(Warning this chapter has some mature content matter in the form of graphic violence)

Too Close

Chapter Nine

We had been shopping for nearly three hours; I found it quite entertaining to see that Reid liked to shop more than any female I've ever met. I think the outing was to distract me just as much as it was to distract him from the looming thought that perhaps the young man I had met isn't as innocent as he seemed. I still couldn't quite accept that Chase was the same person who nearly killed my brother, killed a guy in his own car at a party, put Pogue in the hospital, and placed a deadly spell upon Pogue's girlfriend and Sarah. He just didn't look…evil. But I guess my idea of what evil should look like was more like the monsters in stories I read growing up; hardly the type that could sneak their way into Spencer Academy and do so much damage without drawing any attention to himself.

I forced myself to empty my head of all such thoughts as I looked at my bed which was now covered in various purchases from the shopping spree Reid and I had taken today. He shouldn't have bought me so much, but if I was to be spoiled, this was certainly the way to do it! He bought me a few outfits, a stuffed animal and a pair of hot pink, cut off leather gloves; so we could match. It was an adorable gesture and I decided at that very moment to slide my hands into them before admiring my now Reid-like style adorning my hands.

"Oh god…now you guys are dressing like each other now. I better not see Reid in heels anytime soon." Ally said while entering the dorm room, a bag full of junk food for our annual junk food grub fest.

"Aw shut up, you and Tyler are about as sickeningly cute as it gets!" I chuckled while closing the blinds and turning the lamp on. Ally then began throwing every article of clothing, books, papers and shoes from her bed into the floor. That was her idea of cleaning; and it couldn't be more hilarious.

"Well that's definitely true; he brings out the romantic side in me."

"So does food." I laughed as she plopped down onto her bed revealing nothing but cheese wiz, whipped cream and various bags of chips surrounding her. Ally shinned a sarcastic smile before switching the television on. I fell onto my bed and took in a deep breath; this truly was the life. I never in a million years would have imagined my life being as carefree and perfect as it is in this very moment. Naturally I thought about this all being too good to be true; but I just didn't want to allow it to creep into my mind…just yet.

"So is Reid good in bed?" Ally asked bluntly; I should have known she would bring that conversation up before the day was over.

"Is Tyler?" I deflected.

"Oh no you don't…I asked first!"

"Well…he's…definitely talented in that…um area." I said feeling my blush erupting wildly from my words.

"Well I wouldn't expect anything less from Reid. You go girl, you got your own personal sex god for a boyfriend!" Ally cheered as she handed me a bag of cheese puffs.

"Well…what about Tyler?" I quickly deflected yet again.

"Girl, he's AMAZING! And let me tell you something…these sons of Ipswich must use magic to accomplish the things they can do!" I about choked on my food at her choice of words.

"Magic? Yeah…must be!" I quickly recovered.

"Did Reid not tell you that Tyler filled me in on the whole magic thing? I know all about Reid, Tyler and even your brother…it's about the most entertaining news I've heard in years!" Ally exclaimed. My jaw dropped instantly. She knows? Where was I in this decision to tell anyone about the family secrets? I mean, I love Ally to death…but that is a very huge and very secret aspect of our lives that wasn't meant to be shared with anyone outside the families.

Caleb broken a lot of rules set up by the families and most importantly my mother. When he decided to share this secret with Sarah, he had a lot of opposition and I remember my mother reminding over and over again not to make that same mistake. Luckily I've found someone who was not only aware of the secrets but was a part of them.

"Don't worry I'm not going to say anything…but I have to admit that's pretty cool that you're family is a part of all of that! Do you have any powers? Or is it just your brother?" I think my jaw dropped a bit further as she continued to ask questions that I have never heard from anyone outside of the family. I trusted her when she said she wouldn't reveal our secrets; but it's just dangerous for her to have such knowledge…you never know who or what could use that knowledge against her. I literally felt sick at the realization that Ally was now involved in the "family business."

"I um…don't have any powers." I replied. Which was the truth; but I kept one part out of the response. My mother had told me that the women in a few of the families have reported having the ability to see into the future. Well such a gift has obviously skipped over me; which might not be such a bad thing. My mother often told me stories of a distant relative who was "blessed" with the gift; she drove herself mad and took her own life. Not the most pleasant of family stories…but not all stories are pleasant when dealing with the magic bloodlines of Ipswich.

