Thank you to all of you. You are ALL totally awesome and always make me feel so blessed to know I have readers that enjoy my writing. XOXO

DDD

Tyler walked back to his car still in shock as to what just happened. He couldn't believe he was just spanked like that. His own biological father never even did that to him when he was alive. At first he wasn't sure but then a comforting feeling fell upon him. He now had a father figure back in his life. He reached his car and carefully sat down. He was truly humbled and his bottom was on fire. As painful as the spanking was Tyler was grateful to Klaus for not letting him get away with his attitude. He felt now that someone finally cared enough to keep him in check. He drove off teary eyed; but, with a smile he could not hide for he felt that finally, he belonged.

FUNERAL

"It was a beautiful service," said a lady with a big red hat, "your mother was a good person."

Many, many people walked by patting the boy on his shoulder, giving him sympathetic looks and sorrowful apologies. He stood there alone. She was the last of his family.

DDD

"Hello?" The boy answered his cell.

"Hi sweetie, I'm so sorry my meeting ran late; but I'm on my way home now, do we need anything from the store?"

"Ummm, let me check the fridge…yeah, we could use some milk."

She smiled, "We are out of milk? I'm shocked," she teased knowing her son drinks several glasses a day."

He found for some reason that milk helped keep his violent cravings under control.

"Ha ha Mom," he said then smiled.

"Alright, anything else?"

"No, that's it."

"Okay, I'll get the milk then I'll be home, love you baby boy."

"Love you too Mom."

DDD

An hour later the boy's mother wasn't home. He was starting to get worried. He called her cell. A man answered.

"Mayor Lockwood's phone," the man answered.

"H..umm hi, this is Tyler Lockwood, is my mom there?"

"I'm sorry son, there has been a robbery. Your mother died a hero…."

Tyler dropped his cell phone in shock.

DDD

The long line of people giving their condolences finally deteriorated. Tyler just sat down with elbows on his knees and his face in his hands. He began to cry. Caroline started to walk towards him when she felt a hand on her shoulder; she turned around.

"Let me talk to him."

She looked at him for a moment then agreed, "Alright."

He walked over to Tyler and sat next to him.

"I'm sorry about your Mum," he said.

Tyler turned his head and saw Klaus. He sat up and started wiping his tears.

"What do you want?" Tyler asked soberly.

Klaus didn't appreciate the tone of the question; but, let it go due to the current situation.

"Well, being that you barely just turned 17 and have no family, you were going to have to move into a foster home…."

"What! NO! I can't! NO!" Tyler shot up quickly yelling.

Klaus stood up and placed both his hands on either side of Tyler's shoulders.

"Hey, hey, hey," he said calmly, "I convinced them to let me be your guardian. You can live with me; unless of course you prefer a fost…"

"No, I mean yes, I would definitely rather live with you, thank you."