Grant. We aren’t using the same landing pad as the original park. It will be a smooth landing.”
I feel the familiar sensation of the helicopter landing. It touches down easily on the pad, and I release the breath I was holding. Grabbing my ha off the seat next to me, I sling my satchel bag over my shoulder. The door is pulled open to reveal a red head in a blue skirt with matching blouse and heels.
“Dr. Grant,” she greets as she takes a step forward. “My name is Claire Dearing, welcome to Jurassic World.” I take the offered hand and give it a shake.