"I can sense your apprehension to me knowing about all of this…I'm sorry. Tyler just sat me down and told me everything…he said it was easier if I knew than it was keeping it a secret." I guess it was wrong of me to show my hesitancy towards Ally knowing; it was Tyler's secret to tell…not mine. And even though it involved me; it didn't directly effect me…I just worried about her knowing. It's a lot for a person to handle…but Ally was the one person who could take it and then not give it a second thought. She never dwelled much on any one thing; it's what kept her carefree and energetic personality. If anyone could handle it…it was her.

I then began thinking of how Caleb spoke to Reid and me about the dangers of Reid losing control of his powers around me; did Ally know that she too had to keep in mind those dangers around Tyler? I never thought much to warn her until now about how dangerous being in a relationship with a son of Ipswich truly was. I guess it was partly because I feared revealing a secret that could possibly tear the two apart or risk her thinking I was completely insane before asking for a new, less-imaginative roommate. Either way…it was my job as a friend to let her know the risks; but I half-expected Tyler to have already explained it to her. Only one way to find out.

"Ally…can I be a mother hen for a few seconds please?" I asked, forcing a smile.

"Of course, cluck away."

"Did Tyler tell you…that his power isn't exactly stable? I mean…there are a few dangers that you and I both have now. I just want you to be careful…okay? Gah, I sound more like my brother every day."

"I know, and I appreciate you looking out for me. Yeah…Tyler told me about how he might lose control one day…scary to think huh? Well, we decided to have code words if he starts to feel unstable or too emotional…he's going to say the word 'waffles' and I'll know to leave and give him space."

"Waffles? Let me guess, you cam up with the code word?" I giggled.

"Hey! It was the first thing that popped into my head. I think Tyler gets jealous I think about food more than him sometimes!" we both busted out laughing; I felt a wave of relief washing over me. Ally was going to be fine and the secret she know has to keep; will be safe with her.

The midnight hour finally appeared upon my alarm clock as Ally drifted off to sleep. I was soon to follow as the voices coming from the television became a muffled lullaby that carried me to sleep.


"If you value your worthless lives…I suggest you run." Chase spoke, his eyes as black as the shadows that surrounded every thought that entered his mind. I turned and watched as the many people that were enjoying a night at Nicky's took off running out of every door and window they could find until only me, Ally, Tyler, Reid and Chase remained in the now silent and dimly-lit bar.

"Just go Ally…run as far away from here as you can! Find my cell in the hummer…call Caleb and Pogue; tell them to get here now!" Tyler directed as Ally wailed out in protest.

"No! I'm not leaving you guys!" she screamed, tears streaked down her face. I fought back tears at the sight of her refusing to leave; her small frame kept collapsing from the sheer weight of the situation taking place. Chase was back and he had only one thing on his mind: revenge.

It seems it was no coincidence that he managed to seek me out that night in the hallways. I was Caleb's one and only sister; to kill me would be the ultimate payback to the one who took his chances of obtaining power to quench his ambition.

"Isn't this just a lifetime movie moment?" Chase laughed, his voice was so unnaturally cold, I wondered if any part of his humanity remained within.

"I SAID GO!" Tyler roared while pushing Ally towards the door. She scrambled to grab the handle before giving me an extended look of fear and worry. I offered a smile to her as I watched her force herself through the doors of the building.

"Now it's just us family." Chase said while lifting himself up into the air and onto the pool table. He quickly sent an energy surge towards us with a twisted smile of satisfaction.

We were all sent flying into the cement wall with such force I felt it hard to even obtain a single breath after the impact.

"You're going to pay for ever showing your face around here again!" Tyler shouted, his eyes darkening to match the black pools of Chase that were now fixed on Tyler.

I watched as Reid scrambled towards me; my face still remaining on the dusty wooden planks stretching across the floor of the bar.

"I'm going to pay huh? Well I've heard that one before." Chase said while sending a ball of energy towards Tyler who quickly managed to deflect it. Tyler then used his powers to lift every chair in the room into the air and send it flying into Chase.

Tyler then ran towards Reid and I, his expression was that of determination of which I have never seen before.

"Reid you've got to get her out of here, I'll distract him as long as I can until Pogue and Caleb get here." Tyler spoke but Reid shook his head frantically as I quickly voiced the protest.

