With her iPod in her back pocket and earphones in, Fin walked aimlessly around her room, a spiral bound notebook in one hand, a pen in the other. As she went she chewed on the pen cap, removing it only to brandish it wildly as she mumbled to herself and then either jot something down, or furiously scratch something out.

She didn't hear the knock on her open door or her name being called. It wasn't until she slung her arm out and spun halfway around that that she realized anyone else was in the room.

Blinking, Fin looked at Mr. Ahlgren surprised as he held her wrist where he had caught it mid swing, stopping it just inches from his face. Giving her a pointed look he let go and took a step back.

Hand free, Fin grinned sheepishly and removed her earphones, running a hand through her hair. "Sorry Dad. Didn't hear you come in."

"I noticed. Now take a seat."

Dropping onto the bed and crossing her legs, Fin got comfortable. "So what's up?"

Mr. Ahlgren pulled up her desk chair and sat on it backwards, with his arms folded across the top. "Your Aunt Jenna called. Uncle Darrel was in a car accident…"

"He's he okay?"

"With the exception of a few cracked ribs, he's going to be fine. But with him injured your Aunt has asked me to fly out there and help her out with the landscaping business until he's back on his feet. I know its short notice, but schools out and I don't have any courses to teach this summer, and she's offered to pay, and since we could use the extra money so I told her I'd go."

"So, we're going to Houston?" Fin fell lay back on the bed and groaned. "Great, Texas heat AND humidity. My favorite. Not to mention cousins Tammy and Charlie." She propped herself back up on her elbows. "Dad, they're my cousins, and I love them, mostly because I have to. But I don't think I can endure… how long does it take for ribs to heal?"

"The doctor said three to six weeks."

Fin's jaw dropped. "Three to six weeks! I can't tolerate them for that long. I mean Charlie kinda freaks me out with all the creepy staring and the heavy breathing… and then Tammy. Oh don't get me started on Miss Perfect."

Despite his best efforts to look stern and disapproving, Mr. Ahlgren was unable to stop the corners of this mouth from turning up. "I figured you'd feel this way. That's why after I spoke to your aunt, I called Nana, and asked if she wouldn't mind having you stay with her while I was gone."

"Wait, I get to stay with Nana, in LA?" Fin instantly brightened. "Heck yes!"

"She says its fine with her, as long as you agree to the following two conditions."

"Anything," Fin was practically shaking with excitement, "I'll agree to anything."

"First you have to accept the part time job she lines up for you…"

"Works for me, I haven't found work here anyways."

"And," Mr. Ahlgren paused for dramatic effect, "since she hasn't seen you in such a long time, that you go ahead and stay for the summer."

A shriek filled the room and was followed by a loud thud and "oomph" as Fin threw herself at her father, knocking him and the chair to the floor.

Fin showered him in kisses and "thanks you" as he hugged her laughing.

"So I'm going to take that as a yes."

Untangling herself from her father Fin ran to the closet and yanked out her suitcase. "I have just one question. When do I leave?"