Summary: Lives are on the line when a relative returns to try and repair broken ties with Ralph. Rated T for violence, adult situations, language.

Thanks to nicoltyler for the ideas to help improve this story, and Lauren and MST3K for beta'ing.

---------------------------------------

A group of four people were sitting around a circular table. Each had playing cards, looking at the pot that was growing each time a round was played. Soon, someone was going to win it all.

After a few tense moments, one of the figures rapped their knuckles on the table. Eyes darting, wondering who would win, they finally realized they'd have to show their hands.

"18"

"20"

"25"

"30," said the fourth amid a chorus of groans and tossed coins.

"Ralph, are you sure Aidan has only played '31' one time," kidded Paula Hinkley as she saw Aidan rake in the stack of dimes from the middle of the table and start counting them. She along with Ralph, Pam and Aidan had been playing the card game at the annual Hinkley family reunion at the Crooked H Ranch.

The man only chuckled. "Yes ma'am, but I'm starting to think she has a little bit of help," he said, giving Aidan a curious glance.

"Nope, just been watching all of you play for years," she said chuckling and adjusting her collar, showing to Ralph that she didn't have the suit on. "Besides, it's penny-ante, so why cheat for a whole total of $1.70?"

Pam chuckled at the groups banter. "Well, you could treat us to a soda or snack," she said, adding "I'd like an iced tea and a bowl of banana pudding."

Aidan, getting the hint that she needed to go around and visit more with her aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts and uncles, and other relatives, nodded and stood up. "OK, one iced tea and banana pudding. Ralph?"

"Uh… just a beer."

"Nala?" she asked her grandmother. When Aidan was born, Paula Hinkley wanted her to have her granddaughter call her by her given name. However, Aidan's first attempts came out Nala, which Paula liked better and it stayed. As long as it wasn't Grandmother, Grandma, or any other name that made her feel old.

"Well, how about a bowl of that strawberry-cream cheese, pretzel stuff you made," she said. "It's wonderful Aidan. You're going to have to give me the recipe."

Aidan nodded and went to get everyone's "orders." As she walked over, she took a brief glance back at the three as well as the rest of the Hinkleys. As far back as she could remember, Aidan had been attending the family reunions, getting to know her mom's side of the family better. And when her dad's side disowned her, she made it a quiet mission to talk with everyone at the reunion and chat, even if it was about her jewelry making projects or World War II.

She always had enjoyed the reunions, which usually involved fishing with family and playing on the playground, but they also brought back some painful memories as well. She reached the buffet where all the food was spread out, when she realized it was 19 years to day since the accident and that had also been the last time Aidan came with her parents to the reunion.

They had spent the whole day at the ranch fishing, canoeing, walking around to look for old horseshoe nails and just visiting with the family. Aidan had always gotten a laugh out of how Ralph and Pam went canoeing together and ultimately one of the two would get the idea to tip the canoe over, causing a lot of laughs all around.

The next day started out just as special, even more so because it had been M'Lynn and Austin's tenth anniversary. To celebrate, Austin planed a special evening for them, first going M'Lynn's favorite steakhouse, and afterwards going to see a play they had both wanted to see, but never had been able to.

Ralph and Pam offered to keep Aidan at their house for the night because they didn't get to see her much. Aidan gave her parents hugs and kisses, and even that time stood outside, waving goodbye to them as they drove off. It was the last time everyone's lives were normal that particular day. About two hours later, what had started out to be a good day ended in tragedy when Aidan's parents were killed in a car wreck and Aidan was in the hospital lying in the beginning of a six-hour coma, leaving her with circumscribed - and permanent - amnesia of that night. …

Aidan shook her head to clear it of the horrible memory, only realizing she had put too much strawberry and cream cheese trifle in the bowl. Chuckling to herself, Aidan then grabbed a second bowl and balanced out the contents between the two.

As Aidan was finishing up getting food and drinks, a new figure came through the ranch house doors. He was in his early thirties, tall, thin and had blond hair and blue eyes.