"We're not leaving you! He's not going to try anything until Caleb gets here!" I proclaimed while allowing Reid to help me to my feet. I then felt a slight breeze of movement behind me as I watched Reid and Tyler get flung across the room by Chase's energy. I turned quickly to see Chase standing inches from me. I went to run but I felt my feet remain in place; magic was never forgiving when it came to the one standing in its way.

"I won't try anything until Caleb gets here? Now what gave you that idea?" He asked, his blackened eyes staring a whole straight through my very soul.

"This is all for Caleb…you want him to watch as you try to kill everyone he loves! I'm not blind to the motives you are so cowardly attempting!" I shouted, instantly regretting the boldness of my words pushing through my fear.

"You know what, that's a very astute observation I must say. But, here's the one thing you forgot to mention…you see I don't have to kill you to make you suffer." His words made every hair upon my body stand on edge.

I tried to move in any way I could but still I remained as still as a statue before the sadistic teen standing before me. He allowed his hand to travel from a lock of my hair down to my neck. His touch was cold, clammy and I felt myself crying at the very idea that I could die by his hand at any moment.

"It's a shame that things have had to come to this…I always wanted to have a sister." I felt his hand extend until his grip was tightly clenching around my throat. I stood, until his hold lifted me into the air. I remained still except for my eyes that blinked wildly as if that would allow me the chance to breathe.

"Please…d-don't!" I choked out until Chase sent me flying into the wall of shelves holding every bottle of alcohol Nicky had so proudly displayed. The impact was sudden and loud. The echo of shattering glass filled the building as I felt a few shards of glass pierce my skin in various locations. I fell onto the floor with a soft thud before having the dust and debris of glass fall upon me like rain. My body was screaming in pain until I noticed I was allowing those screams to make their way through my lips.

I then heard Reid yelling at the top of his lungs in anger as running footsteps reached my ears. Reid was now attacking Chase; the sound of their energy flinging across the room in a display of power.

Soon I felt hands rolling me over onto my back until my blurred vision focused enough to see Tyler hovering over me with a look of panic; his eyes had returned to normal and they were reflecting the very fear that I was feeling within me.

"Just…stay calm. Breathe. Everything is going to be fine. Try not to move much." He said with a shaking voice. I raised an eyebrow; why was he talking to me like this? I forced my clouded mind to clear until a sharp and unbearable pain began to ache within my side. I brought my hands up towards the source of the pain only to have Tyler push away my hands.

"Don't touch it…we'll get you help okay. Just Breathe." He said trying to keep his concern from showing upon his weak smile. I tried my best to breathe but I kept feeling the need to hold it in as each surge of pain radiated throughout my body.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Chase screamed, his voice boomed like thunder in the practically destroyed building. I struggled to hear Reid's voice but all I heard were footsteps approaching. I looked up at Tyler who was now allowing his eyes to turn black.

I rolled my head over to see Chase now standing a few feet away, a broken pool stick in his hand as he twirled it between his very fingers. Where was Reid? What happened to him?

"Give us a little privacy…would you?" Chase asked. Tyler quickly extended his hands out in front of him and conjured a mass of energy that was growing with every second. The very fabric of his shirt began to ripple from the wild ball of energy forming before he sent the energy towards Chase who was sent flying into the nearby bar tables and chairs that were stacked from the waitresses hoping for an early closing night.

I smiled at the sight of Chase lying in the debris of the demolished furniture. Despite the pain, I forced myself to my feet, quickly grabbing the counter to support my weakened legs. I quickly allowed my gaze to fall to my side that was moistened with red liquid: blood. I forced my eyes from the injury and turned to Tyler who was now smiling as Reid limped over towards me with a smile upon his face as well.

"We might be able to do this after all." Tyler said as Reid allowed me to shift my weight into him. The small victory was enough to make even me feel some slight relief.

The mood quickly shifted as the sound of shuffling debris and laughing was heard. Chase was scrambling to his feet as he used his magic to point the jagged edge of the broken pool stick towards us.

"Lesson one: never underestimate your opponent. It could cost you your life." Chase said as he firmly stood and flung the pool stick towards us. I gasped the second I watched the pointed object whiz by Reid and I.

"TYLER!" I screamed as I saw the most horrifying sight my eyes have ever seen. Tyler was standing, the wooden stick was protruding from his upper chest, blood creating a pattern upon his shirt. His widened eyes stared at the wound before staggering backwards and collapsing onto the floor. Reid then crashed onto his knees next to Tyler before ripping his shirt open to see the full extent of the damage.

