Raina fell asleep soon after Shepard helped her into bed. The pain medication given to her by the hospital kicked in fast. Mia is by her side not wanting to leave for anything.

Liara is busy working with the caterers. Shepard is helping by moving furniture this way and that to make room for everyone. Raina was insistent that the party go on. It is a going away party for Mark and Oriana Curtis. Mark accepted a position in New York and they are leaving for Earth in two days.

Arelia and Miranda are the first to arrive with their kids Shayna and baby Rose. The moment they entered the door Eva grabbed Shayna and whisked her away to the play area in the family room. The way the furniture has been moved the family room is split into two sections, one for the kids and one for the adults.

Sitting Arelia makes herself comfortable while everyone oohs and ahhhs over how cute Rose is. Her skin tone is lighter than Arelia's. She is a paler shade of blue and her eyes are blue/green in color. The Doctors say the eye color could still change, but Arelia hopes it doesn't. It suits her. While Liara sits with Arelia, Miranda is talking with Shepard.

"…then she will continue her research there. The lab is already set up apparently," says Miranda.

She has been talking to Shepard for about two minutes and she has not been responding at all, no head nod no smile nothing to indicate she is even listening. "So I heard they found the leader of Scorpion."

No reply.

"Yeah they caught her and they are going to hang her in the middle of the Alliance base in New York."

"That's nice," says Shepard.

Miranda touches her arm and when she looks at her says, "What's going on?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"You haven't heard a word I have said in the last five minutes Shepard."

"What? That's not true."

"So what did I say? And why do you keep looking at the stairwell?"

"Sorry Miranda."

"What is going on?"

"Raina and Mia were attacked today by some bullies at school."

"What? We had no idea, is she alright I mean are…"

"They are both fine. Raina took the worst of it. They broke her arm and her ribs."

"You have got to be kidding me."

"Shayna ever complain about bullies?"

"No never."

"Well apparently three asari kids walk around recess to pick on other kids. There is little adult supervision based on what Mia told me and today Mia was their target. Only Raina stepped in and took the beating instead."

"And you're sure she is okay?"

"Yeah she is upstairs asleep. Mia won't leave her side. She didn't want us to cancel the party."

"She's like you Shepard."

Knitting her brows, "What do you mean?"

"She wants things to move on even if it is without her."

Shepard thinks on that for a minute. When she doesn't reply Miranda grows concerned that she perhaps insulted her somehow.

"Shepard are you okay?"

"Huh? Yeah yeah fine. If you don't mind Miranda, I am going to go check on her."

"Of course. Let me know if I can do anything."

"Thanks." Shepard sets her drink of water down on the kitchen counter and walks upstairs. She finds Mia reading in Raina's room. Raina is asleep and by the look of her she has not moved since Shepard tucked her in.

"Hey sport." She keeps her voice down and sits on the floor next to Mia. "How is she?"

"Hi Dad. She seems okay now."

"What do you mean now?"

"I think she was having a bad dream. She starting squirming a little in her bed and was talking in her sleep. So I touched her shoulder and she calmed down."

"She is lucky to have you." Shepard shifts her gaze from Raina to Mia when she hears Mia crying. "Hey hey, come here." She wraps her arm around her daughter who snuggles up to her. "What's this about?"

"I…I am sorry Dad."

"For what honey?"

"For being so mad about Raina getting her fun day with Mom."

"I wouldn't worry about that now honey."

Wiping her cheeks she sits up to face her father. "What's gonna happen to me?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"I used biotics Dad. Are they gonna kick me out of school?"

Shepard had not thought of that. It is a strict rule. The kids cannot use biotics outside of school or supervised skyball games. But surely they would make an exception because she used it in self-defense. She has not been in touch with the school since the incident. Seeing as school hours are over she knows she will probably have to wait until after the weekend to hear about how they plan on punishing the three bullies.

"I don't think so honey."

"But you don't know for sure do you?"

"Mia." Shepard places both hands on her shoulders. "No matter what happens you did the right thing. You protected yourself and your sister."

This makes Mia cry harder. She hugs her Dad.

"Shh it's okay honey."

"No it's not. I didn't ….I didn't protect her Dad."

"What would you call it then?"

"She tried to ….she tried to get me to come with her, but I refused." Mia sits up again to look at her Dad, "I refused because I was still mad at her. I'm sorry Dad I am so sorry." She hugs her again.

Shepard doesn't say more she just holds her daughter while she cries.

Liara enters Raina's room with a plate of food that smells wonderful.

"Oh sorry Liara," Shepard kisses Mia on her crest than stands up. Her tears are finally dry.

"It's okay. We have started dinner downstairs, everyone is here." Her eyes look to Raina. "How is she?"

"Sleeping like a baby."

"I brought you some dinner Mia."

