Author's Note: This chapter, was originally going to end a fight, but I said 'no'. Soo glad I didn't. And guys, get axes and tissues for next chapter. Enjoy and thanks friends! Thank dreamer4evra and AllAmericanSlurp for this chapter!

Adam knew things weren't right with his sister, despite her claims to be 'fine'. 'Fine' was one of the biggest lies he'd ever heard. Bree now talked mostly with her closest friends only, and had no boy in her sights. She may think he was too dumb or oblivious to notice, but he did, and it stopped him from moving on. Because one day she would break -he knew her that well- and he needed to be there for her, to the best of his abilities, and if he didn't move on, then he could connect with her better and help her move on. Then he'd worry about himself.

Currently, Bree was hauling books out of her locker, with some difficulty. Adam resolved to go over to help her, then three girls went over there. He was about to turn away and go to class, but something about those girls was off. For one, none seemed to offer aid. Two, he just had a feeling in his stomach. A feeling that worsened when his sister was slammed against her locker.

Adam felt liquid fire course through his veins, and almost impulsively took a step forward before realizing this could help his sister gain her confidence back. Adam felt the fire cool to a low boil. He hated these girls for messing with his sister, but they might be helpful. And if Bree doesn't fight I'll beat them up myself. Adam, though his hearing wasn't as acute as his brothers', was sharp. He heard the strings of conversation that passed between the jerks and his sister.

"Oh, Bree, we're just worried about you. Wanna make sure you're okay. You know, it's been awhile, and you're still pathetic. Thought you'd have elevated to annoying by now, or worthless boy-chaser willing to bed with anyone." The dark-haired girl sneered. Bree smirked, arms folded defiantly, a pose Adam knew well. A pose he also knew hid her wrath.

"Tara, I think you're just upset that you had to go to jail for watching your cowardly boyfriend beat up my brother, who in turn kicked his butt. And as for the bedder, if you're looking for someone like that, look in a mirror." He heard somewhat nervous laughter from the girls. But Tara wasn't done quite yet.

"Oh yes, Bomber Boy, was it?" Adam knew how deep that insult cut. In the months after the 'bombing' of the building, and Chase's death, and boredom of no new gossip some, some had labeled him a 'terrorist' or 'Bomber Boy'. No one knows how many times Bee and Chase had saves their lives and this is how they are repaid. And the only reason they're targeted is because I'm strong and they're 'weak', but without them I'm weaker than Leo. Adam slid beside his sister.

"Problem? Because we have useful things to do with our minds that aren't ruined by excess amounts of makeup and hairspray that smells like death itself. Then again, you aren't much prettier than a rotting corpse." Adam had heard Chase that once, and it suited his thoughts. Thoughts of how those girls were shells of what humanity was supposed to be, yet labeled 'perfect' by anyone who labeled people for a living. Adam didn't understand a lot of things, but this took a place on his Top Ten List Of Things That Don't Make Since as Number Two, second only to Math. Bree swiped her palms across her eyes.

"I hate those girls! They flounce around like they own everything and..." Adam tuned out, to polite to ignore his sister, but not caring enough to listen. He patted her shoulder, then drew her in for a one-armed hug. "C'mon Bree, let's get to class."

...

Once Leo heard about Bree's incident with Tara and those girls, he felt all the more responsible. Responsible for the six-month-ago incident that had almost killed his brother and sister. Responsible for being captured and causing a death. As Adam and Bree sat down at his table, he wondered why they still loved him as before. He had murdered their brother. It's like Cain and Abel in a way. Leo could act like he was fine, but he wasn't. But he had to support, protect, and be there for his siblings. Chase had done that, but Leo had killed him, so Leo had to do his best to take his place. Maybe that would soothe the aching in his heart.

Bree ate her school lunch quietly, and Adam was talking about a gym incident. Leo stared at his math book. He could care less about what pi times x equaled. Leo pulled put a piece of paper, and began mindlessly doodling. He heard footsteps come to a rest behind him. He breathed in the sweet perfume of his angel. He turned around in his chair, a hopefully-sexy-and-charming smile plastered on his face.

"Hello, Janelle," He looked into her melted-chocolate eyes, and thought of how he'd never seen anything more beautiful. Except maybe that time when Josh won us the Robot Throwdown. Maybe.

"Hey, Leo, can I sit down for a second, if you're not busy?" Janelle's enchanting smile intoxicated him further.

"I always have time for you, Janelle," Even her name was perfect. How could I ever like another girl but this beautiful girl? "So, whaddaya need?"

Janelle nervously tucked some stray hairs behind her ear. "Umm...I'm having some problems in Math, and you're good at it, so I thought I could come over to your house. You haven't been getting any visitors recently, and I thought..." Leo did the weirdest thing. He stood up and hugged her. Maybe because she was the first person besides his family to care about how he felt. I don't care what Grandma Rose says, she is the best girl in the world to me. He hugged her for a few seconds more, then let go. She was still smiling.

"Thanks, Janelle. Thanks...it means a lot." He felt a connection with her in that moment. She pecked him on the cheek.

"That's what girlfriends are for, right?" She turned and walked away. His mouth was agape. Life had gotten that much better. But still, did what just happened happen? Did she..she did. He stood there smiling like the happiest man in the world for a moment after, then sat down at his table. Bree was grinning ear to ear.

"Tasha's going to be happy she'll have grandkids in the future." Bree was teasing, but then she turned sincere. "Leo, seriously, I'm happy for you." Leo gave her a sincere smile. Life does go on, and for the most part, it's good.