Chapter 2: Homecoming
Hiccup POV:
“Well, this is it, Toothless! I’ve finally graduated!” I exclaimed to my black, furry companion. He purred contentedly, settling back into a relaxed pose. “Now, cheers to becoming a teacher!” I took a sip of my drink. “Ahh.” I set my cup down and nudged Toothless’ crate with my foot. “Goodbye, dorm room.” I smiled, grabbing my last box and the crate.
I carried my belongings out of the room, shutting the door behind me. I placed everything on the floor, took a deep breath, and said, “Okay, on to life.” I hoisted the boxes back up, grabbed my keys, and headed for the elevator.
“Hey, Mr. Grimborn!” I greeted him, pressing the button for the lobby. “Hiccup! Leaving?” he asked, patting my shoulder. The elevator doors closed. “Yep! Heading home to pursue the dream.” I continued. “Oh boy! You’re going to make a great teacher,” Mr. Grimborn, my favorite professor, exclaimed, shaking my shoulder. “Thanks so much, sir! It means a lot.” I replied as the elevator dinged, signaling my floor. “This is my stop.” He stepped out, smiling. “Until we meet again, Haddock.”
“Bye,” I sighed, stepping out into the bright sunlight. Students swarmed the lobby, carrying boxes and chatting excitedly—either arriving or departing.
I pushed open the doors, and the sun’s rays hit me full force. I shielded my eyes with my hand, and the crate tumbled to the ground.
“Toothless!” I exclaimed. He whined softly. “I’m sorry, buddy, I didn’t mean to!” I said worriedly. He hissed. “Yeah, yeah.” I grabbed my sunglasses and put them on.
I walked over to my car, loaded my belongings into the back seat, and lifted Toothless out of his crate. “There! I’m being nice. You don’t have to sit in your crate,” I laughed, and he rubbed his head against my hand.
I fastened my seatbelt, turned on the ignition, and pulled out. “Let’s go back to Berk, buddy,” I said, driving toward home.
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I rang the doorbell, and the door opened immediately. “Hey!” I exclaimed as my mom wrapped me in a hug. “Hey, sweetie,” she said, and I pulled away, smiling. “Remember, I’m just staying here until I get my own place and apply for a job!” I said, flopping onto the couch. “Yes, dear, I know you’ve told me a thousand times!” Mom huffed. I was greeted by Cloudjumper, my mom’s cat.
“Hey, boy!” I said, petting him. “So, tell me, how’s life been, dear? Haven’t seen you since Christmas!” Mom exclaimed, taking a seat across from me. “It’s been hard, but I got through college,” I said as Toothless wailed for attention. “How have things been since Dad?” I asked, and she sighed. “Good,” she replied, referring to my dad’s death last year.
“Okay, change the subject. You know anything about the gang? I’m going to have to visit them!” I exclaimed. “Oh yes, I do!” Mom happily answered, and I grinned. “Fishlegs is actually a teacher at Berk Elementary, started last year, and he’s married to Heather—they married last year, so he was 22. Snotlout is now an author and is married to Minden Maiden, they married last year as well. Tuffnut is still single, but he’s a famous comedian. Ruffnut is also still single and is actually a cosmetologist!” Mom exclaimed.
“Wow! They’re all so successful and seem so happy!” I said, then sighed. “But you forgot one person.” I looked up at her, and she sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t—” “Mom, it’s fine. I just want to know how she’s doing,” I interrupted. “Fine!” She gave in, looking back at me.
“Astrid is now a police graduate and training for a detective position at Berk Police Department,” Mom said, omitting details. “That’s it? Come on.” I urged. “She’s happily married,” Mom said, looking at me.
“Married?!”