"Hang in there Baby boy…it's not that bad…you've had worse. Remember summer camp in middle school?" Reid forced a laugh. Reid began contemplating what actions to take next as I slowly turned my head to Chase who was motioning for me to come closer to him. I looked down at Tyler who was quickly losing all color in his face before a few sobs escaped my lips and I began walking towards Chase.

As I walked and stepped over a few broken chairs and bottles; I felt the movement create shocks of pain within me, but still I walked until I felt Chase throw his arm around my shoulders.

"Now look what you made me do. But hey, if it makes you feel any better…I didn't give Tyler an injury he wouldn't survive. I'm not that heartless. Everyone, even your precious Reid will be just fine as long as you come with me. We have so much catching up to do after all! I'm dying to here how the family is." Chase whispered in my ear. I knew the second I left the protection of Reid…I would surely die. But I couldn't stay here either; I heard Reid fighting back tears at the sight of his best friend in the current state he was in. This was all my fault.

I allowed Chase to direct us out of the bar as I silently prepared myself for what was sure to be the end of my life.

"MEL! Jesus woman! Wake up, you're going to be late for class and you won't be able to blame me this time!" Ally shouted as she tossed a pillow towards me. My eyes shot open instantly. My body was drenched in sweat as was my cotton sheets covering me. I forced in a deep breath; that was the worst nightmare I think I could have ever had! I reached over for a towel to notice my hands were shaking; that dream was so real, my body still managed to cling to the intensity of the fear experienced in my dream.

"Woah, are you okay? You don't look so good? Want me to take you to the infirmary?" Ally asked, her toothbrush hanging from her mouth and white foam gathering upon her lips. I smiled slightly; it was just a dream…it was only a dream.

"I'm fine, that's the last time we fall asleep watching CSI though!" I said while standing from my bed. That had to be the only explanation for such a vivid and dark dream; yeah…that was it. That mixed with my conversation about Chase with Reid and having enough junk food in my stomach to feed the school must have been just the mixture to allow for such a dream to enter my subconscious.

"Fair enough, well hurry up and get ready for class, you got fifteen minutes." Ally said while returning to the sink. I began my routine scramble to get ready for class all while keeping my dream from replaying in my mind; which was interesting to have happen. Most dreams I forget the second I wake up and if I do by chance remember it; it's only in bits and pieces. The fragments of the dream often left scattered about my thoughts. But this dream or I should say this nightmare was as real to my mind now as it was as the dream took place. This certainly was a new way to start the day; recovering from a dream was definitely new for me. I hope that the morning wouldn't serve as how the rest of the day would be.

"I need a coffee." I sighed.


Weeks had gone by and I was literally drained from that nightmare that had been haunting my dreams nearly every night since it first appeared. Everyone was so eager preparing themselves for graduation, but I haven't had the energy to even think about graduation or the plans that follow; let alone get excited about it. How could I when I keep seeing my boyfriend and friend get brutally hurt every time I close my eyes?

I had decided that perhaps I should sit down and discuss this with my mother; It was still hard to think this was some glimpse into the future…mainly because Chase hasn't even made his presence known again in the halls of Spencer Academy; if he was the evil that plagued my brother's life last year…he sure wasn't giving any indications that he would do the same this year. But then again, in my dream I knew without a doubt that this was the same Chase that practically ruined my brother's life. Mainly because I looked at him and felt fear; the same fear I bet my brother experienced last year when facing him. In my dream I could also see the revenge plot reflecting in his very expression; he wanted nothing else but to get back at Caleb…through me

Was this all in my head? I just didn't know what to think or do; I couldn't escape this dream and part of me felt that if I did finally escape it; that it would seek me out in reality. I felt horrible that everyone around had noticed my anxiousness and fatigue from this reoccurring nightmare. I could feel their concerned eyes on me every moment of the day and I could hear them talking, expressing how unsure they were about my state.

"Baby, you need to eat something." Reid whispered in my ear. I then allowed my mind to take in the fact I was sitting at the dinner table at a local pizzeria. Tyler and Ally were sitting across from me; forcing themselves not to stare. Great; I had become the buzz-kill to the double date we had planned for the night.

"I am." I said while picking up a slice of the cheese pizza. I couldn't help but cringe at the sight of grease dripping from the pizza and onto my plate. The smell was horrendous; but of course if I didn't eat this, they'd label it another example of how I am not acting like myself or how a trip to the doctor might be in order. Truth be told, I didn't know what was going on with me. I haven't felt like myself and I just didn't want to believe that such a horrible nightmare could actually be a glimpse into the future. I couldn't believe it and yet the thought was ever-present in the back of my mind.

