I do not own any American Gothic characters, this is a work of fan fiction. This story is a continuation of my previous stories Emotion, Old Friends, Family, Difficult Decisions, Reflection, Spirit, Acceptance, Whole Again, Homecoming, Oh Father, Birthday Surprises, Misguided Feelings, New Year, Picture Perfect, Kinship and Big River.

It was a warm spring Saturday morning in Trinity SC, sunlight shone through the open bedroom window and the pale blue curtains blew lightly in the soft breeze. The large sterile looking bedroom was quiet apart from the light snores made by Rocky from the corner of the room, the dog often slept in Caleb's room these days at the orders of his cousin as a form of protection and it's presence no longer fazed him.

Caleb Temple tossed and turned in his bed uncontrollably, his skin was covered in sweat and he was thrashing out with his arms as though trying to fight off some invisible intruder. The creaks of the bed woke up Rocky and the dog jumped on the bed instinctively to protect his new Master, when he found no one else in the bedroom Rocky carefully crawled up to the pillow beside Caleb and lay down next to him.

Caleb was awoken by Rocky's warm breath and licks on his cheek, he inhaled deeply to calm his heart rate and let out a long sigh. He had been having bad dreams ever since he had witnessed his cousin launch Matt and Lucas across Lucas' garden a month earlier, it was as though discovering his cousin was strange like him had unlocked something within himself and this had manifested in the form of strange dreams.

Rocky continued to lick his cheek in an attempt to get his attention, Caleb brushed the dog away gently then got up and opened his bedroom door to allow Rocky to leave the room. As the dog rushed past him he caught sight of Merlyn's open bedroom door with the bed still made, he had gone to sleep before his sister had returned home last night and wondered if she actually came home at all.

Caleb shook his head and slowly made his way downstairs, his sister had been preoccupied recently with that older boy Earl so he assumed she was somewhere with him. He did not look forward to telling Gail that Merlyn had not come home and decided he may just keep his mouth shut to avoid upsetting anyone.

When Caleb got downstairs he noticed the place was deathly silent, he walked through the living room and then to the kitchen; however, it appeared his cousin had not yet awoken from her sleep. Gail had been different this past month and she had appeared distracted, when he was around she would pretend like nothing was wrong and act as though she was trying to spend more time with him. He was always happy to spend more time with his family but it felt forced and he did not like that.

Caleb approached Gail's closed bedroom door and found Rocky whining quietly, clearly wanting to be let in. He knew he was not supposed to but he carefully turned the door handle and allowed Rocky to enter her bedroom, when he popped his head curiously around the door he heard a low growl and froze. Gail appeared peacefully asleep in her bed; however, the wild dog she was fond of was guarding the bottom of her bed and it barred it's teeth at him aggressively.

Rocky placed himself between the wild dog and Caleb protectively then began to growl, Caleb whispered Rocky's name in an attempt to quietly remove him from the bedroom; however, both dog's growls became louder.

'It's too late for a quiet retreat now' Gail yawned and sat up in her bed, she had sensed her door open instantly and was fully aware of the intruders.

'I didn't mean to wake you' Caleb apologized.

Gail shook her head and rubbed her eyes, then forced herself out of bed and stretched. 'Of course you did...what are you doing up so early?' she asked, searching for her long lounge pants to pull over her small shorts.

Caleb shrugged and fully entered the room without invitation. 'Bad dreams I guess...what's he doing here?'

Gail followed Caleb's gaze and smiled. 'Gideon is my protector these days, you'll do well to remember that before you think of sneaking into my room'

Caleb watched as Gideon rushed over to Gail and she stroked him affectionately, he hated that dog and how much she appeared to care for it. 'I wasn't sneakin'...anyway, where's Lucas?'

'How the hell should I know?' she asked defensively.

Caleb felt a slight bit of satisfaction at being able to push her buttons so easily and smiled. 'Well he's your boyfriend ain't he? I just thought he'd be a better protector than that mutt'

Gail regarded her cousin suspiciously, something was not quite right with him and she sensed bitterness within him. 'I don't need Lucas Buck as my protector Caleb, I'm more than capable of defending myself...Gideon is just an extra precaution and you better watch how you refer to my dog, otherwise someone may take offence' she warned.