"Thanks Ma Ma. I don't want to leave her."

"I thought as much. But you may sometime tonight want to say hello to Dava and Shayna."

Shepard moves items out of the way on Raina's desk. Liara sets down the tray. She catches Shepard's hand, "Come down when you can." Liara kisses Mia on the cheek then does the same to Raina before leaving.

"Well sport are you going to be okay?"

"Yes Dad." Mia is already sitting at the desk getting ready to dig in.

"Okay. I will check on you after dinner. You come down if you need anything alright?"

"I will Dad thanks."

Shepard joins everyone at the dinner table. She missed the arrival of Mark, Oriana, Valya, Dara and their child Dava.

"Hi everyone, sorry I am late."

"No problem Shepard," says Mark.

"Thank you so much both of you," says Oriana holding up her glass. "To Shepard and Liara for hosting our going away. Thank you."

Everyone raises their glasses then clinks it with the people near them before drinking.

Liara filled us in on what happened today," says Valya, "any word on what's happening with those kids?"

"Those girls are awful," says Dava. She is sitting with Shayna and Eva toward the end of the table.

Shepard can feel the heat rising within her. She does not like that she cannot do anything about it. "I don't think we will know until after the weekend."

"I hope they are all expelled," says Dara. "It is completely unacceptable to have that occur on school grounds.

"I agree," says Liara.

"Mia is worried that she will get expelled," says Shepard.

Practically the whole table stares at her in disbelief.

"Why?" asks Miranda.

"Well she used biotics to defend herself," says Shepard. "There are strict rules against not using them outside of supervision."

"Do you really think we should be concerned Elly?" asks Liara.

Shepard takes her hand in hers, "I'm not sure."

"Well the school should have an emergency meeting tomorrow," says Dara. "I don't care if it is a weekend. This kind of thing should not wait. Those kids need to be taught a lesson. They need to be taught that there are consequences to their actions."

"Agreed," says Liara.

"Will you let us know what happens if it is not resolved before we leave?" asks Oriana.

"Of course," says Liara. "We will keep all of you informed."

The rest of the dinner is spent discussing the goings on in the world, what Mark is excited about with his new job and where the two are going to live.

"We will live in the housing the Alliance provides," says Mark.

"So you will be on campus then?" asks Miranda. She cannot picture her sister living in a small home after living at the estate for so many years.

"It's housing off base but in a neighborhood with other Alliance soldiers."

"I can show you pictures if you want Miri," says Oriana. It is obvious she is excited. Oriana has always handled change well.

With dinner finished the kids make their way to the family room. The adults stay out of the kitchen to allow the catering company to clear the table and clean up. They take their places in the family room in the section away from the children.

"Hey Mia, everything okay?" Shepard caught her coming down the stairs out of the corner of her eye.

"Yeah. I wanted to bring my plate down."

"Is Raina awake?"

"Yeah."

"Does she want something to eat?" asks Liara who joined them.

"She is still pretty tired but yeah, she said she could eat."

Liara touches Shepard's shoulder, "I'll get it." Liara takes Mia's plate and makes her way to the kitchen to fix a plate for Raina. There are plenty of leftovers.

"Hey. Do you want to play with your friends for a while?" Shepard can tell she wants to but looks conflicted. She kneels down. "I'll tell you what. How about I go sit with your sister for a while and you say hello to Shayna and Dava?"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. You go ahead."

Mia gives her Dad a quick peck on the cheek and joins her friends.

"I can take it if you want Liara," says Shepard when she sees her bondmate with a plate of food headed for the stairs.

"Let's both go." Liara winks at her and heads upstairs.

Shepard looks at their guests. She sees Valya looking at her. She points upstairs and Valya nods knowing she will be back soon.

When she reaches Raina's room she finds her sitting up and taking her first bite. She looks very sleepy.

"How ya doing kiddo?" asks Shepard.

Raina swallows, "Good."

"Do you want me to sit with her?"

"May I Elly?" asks Liara. She is concerned and has not been able to spend any time with Raina since they have been home.

Smiling Shepard kisses Liara's cheek, "Of course." She approaches Raina and kisses her crest. "You take it easy okay?"

"I will."

Shepard heads downstairs.

"….nice to meet him Mark," says Arelia.

"And he is from the Alliance?" asks Miranda.

"Yes," says Mark. "Do you want me to bring him by tomorrow Arelia or do you want to come to the office to meet Tim?"

She and Miranda exchange looks. "I will come to the office. I want to pick up a few things anyway so I can do some work from home," says Arelia.

"Sounds good."

"She okay Shepard?" asks Valya. She joins the human just outside of the kitchen away from the guests while still giving the caterers space to clean up.

"Yeah." She shakes her head.

"What is it?"

"You're a cop, you tell me. What happens to those damn kids?"