This was becoming too much to keep to myself; especially when I couldn't even look at Tyler without instantly thinking of how badly he was injured by Chase in my dream. I had to at least say something…despite my fear of being thought of as crazy; I had to explain myself. I looked around, their eyes on me as if they already expected me to give some explanation as to what has been going on lately.

"Guys…there's something I need to tell you." I said while placing the pizza slice back onto my plate. There was no way I was going to eat that.

"Reid I knew it! You two are having too much sex! The girl can't catch a break! You need to cool it, you're not rabbits!" Ally yelled; a few sets of eyes fell onto our table which was conveniently placed in the middle of the dinning area.

"WHAT! That's soooo not where I was going with that!" I quickly replied, blushing from the sheer embarrassment. I looked over at Reid who had a childish grin upon his face just as Tyler now had.

"Hey it's not just me! She starts it." Reid said with a smirk. I shook my head; well thank you for that wonderful contribution to the conversation Reid.

"ANYWAYS! I've been…a little out of it lately." I started. My nervous fingers grabbing a handful of my black skirt to fiddle with as I faced the intent glances from my friends.

"A little?" Tyler asked sarcastically.

"I've been having…this nightmare. It's pretty intense…to say the least."

"Was it like realistic? I mean, there weren't any unicorns or anything in it was there?" Tyler asked.

"No, this was very realistic, that's why it scares me so much. I keep having the same nightmare over and over again. It won't stop." I finally announced only to get an unexpected response.

"It won't stop until it actually happens." Tyler said.

"Looks like Caleb was right." Reid sighed. I raised an eyebrow as Tyler nodded his head.

"Care to explain?" I asked. Why was it Caleb always had some knowledge about things but never shared it with me? This whole, being viewed as too young to understand business, was really getting old.

"Caleb told us, before he left with Sarah and you enrolled into Spencer Academy, that you were supposed to have some gift of foresight. He said your mother swore that it had skipped this generation but-" Reid started but I found myself growing angry; why was I always the last to know anything that goes on in this family?

"Don't get mad Mel, he didn't want to tell you and make you worry unless we knew for sure." Tyler interrupted; sensing my aggravation.

Suddenly, it hit me. My eyes widened and I felt my breath catch itself in my throat.

"So this nightmare…is going to happen?" I asked frantically.

"Well the future is tricky…" Ally started until seeing each of us give her a look of confusion.

"What? I watched a lot of Doctor Who growing up." She added. I smiled; at least there was someone here to lighten the mood.

"Not sure of all the particulars with this, you're going to have to talk to your mom. But in the mean time, mind sharing with us what happened in your dream? So we can be prepared just in case it happens?" Tyler asked. I was hoping he would forget to ask about that part.

I looked around the restaurant, I never thought I'd ever miss a normal conversation over cheap pizza and sodas but I guess the magical life isn't all that it's cracked up to be. I can remember being so jealous of Caleb when he would spend time around the rest of the guys and talk about magic and powers. I would peek through the windows of the house just to catch a glimpse of their secret gatherings; I wanted so bad to be a part of it. But here I was, right smack in the middle of it and I couldn't help but wish I for that blissful ignorance I once had.

"That guy I met in the hallways, Chase attacked Nicky's bar; us to be specific. It didn't end well." I was purposefully vague; I didn't know how beneficial it was just yet to tell them the details of Chase's attack.

"You met Chase in the hallways?" Tyler asked strongly.

"It's still unclear if who she met was the same Chase that we know." Reid said while helping himself to another slice of pizza. He and Ally were continuing their onslaught on the pizza; as if this was nothing but another typical conversation. Tyler and I were the ones who found it impossible to eat given the circumstances.

"Oh it is, why else would he make himself known to Melanie of all people. Chase is back and we need to prepare ourselves for the worse." Tyler said sternly; I've never seen him so serious before but I guess he knew just about as well as Caleb did about the threat Chase posed to us all.

"Well, we're out of here guys, I think I'm going to take Melanie to her house to talk to her mom so we can better understand how this whole seeing into the future thing works. Meet back up with you later?" Reid asked while standing.

"Sure, no problem." Tyler replied.

