Iggy seemed taken aback. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”
“Well, I think you’re amazing,” said Ella, and Iggy blushed.
I glanced across the table and saw Gazzy and Angel sitting next to each other, looking calmer and safer than they had in so long.
“And Max, I’ve put some scraps in a bowl for your dog,” Mom said. “It’s on the floor, by the back door.”
The flock and I went still.
Uh-oh, I thought.
Total stomped up to me, his glare accusing. “A bowl on the floor!” he seethed. “Why don’t you just chain me to a stake in the yard and throw me a bone!”
Mom stared at him, and Ella looked like her eyes were going to pop out.
“Uh, well, they didn’t expect—,” I began.
“No, no, it’s fine!” Total snapped. “Just put an old towel on the floor for me to sleep on! Listen, I’ve been practicing my barking! Arf! Or is it bowwow? I can never remember.”
I looked at Mom. “Uh, do you think Total could maybe have a plate here?” I pointed to a tiny space next to me. “He, uh, likes to eat at the table.”
“Because I’m not a complete barbarian!” Total said.
“Certainly,” Mom said smoothly. “I’m sorry, Total.”
I looked at Fang, and he rolled his eyes and reached for seconds. Everyone started talking again, and it was like a Norman Rockwell painting, all of us sitting there, eating together. Well, maybe Norman Rockwell with, you know, mutants and a talking dog. But still.
133
“You just got here,” Mom said, teary eyed again.
“I know,” I told her. “But we’ll be back. Promise.”
“Why do you have to go?” Ella wailed.
“I have...responsibilities,” I said. “You know, a world to keep saving and all that.”
We each hugged Mom and Ella about a hundred times. Total peed on their sage bushes and gave Magnolia a dirty look.
Then it was just me and Jeb, facing each other. I knew he wanted a hug. I also knew that my hugs didn’t come cheap.
“So, why me, Jeb?” I asked. “How come I’m supposed to save the world, when I’m not even the most evolved experiment?”
“You’re evolved enough,” he said. He swallowed. “Max, you’re the last of the hybrids who still has...a soul.”
I thought about how empty and expressionless Omega had been. Hmm.
“She doesn’t have soul,” Gazzy scoffed. “Have you ever seen her dance?”
“Not soul, Gazzy,” I said. “A soul.”
“Oh.”
One last good-bye, and then Fang and I looked at each other.
“Okay, let’s hit it,” I said, just as he said, “Up and away, guys.”
I gave him a little smile. I turned to the others. “You heard ’im. Up and away!”