"I am not sure. I suspect the school will hand out punishment and…"

The doorbell rings. "What if I want to press charges?" asks Shepard as she knits her brows wondering who would be at the door. She walks toward it, Valya follows.

"I can look into for you …" her voice trails off when Shepard opens the door.

It is a small asari girl standing between two adults, one asari and one turian.

"Can I help you?" Shepard is on auto-pilot when she answers the door. But now from the feeling in her gut she knows who the little asari must be.

"Hello," it's the Turian speaking. "I am sorry we did not know you had company."

Shepard feels heat rising within. She does not invite them in. She doesn't say anything.

The Turian clears his throat. It is obvious he recognizes her and now seems a bit nervous. It is one thing to know you are visiting the home of a legend, it is quite another to actually be standing face to face in front of her. He nudges the little asari with his hand.

Shepard looks down at her. She is violet in color, a lighter shade than her mother who she suspects is the adult asari that has not said a word.

"I…" the little asari's lip starts to quiver.

"Spit it out," says the adult asari and not too nicely.

Feeling a twinge of …could it be guilt? Shepard says, "Would you like to come in?"

The Turian speaks, "We don't want to intrude on your evening." Once the words left his mouth he knows it is too late, obviously they have already intruded.

"Please come in." She looks at Valya. Valya knows what she wants and she heads upstairs to get Liara.

The three step inside the house. The little asari looks incredibly nervous like she is about to throw up nervous.

"Sorry for all of the commotion, we just finished dinner."

"It is kind of you to invite us in, we won't take up too much of your time," it's the adult asari speaking now. "We heard…"

"Elly what is going on?"

Shepard turns from the three, "This is my bondmate Dr. Liara T'Soni. I am Elly Shepard." She extends her hand. Since the incident all she has felt is rage and all she has wanted is for the bullies to burn. Okay maybe not burn but at least be kicked out of school and a nice spanking would be good. But seeing this family in front of her now, she is surprised that she feels empathy for them.

The Turian male takes her hand and gives it a firm shake. "I am Tolan. This is my bondmate, Shia and our daughter Caressa."

"How do you do," says Liara. She shakes their hands as well. She and Shepard exchange a quick look. "Why don't we step in here," she gestures to little Aethyta's room. The baby is with her Grandfather at the moment.

The guests can see that there are new visitors to the home. They all look their way.

Liara smiles at them as the three enter the bedroom. She and Shepard follow and close the door.

"I apologize we do not have larger accommodations," says Liara.

"We are so sorry to intrude," says Shia.

Clearing his throat again Tolan says, "We heard from Caressa what happened today at school. She has something she wants to say."

The tension in the air is so thick you can cut it with an omni-blade. Shepard feels for this little girl. She doesn't want to but she does. It is quite obvious how nervous the little one is and this is not exactly a fun way to meet new people.

The little asari steps forward. She is wringing her hands and looking down. "I…I am sorry."

Shia makes a noise and the little one jumps a little. She looks up at Shepard and Liara, "I am very sorry for hurting Raina and Mia."

Without realizing it Shepard in a not so nice tone asks, "Why did you do it?" She didn't mean to sound so mean but at the same time what is done is done. Her little girl was hurt after all. She feels Liara's hand in hers and feels a warning squeeze. A warning to keep her cool.

The little one's lip starts to quiver again.

"Answer her," says Tolan and his tone is not so nice either which makes Shepard feel a bit conflicted.

All the little girl can do is shrug her shoulders.

Shepard looks up at the parents and notices that Shia is crying and Tolan just seems embarrassed and angry all at once. She wonders what Caressa told her parents. She gives the little asari credit for taking responsibility.

"I…I'm sorry," she says again.

Two sides are fighting within Shepard right now. One side wants to shake this little girl and make her answer. Make her tell her why she has to be mean and pick on other kids. The other side wants to hold her and tell her it's okay. She does not like this feeling one bit. She feels Liara's hand on her shoulder.

The room is silent a very uncomfortable silence.

"She.." he clears his throat again, "Caressa would like to apologize to Raina and M…"

"No."

Shepard is surprised. Her voice sounds remarkably like Liara's then she realizes it is Liara who spoke.

"Thank you for coming by but seeing our daughters is out of the question tonight," says Liara. She uses a tone that says don't you dare question me.

Shia nods her head in respect, "Of course. Thank you for seeing us. We will leave you to your guests."

"I want to say sorry!" Caressa stomps her foot.

Ah yes the feeling of rage that was disintegrating has boiled up very quickly within Shepard. She suddenly is not fond of this little girl at all.

"You keep quiet young lady," says Tolan. He takes her arm and looks at Shepard and Liara.

Liara taps Shepard on the shoulder and they open the door to the bedroom and exit. The three follow them to the front door.

