AN: Sorry this took so long, but I felt like I kept hitting a road block. Thank you everyone who has been patiently waiting. I don't want to hold you from the chapter too long, but I do have two request.

1. I have Elise and Chloe's costumes in mind for the Halloween chapter, but I need ideas for everyone else.

2. I'm having trouble really nailing Ethan's character so feedback on his character would be beneficial.

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"The comeback is always stronger than the setback."

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Mattea led Ethan into the apartment. "Make yourself at home." By this point everything was just a dull ache reminding her that she still had to explain what happened to her mother.

"Thank you," Ethan replied timidly.

"You're welcome to watch tv while I take a shower," Mattea said pointing to the tv where a stack of DVDs sat. Noticing Ethan didn't make a move towards the tv Mattea continued, "What's your favorite show?"

"Doctor Who." Even though he looked down when he said it Mattea still caught the glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"Mine too," She exclaimed pulling out one of the several seasons sitting on the shelf. "Is this okay?"

Ethan nodded. Mattea popped the DVD in and got everything set up. She waited until Ethan was sitting down, enthralled with the characters on the tv before heading for the shower.

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Mattea was in the mood for a scalding shower, but based on the bruises that now littered her jaw she decided that scalding water might not be the best. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror Mattea gently pulled up her shirt. She winced at the dark purple that painted the left side of her body. She was sore, but it didn't hurt enough for her to be concerned. Next she looked at her face. The corner of her lip and down was red and slowly turning a dark blue. On top of that there were trickles of dried blood that had dripped from where her lip busted. The swelling around said cut was making it slightly painful to talk. Mattea grabbed a clean wash cloth and ran it under cold water. The cold rag offered a small relief as she gently cleaned the blood from her mouth. The red looked out of place on the white cloth.

Mattea's phone dinged from its spot on the toilet lid. "Are you okay?" Caitlin texted.

She dropped the rag and typed out her reply. "I'm fine. Fixing to take a shower and then nap. Might not text for awhile." She knew if she didn't say that Caitlin would text her all night.

Setting her phone down, Mattea got ready for her shower. If she couldn't have a hot shower a cold one would have to do. The freezing water felt like knives in her skin; she loved it. Allowing the water to surround her like a welcoming hug, Mattea took in a staggered breath and let the tears fall. The time ticked by as she sobbed. She stayed in the shower until everything was numb. Putting on her comfiest pjs and throwing her hair up into a pony tail she made her way back into the living room. Ethan had taken residence in the floor with a blanket and pillow.

"Would you like anything to eat?" Mattea asked standing near his feet.

It was merely a twitch, but Mattea got the message. Being careful to not trip on Ethan's feet Mattea made her way to the couch and tried her best to curl up.

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What Emily stepped into when she got home was not what she had been expecting. With Alex right behind her Emily skidded to a sudden stop. Mattea was still curled up on the couch slightly snoring with a notebook tucked under one arm. Ethan had his head propped up on a pillow. He was so absorbed in his show he didn't even notice the the two new people enter the room.

Emily gasped when she saw Mattea's face. "What happened?"

Ethan was startled and turned to the two adults. "You can keep watching," Alex spoke softly.

At the same time Mattea mumbled and turned in her sleep. Her eyes cracked open and immediately widened when she realized her mom was home. Emily made her way over the couch. "It's okay," She soothed.

Alex remained awkwardly by the door watching Ethan who seemed unfazed at the moment due to a particular interest scene on tv. "I'm sorry," Mattea whispered.

Emily sat on the couch and pulled Mattea into her lap. "What are you sorry for?"

"I'm not tough like you," Mattea whimpered.

Emily frowned as her fingertips ghosted over the bruise on her daughters jaw. "You are so tough baby."

Mattea shook her head. "I stopped them, but I got hurt in the process."

Emily ran her hand over Mattea's hair in a soothing fashion. "That doesn't make you weak. I get hurt all the time stopping bad guys."

"But-" Mattea chocked.

Emily gently lifted Mattea's chin so she was looking at her. "You are the strongest person I've ever met."

Mattea's face scrunched up. "Did you not see what Clyde did to that guy who touched your butt that one time? I'm still surprised he didn't press charges."

Emily shook her head. "I'm not just talking about physical strength. I'm talking mental too. You may not be able to dislocate someone's shoulder, but you would jump in front of a train to save someone without even flinching. Though I would prefer you dislocate shoulders than go jumping in front of trains."

Mattea managed a small chuckle. "I think I'll stick to using my skills of language to distract people."

"What did you say this time?" Emily asked knowing her daughter could get very creative with her words.

Mattea hesitated, so Ethan spoke instead, "Sei cazzo debole."

Alex almost laughed at the proud look that crossed Emily's face that was quickly replaced with that of a stern parent. "I'm sure they deserved it but let's try to keep the curses to ourselves. I do not need your sisters learning curses in multiple languages."

Alex cleared her throat. Emily looked suddenly remembering Alex was there. "I would like to thank you Mattea."

Mattea gave her best smile. "It was nothing. I was actually looking for Ethan today. His class reads to my youngest sister's class and she wanted to invite him to our Halloween party."

"We'll talk about it and I'll let you know in the morning," Alex replied.

Emily stood up from the couch and took a few steps towards Alex. "It's been a long day. Would you guys like to stay for dinner?"

"Chicken nuggets?" Ethan asked.

"We have the dinosaur ones," Mattea replied.

"If you're sure it's okay," Alex said.

Emily smiled. "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."

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"Stay strong, make them wonder how you're still smiling."