A/N Once again I'm sorry for the really long wait, lately I've just not been able to put a chapter together on anything. Hopefully this chapter doesn't completely suck I'll try to get the next one out as soon as possible. I know where I want the story to go it's just a matter of putting the pieces together so to speak, lol

"So how was everyone's day? Asked Randy placing the bowl of potatoes onto the table, since he'd got home things had been pretty quiet then again that seemed to be the norm these days. Stephanie had been rather distant from him recently he wasn't sure what he'd done wrong. Randy had been meaning to ask her however every time he tried to talk something else always got in the way.

"Fine" Smiled Stephanie

"Glad to hear it" Half smiled Randy yes he knew something was definitely wrong, he watched her play with her food on the plate she looked deep in thought. At one time he could read her like a book knowing exactly what she was thinking, lately things had been different it's like they were drifting apart. Randy didn't want to think about that, he was going to ask her what was wrong tonight, he was probably just imaging things. Or maybe he was a fool trying to convince himself everything was perfect when he knew things weren't.

"How was work Randy?" Asked Kurt

"It was fine not much happened, just the usual I guess, thanks for asking, and Kurt you know you can call me Dad"

"Yeah of course" Smiled Kurt

Paul rolled his eyes at that, could his father make it any more blatantly obvious that he favored his soon to be Stepson to his own son. Things were so strained between them. It was times like these Paul wished he could have lived with his mother, then again she wasn't perfect. He hated to admit it but he felt his mother didn't care even care, she hadn't even called nor had he heard from her since she left seven years ago. Apparently she'd spoke to his father a few years ago but since then nothing. It hurt to think his mother never cared or maybe she did, was it that Randy was such an asshole she couldn't even bear to come down and see her son.

"Listen I was thinking you boys could go out tonight, perhaps watch a movie together or something" Said Randy

"A movie" Asked Paul not quite believing his father had suggested that

"Yeah what's wrong with that it will be nice spending some time with your brother"

"He's not my brother

"Well Stepbrother then" Stated Randy "It will be good for you both……..I'll even pay for it"

"I think it will be fun" Said Kurt who quickly went back to eating after the death glare he received from Paul

"That's the spirit, besides neither of you want to be stuck at home on a Friday night" Added Randy

"If I have to go to the movies does that mean I can have the car?" Asked Paul, if he had to be stuck with his Stepbrother for the evening he wanted his car. Maybe then he could bring Shawn and ditch.

"Well…….."

"Of course, you just stay out of trouble though ok" Warned Stephanie

"You can have the car just for tonight, if you get into any trouble at all that will be the last you see of the car you understand me"

"Gotcha" Said Paul sarcastically

A few hours later and it was just Stephanie and Randy, the boys had left about an hour ago leaving Randy to find out exactly what was bothering Stephanie. Randy was in the kitchen debating what to say to her the alone time reminded him of a rather unpleasant moment…..

Flashback

Randy watched as Paul slept soundly in his bed, it was nearly midnight and way past his own bedtime. Randy wasn't sure what to feel anymore everything seemed to be happening so fast, he'd heard from Jane last week she was asking how Paul was getting on, of course he'd lied to her Paul wasn't happy at all. His grades were suffering and he'd become awfully withdrawn, Randy knew he should be a parent and ask what was bothering his son but he just couldn't, hell he didn't even know were to start. They were arguing all the time and the tension was incredibly thick. Randy assumed it was the change and Paul was still getting used to it, they hadn't been spending much time together at all. One thing he had been noticing though was things starting to change when he got more hours at the office. Randy wasn't able to see his son as much anymore, instead he trusted his friend Kevin to look after him when he couldn't.

Randy stepped inside of the bedroom gently sitting on the edge of the bed, Paul was sound asleep cuddled up into the duvet, he always looked so peaceful when he was like that. Randy felt the mattress shift as Paul turned to his side the duvet edging up showing Paul's shirt. Randy gently rubbed his back when he noticed Paul flinch, confused, Randy gently pulled Paul's shirt up horrified by what he saw. Paul had bruises on his back with a few noticeable welts on his lower back. Randy quickly got up and left the room not quite believing what he had discovered…..

End Flashback

"Randy…….Randy" Shouted Stephanie approaching him "Is everything ok you looked miles away"

"Of course everything's fine" Said Randy putting on a smile he knew Stephanie had seen right through him, she knew something was bothering him but he just couldn't tell her the truth she'd hate him for it.

"I was going to make myself a coffee can I get you anything?"

"No I'm fine….I'll just be in the living room" Said Randy quickly leaving the kitchen, he sat down on the sofa clasping his hands together he was nervous not really knowing what to say to her. Part of him was worried he'd find out something he didn't want to hear, was she cheating on him? Had she found someone else? Randy watched her come into the living room she held the hot cup of coffee in her hands. Stephanie carefully sat down onto the sofa holding the cup and blowing the liquid before taking a sip. She smiled at Randy placing it down.

"Stephanie sweetie is everything ok between us" Asked Randy gently grabbing her hand, his voice was thick and hoarse he cleared his throat awaiting her response

"Of course why wouldn't it be" lied Stephanie

" I don't know things just seem a little different lately between us I just want to make sure everything is ok, because you'd tell me if something was bothering you, right?"

"……Of course I would" Said Stephanie

"I want us to be completely honest with each other……no secrets"

"What are you trying to say Randy?"

"Are you keeping something from me?" Asked Randy

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't lie I know something's bothering you, the past few weeks you've been avoiding me, we don't talk properly anymore what's changed"

"It's nothing really……." Said Stephanie

"That's bullshit I'm not stupid……..just please I want to know what's wrong, whatever it is I'll be there for you. But I can't help or do anything about it when your distancing yourself away from me" Said Randy trying to keep his temper in check "Please tell me what's wrong"

Stephanie didn't want to lie to him, he'd completely put her on the spot she either said something now and heard his version of the story or kept the peace. Then there was Paul god he'd hate her if she said anything, he was finally starting to trust her by breaking her promise she knew he'd never trust her again. Time was running out as she could see Randy starting to lose his patience, it was now or never.

"Stephanie……..please" Said Randy pleading with her to tell the truth

"Ok……."