Caleb rolled his eyes and signaled for Rocky to follow him out of the room, something stirred within him and he was not sure why his attitude had changed all of a sudden. He did not want to cause any conflicts when he was not feeling himself; therefore, he decided to just go to his room and get dressed.

Gail watched Caleb exit her room then turned towards Gideon, she smiled sweetly at her dog and allowed him to rest his head on her knee when she sat back down on the bed. She had tried to shield Caleb from what was going on with her; however, it appeared some of her strangeness was rubbing off on him. She would have to ensure she kept a closer eye on him to make sure he was not affected by her choices.

Merlyn awoke on the dusty green sofa in her mothers old workplace, she had convinced Earl to bring her here last night and had refused to leave with him when he wanted to return her back to Gail's house. Merlyn had been reading a lot about supernatural abilities from books she had located at Abe's Antique store and the Boarding house; however, she had hit a wall with her research and had decided to come to the one place that allowed her to think clearly.

Merlyn had realized that being around Caleb and Gail was clouding her thoughts, she was too concerned about what was happening with them to fully understand what she herself was going through. Her mothers place had always provided her with some clarity when she felt lost and she needed clarity now more than ever.

'And here I was thinkin' you'd been out all night with that young Earl boy...How disappointin'' Lucas said leaning against the front door.

Merlyn jumped up from the sofa and backed up towards the stairs, ready to run if she had to. 'What are you doin' here Lucas?'

Lucas shrugged and approached her, lessening the gap between them. 'Your brother was concerned with your whereabouts and asked me to find you before Gail realized you were gone...That boy is smart Merlyn Ann and he knows the right person to trust'

'You think I was unaware of her location?' Gail asked him smugly, as she entered through a room at the bottom of the stairs.

Merlyn turned towards her cousin relieved at her presence, then looked down at her hands nervously. 'Gail I just...'

Gail raised her finger to silence the girl and focused on Lucas. 'Is there something we can help you with Sheriff?' she asked sweetly.

Lucas forced a smile, although things had appeared to be fine with his love recently he suspected she was planning something and did not trust the bond between these two. 'I missed you last night Darlin', is there a reason you blew me off?'

Gail laughed and shook her head, 'I thought taking care of your son was more important than a rendezvous with you...Now, if you have no official business here why don't leave me alone with my family'

Lucas approached Gail and cupped her chin possessively, then brought her face to his for a kiss. He sensed both her and Merlyn's disgust at the display; however, he wanted to make it clear who was boss.

Gail allowed herself to be dominated and kissed him back obediently. After he stroked her cheek and smiled smugly then turned and exited the building, she turned her full attention towards her cousin. 'I get that you're mad at me for continuing on with him and I know you feel like Caleb is pulling away, but choosing to stay here alone was a stupid move and I expect more common sense from you'

Merlyn felt anger rise within her due to the display she had just witnessed. Not only was Lucas allowed to waltz into her mothers sacred place and insert his dominance, it now appeared she was getting scolded like a child. 'You expect more common sense from me? If you weren't so distracted with that man you would've known where I was'

Gail sighed in exasperation and then laughed. 'Like I said to him, I knew exactly where you were and I was outside that front door until the early hours of the morning after I ensured Caleb was in bed...See, unlike you I'm concerned about the well being of my family'

Merlyn laughed and shook her head. 'You are now, but what happens when somethin' shiny gets your attention Gail? It's not in your nature to be concerned with anyone but yourself' she snapped.

'You know this hormonal teenager act doesn't suit you right?' Gail asked calmly, not rising to the bait. She sensed there was something bothering the girl; however, she could not help while she kept acting like a child.

Merlyn walked towards the front door, then turned towards her cousin. 'This is my mothers place, so I'd like you to leave'

Gail laughed and tried to push down her irritation. 'This is the banks property, so I'd like us both to leave'

Merlyn narrowed her eyes at Gail and tried to stand her ground, when she saw something dark cross over Gail's face she sighed and crossed her arms. She knew her cousin had changed, that was part of the reason she was so mad at her. She sensed the darkness close to her surface and she was smart enough not to provoke that part of her. 'Fine, let's just go' she resigned and opened the front door.