Glancing around, he saw the table where Ralph, Pam and Paula were sitting and chatting about Whitney High's recent art exhibit. He frowned as he listened in on how well the event went despite several of Aidan's students driving her crazy. The young man, sighed in disgust as Ralph finished the story by telling the group how Aidan had a near panic attack after someone's glass project nearly crashed to the ground

To his annoyance, he realized no one noticed him enter and he needed to make his appearance properly. The man cleared his throat and walked toward the group. "Hello father," said the man to Ralph.

The three at the table looked up, each with a different expression. Pam and Paula were surprised, Ralph was surprised - and a bit shocked that the man was even there. "Kevin, how are you doing?" he said.

Kevin put his duffle bag underneath a nearby table and then sat down with the other three. "Doing well, not that it really matters around here," he said a bit coolly as he sat in Aidan's spot, looking at the pile of dimes.

Ralph opened his mouth to protest the comment when Aidan returned with everyone's food. "OK, here we go: A banana pudding and tea for Pam," Aidan announced placing the items on the table. "A beer for Ralph and a strawberry trifle for…" she paused looking up, realizing someone new was sitting in her spot.

Placing the bowl of trifle down, Aidan cocked her head slightly, trying to figure out who it was, then noticing a tale-tell Hinkley trait, she smiled. "Kevin? Hey, how are you doing?" she said with a warm smile, giving her cousin a hug.

Kevin let Aidan hug him, but everyone noticed he didn't even try to hug back. Though Ralph, Pam and others could tell that Aidan was upset, she continued if as if Kevin gave a warm welcome back. "So, you hungry Kevin," she asked, and he nodded. "What would you like?"

"Some enchiladas from Marcos," said Kevin simply playing with the dimes Aidan had left behind. He knew that Marcos was about 15 minutes from the ranch, and that'd keep Aidan out of the way for a while.

"Kevin," said Ralph with a sigh, realizing the man wasn't even going to try to be polite. Ralph had not really talked to his son since Kevin's college graduation.

Despite everything that was going on, Aidan kept going. "Nope, he's closed for today. Something about wanting to go visit the family," she said chuckling. "We have hamburgers, hotdogs, ribs…"

"Ribs is fine, and a beer," barked Kevin slightly, and Aidan just shrugged and walked away.

Once Aidan was gone, Ralph shot Kevin a disapproving look, but Kevin only ignored him. Pam was the first to speak, trying to diffuse what she was seeing as a possible argument. "So, what have you been up to Kevin," said Pam. "Last thing we heard was you were working at a business in San Francisco."

"Were, key word. I now work in Washington state as an emergency dispatcher," said Kevin simply, deciding to hide the fact he hated the job. He also didn't want to say this was the fifth job he had in the past two years.

Ralph decided to speak up. "So when did you get back to California?" he said.

"About a day ago."

"And you didn't stop by at least to say hi?" said Ralph rather bluntly.

"Why? You're busy all the time it seems," said Kevin, his voice rising slightly.

"You could have called to tell us you where here unless that was to much trouble for you…"

Not wanting a fight, Paula put a hand up. "I for one can vouch that it takes a day to get used to the temperatures here in California after traveling up north," she said, gently scolding the two. "We're just glad you're here Kevin. It's been a few years since you've been able to attend…"

As the group talked, Aidan came back with Kevin's ribs and beer. She placed them down on the table, only to receive a slight dismissive glare from the man. "You're welcome," she said simply, not missing the glare, and decided it was better to go visit with her cousins, who were in the middle of a game of dominoes… this case, trying to see who could make the tallest stack without them falling down.

Kevin looked at Aidan and the group, then continued. "So, what's Aidan been up to lately?" he said to Ralph.

"Why don't you ask her?" said Ralph politely, reigning in his growing anger at the younger man's attitude.

Kevin ignored the question and kept going. "She still teaching at the school?"

"Yes, she teaches jewelry making for four periods, history for three," said Ralph. "Knight's even getting impressed at how well the jewelry making class is doing. It's becoming pretty popular…"

"Knight's still there? Thought he'd be off fishing."

