Paul McCusker - Danger Lies Ahead!

T HE B ANNER Welcome to Odyssey Municipal Airport! stretched across the airline gate, ready to greet the passengers on the approaching plane. Mark Prescott leaned across his mothers seat to get a closer look out the window. Although the pane was dotted with raindrops from yet another late August storm, he could see the banner and felt his heart leap at the name Odyssey.

Are you glad to be back? Julie, his mother, asked.

Mark nodded.

Julie rubbed Marks back. I was just thinking how nice it is to be home again. Funny, huh? thinking about Odyssey as home.

Mark understood what she meant. When his parents separated the previous June, Mark was sure nothing worse could ever happen to him. That is, until Julie moved Mark to her grandmothers house in Odyssey, halfway across the country from his father, Richard, and their home in Washington, D.C. Then Mark knew it was the end of the world.

But that was last June.

In the three months since then, he had made new friends, enjoyed Odysseys gentle charm, and taken part in some exciting adventures (including taking a trip in a time machine and solving a mystery). Slowly, Mark felt less like a stranger and more like a welcome friend. By August, it was as if hed always been there and always would be.

Mark and Julie followed the crowd of passengers from the plane to the baggage-claim area. A horn sounded a warning blast, and the conveyor belts loudly whirred to life. Mark stood nearby, grabbing their luggage when it came past. They tossed the cases onto a cart and pushed it to the long-term parking area where Julie had parked the car only a few days before.

Only a few days? It seems longer than that, Mark thought, then said so out loud.

Did it seem long because you didnt enjoy yourself? Julie asked as she closed the trunk.

I guess so, Mark said with a shrug. It wasnt as much fun as I thought it would be. Its like... our house wasnt ours anymore.

Julie nodded her head, a lock of her long, brown hair falling across her face. I understand. Everything looked the same as it did before we left, but it seemed different somehow. Once or twice, I felt like I was a visitor in a museum. She started the car and backed out of the parking space.

All my old friends were either away on vacation or they didnt want to see me, Mark complained. That bothered him a lot. Somehow it didnt seem fair that they went on with their lives without him being there to give his approval.

Julie paid the parking attendant, wound up her window, and pulled away. Thats the hardest part. When you go away, you think everyone should suddenly stop in their tracks and never do anything important without you. You think youre the only one who can change and make new friends or have new experiences. And when you come back, its a shock to find out that their lives kept going just like yours did.

Yeah, but Mike Adams is hanging around Tom Nelson! They couldnt stand each other before!

Julie laughed and said, Just like you never thought you could have a girl as a friend.

His mom was referring to Patti Eldridge, a girl who had become Marks closest friend in Odyssey during the summer.

Thats different, Mark replied. He stared out the passenger window thoughtfully. And I thought you and Dad... He glanced down at his lap uncomfortably.

Julie finished his sentence: You thought your dad and I would get back together again. I know.

She was right. The reason they had gone to Washington, D.C. in the first place was so that Marks mom and dad could iron out their differences. But by the time Richard dropped Mark and Julie off at the airport for their return trip to Odyssey, it was clear that wasnt going to happen.

Im sorry, Mark, Julie said. I really thought your dad and I would work it all out. I thought this trip would be the end of our separation. I know youre disappointed.

Wars have ended quicker than you two getting back together, Mark said as they drove away from the airport.

Julie smiled wearily in return. You have to be patient. You may not see the improvements, but theyre there.

Then why arent we together again?

Because were not ready, she answered. I wont get back with your father until Im sure were ready.

But thats what you and Dad keep saying!

I know. But some things came up in our counseling session that we have to figure out. Julie sighed. You wouldnt understand.

What wouldnt I understand? Mark snapped. Why do you always think I dont understand? Julie glanced at Mark, a pained expression on her face. Im sorry, Mark said. I didnt mean to be so sharp. Julie acknowledged the apology with a nod, then reached across the seat to touch Marks hand. Its all leading somewhere, Mark. You have to trust us. Weve needed this time to mend our wounds.