Gail inhaled deeply and nodded, she had felt the darkness rise within her when Merlyn was being defiant and was happy the girl had chosen to back down otherwise she was not sure what would have happened. It was clear that she needed to get control over herself to ensure she did not hurt her family; however, it was becoming hard to control her emotions when she was up against a hot headed teenager. 'Come on, let's get you home so I can head into work' she said, deciding she could use some space from her dependents for a few hours.

Selena sat on her dining table in her kitchen, waiting for Billy to get out of bed. Ever since the incident in Juniper House with Emit and the other patients, her boyfriend appeared broken and barely managed to pull himself from the bedroom these days. She was getting sick of mothering him, it was becoming tiresome and she had started to crave more adventure in her life.

Selena had found herself sneaking out at night when Billy was asleep, to see if she could get some male attention. She had no intention of cheating on him; however, she needed to feel wanted and her usual admirers were making her feel just that. Behaving in this manner had took Selena back to times which had past and she had started to think about Lucas, the man was a conniving ass and did not deserve her attention but she could not get him out of her head.

'I do have that effect on woman Darlin'' Lucas said smugly, entering her kitchen.

Selena took a sharp intake of breath, she had not expected a visit from him and if she had she would have wore something that displayed her toned figure better than an old shirt of Billy's. 'What are you doing here Lucas? Haven't you got the lovely Miss Emory to service?' she asked cattily as she jumped off the dining table.

Lucas's smile grew wider and he approached her confidently, closing the distance between them. Her desire for him was radiating off her and it amused him that her old feelings were returning. 'Maybe I do Miss Coombs...I suppose there'd be nothin' stoppin' me from servicin' both of you ladies together, seen as your boyfriend appears indisposed and all' he said suggestively.

Selena felt a stir between her legs and attempted to push it down, she had already had a run in with Gail a few months ago when she had overstepped the boundaries of their relationship; therefore, she needed to tread carefully here.

'Oh don't worry about my love Darlin', her appetite calls for somethin' a little different these days...' Lucas said reading her mind, '...you'd be surprised what she's willin' to try in the name of experimentation. Much like Billy-boy with his work ethic I suppose'

Selena shook her head, she had known this was not just a social visit to see her. 'What do you want with Billy?' she asked, instinctively placing herself between him and the bedroom door.

Lucas laughed at her attempt to protect her boyfriend, it was pointless really; however, he admired her effort. 'I need to have a little chat with the good Doctor down at the Station Miss Coombs...Now you better got get him, or I'll drag him out myself'

Selena watched as Lucas' demeanor instantly changed, she had been with him long enough to know how temperamental his moods were and knew when not to challenge him. 'I'll ensure he goes to the Station as soon as he gets up Sheriff, so you can be on your way and he'll be there shortly'

Lucas approached her again, this time his dominant figure towered over her and he stared into her eyes sternly. 'Get him up now Selena' he ordered and smiled when she obediently went to the bedroom.

Lucas walked around the kitchen while he waited for Billy to drag himself out of bed, usually his impatience would get the better of him; however, he wanted to savor this moment and was more than willing to allow Billy-boy to take his time. When the man stumbled out of the bedroom looking unkempt and confused at the intrusion, Lucas smiled and signaled for Floyd to enter the kitchen. 'Doctor William Peele, you're under arrest for manslaughter...I suggest you don't struggle when Floyd here puts his cuffs on you, I'd hate to have to add assaulting an officer to your charges'

'What?' Billy asked confused, then felt Floyd pull his hands behind his back and cuff him.

Selena came from the bedroom and charged at Lucas. 'You bastard! You can't do this!' she screamed and pounded on his chest with her fists.

Lucas laughed and restrained her hands effortlessly. 'Don't you worry you're pretty little head Teacher, he's in good hands...My previous offer is still open if you require a little comfort later' he whispered in a teasing manner, then threw her aside gently and left the premises with his prisoner.