"He's the superintendent now…"

"Bet that's hard for you and Aidan, with nepotism and all that." stated Kevin with a smirk and rolled his eyes as he took a drink from his beer.

Noticing the slight snobbish remark, Pam interrupted. "Kevin, Ralph didn't hire Aidan, and couldn't have. Mr. Knight wanted to try a pilot class for three dimensional art and Aidan had the experience and knowledge to teach jewelry making," she said. "Aidan was recommended by her college teachers and she was hired by Knight at first for the class. When it came back with positive results, she stayed, especially since she liked seeing the kid's hard work."

Kevin scoffed. "Yeah nothing's more difficult than stringing beads," said Kevin dismissively.

"You'd be surprised Kevin," said Pam, toying with the ring that Aidan made for her's and Ralph's 23rd anniversary.

"Yeah… bet she also does it with one hand tied behind her back."

Ralph was getting a bit frustrated at Kevin's flippant remarks. "What's with you?" he said tersely.

"Nothing Father…"

"Why do you say that? You used to call me Dad."

Kevin shrugged "Yep, but that was when I was eight and didn't know better," he chuckled sarcastically as he took another drink.

Before Ralph could retort, Aidan returned to the group. "Hey Ralph, Pam, Jeff and Nicole want to go fishing and asked me to join them."

"Sure go ahead," said Ralph. "Just don't decide to go 'swimming' like you did last time."

"Hey, wasn't my fault that your fish hit me in the face and I fell over," said Aidan, chuckling. "You should've been there Kevin…"

Kevin interrupted. "You can reminisce later. Go on, have your fun," he said coldly.

"Sure, but I was going to ask if you wanted to join us? There's always room for…"

"Just get the hell outta here Aidan!" shouted Kevin slamming his bottle down.

Stunned by the man's remarks, Aidan stepped back, only to step on an empty beer bottle. She fell quickly before she could even try to stop her fall and hit the ground hard. She rolled onto her back, a bit stunned from the fall.

Kevin, however, watched the scene and shrugged. "Figures, you'd pull a stunt like this again…"

Ignoring Kevin's comments, Ralph and Pam rushed over to her side. "Ade, are you all right," asked Pam while Ralph kneeled and checked Aidan's pulse.

Aidan brushed away Ralph's hand and sat up. "Fine, just clumsy. Think I just bruised my tailbone…and shoulder," she said rolling her right shoulder and wishing she had put on the suit.

"Shoulder?… Great. All right Aidan, try raising your arm to my shoulder," said Ralph simply. Aidan lifted it with a minute wince, but placed her right hand easily on the man's shoulder.

Ralph smiled. "Good. Now, do your ribs or head hurt?"

"No, but I know I'm going to be sore sitting down for a few days."

"See, she's fine. I told you it was a stunt to get attention. No reason to baby her," snapped Kevin.

"It wasn't a stunt Kevin," said Aidan, touching her shoulder. She winced when she felt the bruise, especially since now there was a bruise on top of a bruise.

Hearing Kevin scoff at Aidan's remark, Pam continued. "Kevin, Aidan's had a recent injury and Ralph's just making sure it wasn't aggravated," she said truthfully. She didn't say, however, that it was caused when Aidan and Tony got caught in a car chase and Aidan crashed into the door as she changed into the suit.

"Only thing aggravating is her even being here in the first place. You've always babied her and treated her like your own daughter."

"She is our daughter, our goddaughter, and your stepsister as well as cousin," said Ralph. "We adopted her because she wanted us to. You've known that for years."

Unbeknownst to the group, Aidan was starting to shake slightly at the argument, not wanting to hear stuff like this at a family reunion - especially this particular day.

The young man continued. "Oh, I see, she's always been a daddy's little princess. But, you're not her dad… her real one's dead…"

"KEVIN, that's enough," shouted Ralph coming to the end of his patience he quickly stood up and taking the few steps over to Kevin until he was face to face with his son.

"Why? It's the truth," said Kevin, only to see Aidan start to hyperventilate. "Now what?"

