Forgetting all about the Thanksgiving turkey that he was drafted to prepare, Niles stared in horror at his nephew. The handsome and well adjusted child who rarely caused trouble was now sporting a black eye and a very swollen nose.

Their Thanksgiving Day in Boston had barely begun and now it had been ruined.

His father should have known better than to try and teach Frederick how to throw a baseball. After all, it was highly unlikely that the child would ever play for the Seahawks, let alone a Boston team like the Celtics.

It was a horrible accident, but Niles knew deep down that it was he who was at fault. In the course of only a few minutes, he'd managed to nearly break Frederick's nose and gave him hives as well!

As he looked at the child, who amazingly still wore a smile, Niles sighed deeply. He was a disgrace as an uncle. It was a wonder that Frederick still loved him.

Or perhaps it was all an act. After all, Frederick was bound to have picked up some acting skills from his father.

"Well, are you just gonna stand there or are you gonna help me here?"

Niles looked up in surprise, having almost forgotten that his father was even in the room. But one glance at his young nephew brought the horrible memory of what had happened just moments before rushing back. How could he have done such a terrible thing to a child that he loved so much?

Quickly he sprang into action, grabbing the ice pack from Martin's hand.

"Dad, go and get Freddy's pills and I'll get some more ice for the swelling."

But before either man could move, there was a flash of headlights, causing Niles to glance at his father in horror.

"Dear God, they're back! Wh-what are we going to do? We'll never be able to hide this! Oh my God! Oh my God!"

As he staggered around the kitchen, oblivious to the appalled stares of his nephew, Martin scrambled to reach him.

"Niles! Niles! Just calm down, okay? Everything will be fine! It was just an accident! And if Frasier and Lillith don't understand that... the hell with them!"

Turning to his grandson, Martin handed Frederick the ice pack.

"Freddy, just keep that thing on your nose. I'm sure that the swelling will go down soon."

As Martin tried unsuccessfully to steady his son, they heard footsteps approach.

"What are we going to do? Frasier will kill me!" Niles cried. "And Lillith... she's hated me for as long as I can remember so I can only imagine-."

"Now Son, just calm down and everything will work itself out!"

Martin's tone was the same one he used whenever Niles was afraid or upset about something, but at that moment it wasn't helping to soothe his son's anxiety.

"We'll just tell Frasier and Lillith the truth. It was nothing more than an accident and God knows accidents happen all the time! I can't remember a day in my life with your mother and you boys when there wasn't an accident!"

"B-but Frasier always says there are no accidents!" Niles said worriedly.

"Ah, the hell with what your brother says!" Martin yelled. "Now, just calm down and let your brother and the witch in! I'm sure that broom of hers could use a rest!"

Frederick laughed. "That's funny Grandpa. There's no such thing as witches!"

Martin and Niles exchanged a look.

"Um... yeah, Freddy. It was just a little joke between your uncle and I. Now let's get you taken care of. Niles, help your brother in, okay?"

Wearily Niles walked to the door and opened it, peering into the darkness of the driveway where a figure was getting out of the car.

"So how'd it go at the interview?" He called in the most upbeat tone he could muster.

"What interview?"

His heart skipped a beat.

That voice...

The figure moved closer and into the light, causing Niles' heart to race. For it wasn't Frasier and Lillith at all.

"Daphne..."