Merlyn stood behind the counter of Abe's Antique store trying to figure out the best way to proceed. She had endured a lecture from her cousin about taking care of her responsibilities in life, one of which was helping Abe in his store; therefore, she had asked her cousin to drop her off here when she had cleaned herself up and Gail had continued on to her own job.

Caleb had been moody when she saw him earlier, she supposed that was due to her staying out all night and him presuming she had been with Earl. She knew her brother was jealous of the time she spent with Earl and she would never choose anyone above Caleb; however, she had her own life to lead and being cooped up with her brother was no way to live it.

Merlyn was fond of Earl, but that was not why she spent as much time with him as she did. She was not as naive as people may believe she was and she was fully aware that Earl's appearance in her life was a convenient distraction for her. That distraction would only benefit one person and she had no doubt that Lucas would happily mess with everyone's lives if it meant keeping her from interfering with his plans. She was not sure what Lucas had in store for Caleb and Gail; however, she was happy to allow herself to be distracted, while secretly watching from behind the scenes.

'You look deep in thought...' Matt said approaching the counter, '...am I interrupting?'

Merlyn gave a little jump at the sound of his voice, then relaxed and laughed. 'I'm just weighin' up a few things, you're not interruptin' at all...What brings you to these parts?'

Matt smiled and placed his hands on the counter, ever since he had found out that Lucas Buck was Caleb's real father he had been trying to make sense of everything that had happened since the boy came into his life. At first he thought he needed to talk to Gail about this; however, after much contemplation he had decided this mysterious girl may be better suited to help. 'I was actually hoping to find you here...will you join me for an hour or so?' he asked nervously.

Merlyn regarded Matt curiously, she did not understand what he could want with her and this request was strange. 'I'd love to I really would, but I'm workin' and I've already let down Abe with my previous absences...maybe another time?'

Matt glanced around the store to see if anyone was watching them; however, they appeared to be alone. 'This Abe, he allows you to run the store on your own?' he asked curiously.

'I'm more than capable of keepin' an eye on a quiet store, it's not as though there are many residents in this town that can appreciate the stock he keeps here'

Matt nodded and started walking around the store. 'I was more referring to such a young girl being left alone...I see what you mean about the items here, there wouldn't be much appreciation for their uniqueness. How does someone make a living from such a store in this town?'

Merlyn watched Matt carefully and shrugged, 'He has his regulars I guess'

'Like who?' Matt asked curiously and turned towards her.

Merlyn did not understand the point of this conversation and was getting agitated. 'I don't know, like Lucas and Gail...probably others too'

Matt laughed and shook his head. 'So, you're helping to keep Lucas Buck happy by making sure his favorite store is running smoothly?'

Merlyn stood up straight and narrowed her eyes at Matt. 'I'm helpin' an old family friend of Gail's, not Lucas Buck' she snapped.

Matt smiled, he had sense that was as hot headed as Gail and he was finally starting to get somewhere. 'Right, so this Abe is connected to Gail? Is that in the same way you are? Or is he something completely different?'

'My connection to my Rosie ain't none of your concern Doc' Abe said slowly walking down the corridor from his back office, the constant conversation had woken him up and he wanted to find out who was gabbing away so loudly in his store.

Matt regarded the old man with concern, his skin was very pale and by the way he was walking he appeared to be in some pain. He went to help the man; however, he was just waved off.

Merlyn sensed Matt's concern and linked her arm around Abe's, then gave him a warm smile. 'This is Doctor Matt, he's a friend of your Rosie's so be nice' she warned.

Abe shot the girl an irritated look, then reached for his spare walking stick behind the counter. 'Don't talk down to me girl, I know who this man is...what I don't know is why he's botherin' you'

'I don't mean to bother anyone, I'm just talking to a friend' Matt reassured him.

