Well, I'm back. I hope you like this chapter. I promise the next one will be longer. Thanks to my reviewers, you guys rock! (I don't own anything.)


She's growing up:

"Now Parker, I want you to keep an eye on Christine." I looked up from adjusting my backpack strap into my Dad's eyes. He looked the same as always, from the black suit, to the trademark cocky belt buckle, right down to his crazy socks. I smiled. "Yeah, Dad. I will." I looked over my shoulder at Christine, with her blonde hair pulled into little pig tails, her pink sandals, jean shorts and pink top.

She was going to be in kindergarten, I was going to be in the fourth grade. I watched as she struggled with the pink polka dot strap of her backpack, her face set, her blue eyes determined as she tried to untwist the strap. I gently pushed her hands out-of-the-way. "Here, let big brother help." I murmured as I untwisted the strap and held out the strap for her to stick her arm through. "Thanks Parker." She smiled up at me.

I held out my hand out for her to take. I looked back at my dad. "We have to go, I don't want to miss the bus." He nodded, turned for the kitchen, then turned back around. "You...Uh, want me to walk you? 'Cause I can..." He trailed off, looking troubled. I shook my head. "No, dad. We're okay." I reassured him. "Okay, well, I love you both, and Bones will be there at exactly three to pick you both up." He reminded me. "Three. Okay, we'll be ready." I called over my shoulder as Christine ran for the door, dragging me behind her.

"Love you Daddy!" Christine called out as she flung the door open and threw a toothy grin over her shoulder at dad. I looked over my shoulder one last time, to see the tears in my dad's eyes as he closed the door behind us.

I knew what it was. His little girl was growing up on him. She was growing up on me too.