𝐖𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐘 ~ 𝒄𝒎𝒃

Chapter Twenty-Three: I'm finally where I'm supposed to be

"You ready?" Corbyn smiled widely at me, holding his hand above the doorknob of his father's office, whom I desperately need to talk to.

"As long as you're with me." I grin back.

Not opening the gate to the dome was the best decision I've ever made. However, there's one thing I still have to make sure is gonna change. Not every child in the dome got the chances I got. And I wanna make sure they will.

Corbyn swings the door open, and I see his father sitting at a big desk. He stands up and greets us.

"Guys, take a seat. I'm so happy you contacted me for a get together, Liz. There are some things I wanna clear up," the tall man spoke.

"Go ahead I would say." I take place at a chair, and Corbyn follows my lead. Mister Besson is the last one to sit down, and as soon as he does, he clears his throat.

"So, Liz, I haven't gotten the chance to apologise. After having a long conversation with Corbyn yesterday, my wife and I realised something. We have always judged you and your friends for something your parents did, and that was completely wrong of us."

Wow. This is truly the last thing I expected to hear him say.

He ignores the surprised look on my face and continues. "No one should ever be treated differently because of something they have nothing to do with. I thought i was protecting and looking out for my beloved town, but that is not what really happened. My deepest apologies for that. From now on, I'll treat it as my duty to make sure you will not be seen as your parents by anyone. I already addressed this to my youngest son, who made a terrible mistake, and I'll make sure he works on those issues," Corbyn's father declared.

Well, looks like things took a turn. I guess somebody really talked to him. And from the wide grin appearing on his face, I can tell he's really proud of it.

"Thank you, Mister Besson, that means a lot. The reason I wanted to talk to you actually has something to do with what you said. I wanna tell you something that's really gonna show we can be trusted and are nothing like our parents."

I take a deep breath and start explaining everything. From the plan my mother made up to destroy the dome, to every other thing she put in our heads. The part of us drugging Corbyn I leave out, because that's what he suggested. Not my proudest moment I have to say.

"Well, Miss Clark, I think this is the perfect prove you deserve our respect. You were deeply manipulated by people you cared about, and then choosing to do the right thing, is remarkable. This shows enormous strength. But I can also imagine this caused a lot of trauma. I can arrange some sessions with a therapist for you guys to talk about everything you've been through in your life, is that something that sounds appealing to you?" Mister Besson sounded and looked impressed.

"I'll have to talk about that with the others, but to me that sounds helpful. Thank you, Mister Besson." I smile at Corbyn, who takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze.

"I think it's time you should start calling me Ray," the man laughed.

"Well, thank you for listening, Ray." I grin, still holding on tightly to Corbyn's hand.

"It was my pleasure."

The two of us stand up and walk right back up to the door, but then I remember something. "Uhm, Mister.. Ray? There's actually something I forgot to ask. Something important."

Corbyn looks confused at me, I haven't told him about this.

"There are so many other kids in the dome who deserve a second chance as well. Kids like us, wanting a better life more than anything. Because trust me, being in that place is no fun," I say hesitatingly, nervous for his response. Corbyn on the other hand smiled proudly, making my heart glow.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll figure something out, for them to leave the dome in groups. The first one worked out well, so why not."

"Thank you. From the bottom of my heart."

"No, thank you. For making us realize we were wrong. We really needed it. Welcome to the family, Liz." He smiled widely.

Tears well up in my eyes, and I quickly nod and leave the room before I start bawling. Corbyn follows me, and as soon as he closes the door behind him, he starts cheering.

"Yeah, that's my badass girlfriend! You did it, Liz. You changed his poopy mindset." He picked me up in his arms and starts to spin me around, causing me to giggle loudly.

"Well, I couldn't have done it without you. You changed mine." I laugh as he puts me down again.

"No, you did that yourself. You conquered bad and chose good. And I'm so proud of you for doing that." He interlocked our hands.

"I love you, Corbyn Besson," I whisper softly.

"And I love you, Liz Clark." Our lips connect, and instantly move in sync.

I'm finally where I'm supposed to be. With Corbyn.