They hear a gasp. "What is she doing here?" It's Mia.

Instead of looking at her daughter, Shepard looks at Caressa and sees the look in her eye. She is not sorry; she just said those words because her parents made her. She even sees the girl give Mia a small smile perhaps an evil grin. She wonders if her eyes are playing tricks on her.

Liara is at Mia's side, "Calm down honey." The guests have started to move closer

"What do you say Caressa?" It's Tolan.

The little girl's face changes. It is as if she has put on a mask. She smiles ever so sweetly and steps forward, her eyes never moving from Mia's. "I am so sorry I picked on you Mia and that I hurt you and your sister."

Shepard does not take her eyes off the little girl. She cannot believe what she is seeing. She wonders how these parents allowed her to get so out of control. She wonders how the girl learned to be such a good little manipulator.

Liara does not make Mia say anything which Shepard is grateful for. They never discussed what would happen if one of the bullies stopped by to apologize. If Shepard thought the girl actually meant it she might say something to Mia like say it's okay or something. But now all Shepard wants to do is throw this girl over her knee.

Liara wonders why Shepard is concentrating her gaze on the little girl. She puts her hand on Mia's shoulder.

Mia does not say a word. The silence is eerie.

Shepard breaks the silence finally by saying, "Thank you for stopping by."

Tolan and Shia get the message, their intrusion is over.

"Thank you."

Everyone looks to Mia shocked that she said anything. She and Caressa nod to each other as if they have reached some type of unspoken understanding. Mia's gaze never faltered and in that moment Shepard swelled with pride.

Shepard opens the front door and the three walk out.

"Are you okay honey?" Liara kneels next to Mia.

"Yes Ma Ma."

"That was very adult of you to thank her like that honey."

"Thanks."

Shayna and Dava want to see Mia. They leave their parents side and walk toward her. Mia notices. She smiles. "Can I go play?"

"Of course you can honey," says Liara. She stands and Shepard gives her a kiss on the cheek. "That was unexpected."

"You can say that again." Shepard turns to their guests, "Okay all the fun is over go back to your business," she says it with a smile on her face. Everyone laughs a little and returns to their discussions.

"I am going to check on Raina." Shepard quickly ascends the stairs to check on her oldest daughter. She pops her head in and sees Raina fighting to stay awake, the tray on her lap sliding a little. Shepard takes the tray and sets in on her desk. "You get enough to eat?"

Raina lifts her head, "She was here wasn't she?"

"Yes. They just left."

"She didn't mean it you know."

"I know."

Raina looks at her father closely, "You do know don't you?"

Shepard nods.

"What did you see?"

"Don't you worry about that now kiddo, you need your rest."

Raina slowly scoots down under the covers with a wince. Once settled she asks, "Please tell me Dad."

Shepard sits on her bed and takes her hand. "It's more what I didn't see. She apologized but I could tell she didn't mean it." Shepard thought the parents seemed okay but it is obvious they have a very difficult child on their hands and they don't seem to be handling it well at all.

"What's gonna happen to her?" Raina's eyes start to close.

"I am not sure honey. Hopefully we will find out after the weekend."

She is fast asleep. Shepard kisses her hand then her forehead, grabs her tray and leaves her to sleep.

The rest of the evening went well. It didn't take long for everyone to forget the intrusion they focused on telling stories about the good 'ole days. It was nice to hear more about Miranda and Oriana. Her past is something Miranda does not speak about often.

Everyone left at a late hour. Hugs and kisses and well wishes were given to Mark and Oriana with the promise of keeping in touch and visits. Shepard hopes it's true. She knows how hard this is on Miranda. The ex-Cerberus operative kept it together very well tonight only tearing up a few times.

With the guests gone and the caterers gone, the kitchen cleaned and the furniture returned to its normal positions, Shepard and Liara are in bed ready for sleep.

"I know this is not a kind thing to say," says Liara, "but I did not like that little girl."

Shepard snuggles close to her bondmate laying her head on her chest, her leg over Liara's. "I didn't like her either."

"It took great courage to come over here like that. Tolan was very nervous. I blame you for that."

Shepard looks up. She knows Liara is kidding.

"You are very scary in person Elly in case you have forgotten."

Shepard kisses her breast and lies her head back down. "I didn't scare her one bit though." She kisses Liara's breast again then looks up at her. "Raina knew she didn't mean it."

"The apology?"

"Yep."

"What do you think will happen?"

"They better kick her violet butt out of school."

"Elly." Liara playfully slaps at her.

Shepard moves on top of Liara and latches onto her breast, her tongue rounding her blue nipple ever so softly. Liara lets out of soft sigh. "Let's not talk about it anymore."

"Agreed," says Liara as she arches into her bondmate's touch.