"I'll see you back at the dorm Mel." Ally said as I stood and followed Reid out of the building and into the humid, yet refreshing evening air. I took in a deep breath and then turned to Reid.

"Shall we visit dear mother?" Reid flashed a smile. I quickly found myself smiling in return. Reid has proven throughout the entire 6 months that we've spent together that he is always there to bring a smile to my face; which was something that meant more to me in times like this than anything else.

I felt myself walking towards him and pushing him gently against the brick pillar that was nearest us.

"Don't start something you can't finish Red." Reid purred as I rose onto my tip toes and leaned into him; my lips pressed gently against his. I felt his ands rest upon my hips as I felt his lips matching every action of my own. The attraction between us was undeniable; every time I closed my eyes and felt his lips upon mine I felt dizzy with ecstasy.

"Get a room." I heard Tyler's voice say as I peeked my eyes open. He and Ally were smiling while walking towards her car. I felt Reid's lips curl into a smile before our lips parted.

"Remember to give that girl a break Reid! Geez!" Ally added before they closed the car doors behind them.

"When are you going to tell them that you're usually the one who starts it?" Reid chuckled. I placed a final kiss upon his lips; I could never quite get enough of his touch.

"Oh I can't tell them that. You're just going to have to take one for the team baby." I said while walking towards the hummer that took Reid half an hour to convince Tyler into letting him borrow yet again.

"You're so damn beautiful when you walk away." Reid called before following my steps.

"Oh shut up." I laughed before climbing into the elevated leather seat.

We soon drove off in the direction of the one place I should fear the least but tonight the circumstances had changed. I was so apprehensive to know more about this so called gift of mine; I just kept thinking of my relative who shared this gift with me. She lost her mind because of being given the ability to see into the future. Would I be doomed to suffer the same fate?

Having only had the gift for a few weeks; I couldn't assume that I knew the full extent of the mental and emotional toll this gift had upon a person, but I had an idea. Ever since I started having that dream I felt like a shell of my former self. It's like I've been afraid to live my normal life because part of me thought the second I allowed the nightmare to slip away from my thoughts; it would surely come true.

Chase. His very face was imprinted on my mind; every cold and calculating glance he had was peering right into my very soul. His face that was once so handsome, gentle and kind upon our first meeting had completely changed in the presence of my thoughts and dreams. He scared me. My nightmare scared me…but most of all the thought of this happening in reality scared me most of all.

I wondered what my mother would have to say about all of this? I realized we were about to find out as the hummer engine grumbled to a stop.

"Whatever we find out, you just keep in mind that we're in this together. We can handle anything together." Reid said; his hands grazing the side of my face tucked in the shadows of the night.

"You've been so good to me Reid; I'm just sorry that I can't be…normal." I said. I had this conversation with Ally; Reid has been surrounded by magic and all the complications that come with it his entire life, he'd eventually decide that normal isn't a bad idea in one area of his life. This has to be draining for him; not the typical teen romance most people crave in their final high school days.

"Do I really look like the type to go for normal?" He said while allowing his eyes to go as dark as the shadows surrounding us. He was allowing his powers to twirl his cell phone in the air without as much as a blink of an eye.

"Well…maybe not." I grinned.

"Don't you add our relationship to your worries Red…I'm here and there's no other place I'd rather be." He could be so romantic and charming; I often wondered if that was part of the magical abilities of the sons of Ipswich. I watched as his cell phone slowly lower itself into the cup holder and his eyes slowly fade to a normal appearance.

"Now let's go find out what kickass powers my baby has." Reid said while cheerfully jumping from his seat and onto the ground outside. I shook my head before laughing; oh how I loved him.

Author's Note: Things are getting interesting! Please drop a review if you have a moment to do so!

HapaDoll: I'm going to maintain these long updates for sure, I think everyone enjoys a good lengthy read I know I do so I'll keep with it even though this chapter was a wee bit short compared to the others but I wanted to get this out, i'll update later today or tomorrow to make up for it! You read my mind, Reid is so endearing I love his type and the thought of him trying to impress and be on his best behavior for the parents, well it makes my heart skip a beat lol! Brandy is a touchy subject for Reid but I think you already like the idea of her role in the story now even without her there. Glad you liked the awkward family dinner too I could not IMAGINE how pissed Caleb would be seeing his little sister with Reid it cracks me up! I sent you a good long PM hope it found its way to you! Reply whenever you can my friend! Thanks for reviewing!