Merlyn smiled at the thought of being referred to as his friend, then placed a reassuring hand on Abe's shoulder. 'Matt means no harm, he's just curious is all...Do you mind if I take my lunch early? I'm gonna go for a walk to stretch my legs'

Abe regarded Matt suspiciously, then turned his attention to the young girl. He tried to hide it but he was very fond of her and felt protective of her. 'You can go early, but make sure you're back on time'

'Of course...don't you be gettin' up and puttin' strain on yourself. I don't wanna come back to you keeled over or somthin'' Merlyn joked and signaled Matt to follow her out of the store. She was not in the mood to be interrogated by Matt; however, she decided it was better to get it over with sooner rather than later.

Abe watched as Merlyn left the store with Matt Crower and shook his head, that girl was smart like his Rosie; however, she also had his Rosie's fiery nature and appeared to rush into things without thinking it through.

Abe had heard enough to suspect Matt was trying to dig up information on Lucas or his Rosie, which would be a mistake on either count. He had known Lucas for years and could never understand why people chose to go against him when they knew what he was capable of, the consequences of their actions were their own doing and he would never blame an angry dog for lashing out when it was poked.

He had noticed a change in his Rosie over the past few months, which gave him the belief that the same caution he took with Lucas was required with her also. He had known she was special from when she was a young child and had nurtured her as much as he could, before she was taken away after her parents died. There was a lot of strangeness in Trinity and it appeared the sacred powers that be had chosen her as well as Lucas for their games, Matt Crower would do well not to mess with either of them if he wanted to remain untouched in this town.

The sound of the bell above the door ringing took Abe out of his thoughts and he sighed, he had hoped he would be left alone while the young girl was out; however, it appeared he had no such luck. He lifted his head to see who had disturbed him and stared at the figure in confusion. 'Well come closer boy, my eyes ain't as good as they used to be and I don't like people lurkin' in my store'

Caleb stood for a moment frozen in place, then walked towards the counter. He had been bored and was riding around town on his bike when he had spotted Doctor Matt enter Merlyn's place of work, when they left together he became curious; however, instead of following them, something within him had called for him to enter the store instead. Now that he was in here he did not know what he was expected to do.

'Caleb Temple? Well this is a surprise, come closer boy...let me get a good look at you'

Caleb obeyed his elder and walked right up to the counter, he had met Abe on a few occasions and knew Gail referred to him as her Uncle; however, he did not really know the man to talk to. 'I'm sorry for disturbin' you...'

Abe laughed and waved off the comment. 'Don't you ever be sorry boy, I've known your family for generations and don't think anyone has ever apologized for botherin' me'

Caleb smiled, there was something about this mans demeanor that put him at ease. 'Did you know my mother?' he asked curiously.

Abe shook his head, he sensed the boy had a strength about him but he did not outwardly show his true lineage. 'Nah, it weren't that side of your family I was acquainted with...except my Rosie and her side of course'

Caleb nodded and looked at his hands. 'Do you know who my daddy is?' he asked timidly.

Abe laughed and walked around the counter. 'Know him? I put him over my knee and gave him a spankin' once!'

Caleb inhaled in shock at the thought of Lucas being spanked, then burst out laughing. He was starting to understand why his cousin was so fond of this man and why Merlyn chose to come work for him.

'Are you lost son?' Abe asked, curious as to what Lucas Bucks son was doing in his store.

Caleb shrugged and stared back down at his hands. 'I was just ridin' and thought I'd come in here I guess'

Abe nodded and regarded the boy carefully for a moment. He did not have any desire to get involved with another Buck, as he was getting old and did not have the same strength that he used to; however, there was something about this boy which reminded him of Lucas when he had lost his mother, he could sense the loneliness in him and that type of weakness had no place in a Buck. 'Well seen as you're here, you can come keep me company out back...Go turn the sign over on the door for me, we don't want anyone disturbin' us do we?'

Caleb smiled and obediently rushed to the door to turn the open sign to closed. This man was intriguing and it was nice that someone other than Lucas actually wanted to openly spend time with him, Abe was a friend of his family; therefore, he had no problem trusting him. 'Can I check out your costumes? I loved the Halloween ones'

Abe laughed and placed an arm around his shoulder. 'If you loved them, just wait 'til you see what else I have back there' he smiled and led him down the corridor to his back room.

-To be continued-