Ralph and Pam frowned, wondering themselves, but Aidan just bolted to her feet and ran out of the ranch house. Kevin laughed, only getting the ire of Ralph and Pam. "Figured she'd do that," he said, then hollered out the door, "Just go away and cry for mommy and daddy."

"Listen, that was uncalled for Kevin. Aidan still has some hard times with family reunions," said Pam.

Kevin sneered. "Aidan, it is always about her, and how she feels," Kevin laughed, then continued raising his tone of voice so it sounded high and nasal. "Don't talk about the accident, she is still hurting, watch what you say,… oh no Aidan fell, she has a boo-boo…" He mocked glaring at his father. "The accident was 19 years ago, it's time for her to grow up."

"No young man, it's time for you to grow up," said Paula abruptly. Seeing the three - as well as the rest of the family - look at the matriarch of the family in surprise at her bluntness, she continued. "Kevin, you're behavior has been atrocious from the start today. Now, we all love you and want you to visit with us at the reunion, but until you include Aidan in your family, I want you to stay away."

"But, Grandma…"

"Go," she said abruptly. Realizing it was a losing point, Kevin grabbed his bag and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

After getting into his car, Kevin started the engine and sped off, fuming at what his family said to him. He had never liked the fact that Aidan got to spend the majority of her childhood away with his father

while he had to deal with his mom's many suitors. Each time a new one came in, they always treated him as though he was their son. Problem was, after divorcing Ralph, Alicia was rather fickle with men, usually dating them only one or two times before moving on.

Kevin had heard stories about his father from his mom, but they weren't nice. In fact, every time he stayed with her prior to the divorce being finalized and afterwards, she would always tell him bad things his father did. One of the strangest to him was stories about Ralph being found unconscious under a billboard wearing a red suit and cape. It never made sense to him, but his mom had the photos to prove it.

Despite what he was told, Kevin still held out hope that his father would still have partial custody of him, or better still be the primary guardian. Unfortunately his father had been stuck on another "scenario" with that friend of his Bill something or rather and wound up having to take care of Bill when he was injured. The delay was long enough that his father was late yet again to the custody hearing, only to find that the judge made his decision: Ralph could only visit Kevin on a very limited basis, and only with Alicia present. Unfortunately, Alicia traveled a lot, so Ralph was unable to visit Kevin.

Over the years, Kevin watched, as his father would be delayed to meet him for one reason or another. Oh there was always a reason, but after so many times, of sorry's and lame excuses it wasn't hard for Kevin to gradually start to listen more to his mom and believe that she had been right all along: Ralph was a jerk, and not worth his time, especially since he adopted Aidan. There were a few times that they saw each other, such as weddings and funerals, but for the most part, if Ralph tried to contact him, Kevin would ignore it.

That wasn't to say that he didn't try to reconcile with his father, such as during Kevin's college graduation. Unfortunately, when they were there Aidan fainted and Ralph had to take her over to the first aid station on campus. Ralph made sure she was all right first then returned to the ceremony just in time to see Kevin walk down the stage to get his diploma.

Despite the fact he saw Kevin's graduation, Kevin was upset at all the ruckus Aidan's faint had caused to begin with. Ralph tried to reason with Kevin, but the younger man wanted nothing to do with it. Instead Kevin stormed off, barely contacting Ralph from that point on until the reunion. …

Kevin slammed his hand against the wheel, frustrated that his dad got upset with him when Aidan was injured. "He was acting like it was my fault, and she was the one who pulled that stunt for the attention," he fumed as he pulled over to a bar.

After going inside and calling a few friends to join him, Kevin ordered a beer and sat down, thinking about his visit to the reunion. Taking a long sip, Kevin started going over everything that happened from the time he entered the ranch house until he was ordered to leave the reunion. Putting the bottle down and letting the substance wash away the last of his anger, Kevin realized that in order to try and reconcile with his father, he was going to have to also welcome Aidan as his cousin and stepsister. He wasn't sure if he was ready to take that chance, since it felt that since she became part of Ralph and Pam's lives, Kevin became the outsider.