Thanks for being patient, my friends! It's been a crazy month! But here it is! Enjoy.

Oh, and thanks to Lilly, Luli Cullen, Angel of the Night Watchers, babydoll223 99 for your lovely reviews! Reviews make me smile =)

Chapter 25

More Confessions

The road they traveled was dark, and seeing how most holiday travelers ventured during the day, few cars were on the road with them. Snowflakes fell from the sky like rain, covering the ground in a white blanket, covering the trees that lined the long stretch highway.

From behind the wheel Rome peeked over at Bethany. She was fast asleep in the passenger seat, her head resting on the glass window. He reached over, careful to not wake her, and gently pushed the hair that had fallen over her face. She stirred but did not open her eyes. Rome smiled to himself as he turned his attention back to the road.

It had been five hours since they left Ipswich and only after the first two, Bethany had begun to get weary. So Rome took over so she could rest. She had fallen asleep almost immediately.

Now as he drove, with the soft hum of the radio, he let his mind wander. From the moment he agreed to drive with Bethany the whole seven hours to New Castle, Delaware, he had been sure that he wanted to keep her in the dark about who he really was. But now he was conflicted. Peyton had known Quinn for way less of a time than he knew Bethany, and he was in on the secret.

That's because he'd got caught up in it, Rome told himself. There was no choice but to tell him.

His gaze found her again and his heart squeezed. She looked so peacefully beautiful and most of all innocent, would it be right to bring her into his world?

Rome chewed at his lip, lost in thought.

"No," he said aloud, answering his own question. He knew it wouldn't be right to bring the girl he loved into his sometimes hectic world of power. But as he thought that, he felt that he wouldn't be without Bethany, he couldn't.

"How long was I asleep?"

Rome looked over to see Bethany smiling sleepily at him. "Hey, beautiful," he said. "You've been asleep for a few hours. How much longer do you think we have?"

She looked at the clock on the dashboard. "I'd say another hour or so. We're making great time considering this mess." She jabbed her thumb toward the window where it was a blind blur of white snow outside. Bethany leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I'm glad you came with me."

"Me too," he said, turning his head to give her a quick kiss on the lips. "You know, I never realized until tonight that you snore in your sleep."

A horrified look crossed her face and her cheeks turned a shade of pink. "I do not snore!"

Rome burst into laughter and grabbed her hand in his. "I'm kidding. You don't snore. You look like an angel."

Bethany rolled her eyes but a smile was wide on her face. "Always the charmer, Rome Garwin. How did I get so lucky?"

"I'm the lucky one," Rome said, completely serious. He lifted her hand to his and pressed his lips to her skin. "I love you so much."

"And I love hearing you say that," she laughed and rested her head on his shoulder. "I love you with all my heart. Can you believe we've only been dating for a few months? It seems like so much longer."

Rome's gaze met hers and his heart swelled with the love he felt for her. "Well, when it's right, it's right."

A car horn blared suddenly causing both of them to jump in surprise. Bethany twisted in her seat and looked out the window to see a blur of blue as a car sped around them.

"What an idiot!" Bethany yelled. "He shouldn't be driving that fast in this weather."

As if on cue, the small blue car started spinning out of control in front of them. Everything went into slow motion at that moment. Bethany's scream echoed around him as Rome slammed on the brakes, trying desperately to avoid the collision he knew was coming. He could hear the metal from the hood of the car start to crunch as it came in contact with the other car, causing the glass from the windshield to shatter. Another scream ripped from Bethany's throat but this time Rome's own scream joined hers.

In the moment of panic, he did the only thing that came to mind during that terrifying time. He tightened his grip on Bethany's hand and closed his eyes. The color of his iris' shifted from blue to a deep glowing shade of pink. The next thing he knew, they were standing just outside the line of trees, both cars sat in the middle of highway, totaled. It was bad. The front end of Bethany's Mazda was crumpled. But the other car had it worse. When Rome had tried to avoid the wreck he ended up T-boning it instead.

"Wh-what…what happened?" Bethany cried. Rome didn't have a chance to reply because just then a blood curdling scream cut through the air, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Stay here and call 911!" Rome called as he rushed toward the wreckage. As he neared the other car he could see that the man was young, maybe five years older than Rome himself, with dark hair and an even complexion.

"Help!" the man said through the broken window, spotting Rome. "I can't feel my leg."

Using his added strength from his power, Rome jerked open the jammed door and cringed at the sight. The man's leg was pinned between the seat and the steering wheel, clearly broken. He looked him over and saw a deep gash in the guy's arm and chest, a piece of thick glass stuck out of each wound. The seeping blood made his stomach churn. He prayed Bethany had called 911.

"What's your name?" Rome asked, trying to distract the guy from looking at his own leg.

"K-Kyle," he sputtered, fear and pain thick in his voice.

"Alright, Kyle, I'm gonna get you out of here," Rome promised, kneeling down so that he was eye level with the steering wheel. "Close your eyes and try to relax."

Doing as he was told, Kyle squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Rome then focused his gaze on the steering wheel that had crushed the man's leg during the crash, and called to the power that swam through his veins. Fire danced across his pupils, painting his eyes completely black. With the power, he was able to free Kyle's leg from seat and steering wheel.

Kevin cried out with a mix of relief and pain as Rome grabbed him under the arms and lifted him from the car. Bethany appeared at his side to help, and Rome noticed then that she had a few cuts on her face. Together they laid Kyle gently on the ground where he closed his eyes, face pale. Thankfully they heard the sound of an ambulance only seconds later.

Bethany buried her face in Rome's chest and began to cry. She was shaking within his embrace, but from shock or cold, he wasn't sure.

"I don't understand," she said. "One moment we were inside the car then the next thing I know we were standing here." She paused and shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Did I pass out or something?"

The ambulance and police were close now, the lights danced across Bethany's face as they came closer. He grabbed her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. "Bethany, there's something I need to tell you."

Back in Ipswich, Kelsey sat on the floor with her legs curled comfortably underneath her. She smiled to herself as soft singing drifted to her ears from the kitchen. Rylee had started her own carol of Christmas songs as she baked fresh Chocolate Chip Cookies and made several appetizers for the following night. Last year was the first year Kelsey had spent Christmas Eve with the Simms', and back then she had come as Peyton's and Rae's guest. This year she would come as Tristan's girlfriend.

Looking around the large living room, she took in all of the Christmas decorations placed lavishly by Mrs. Simms herself. A large pine tree sat in the corner of the room, draped in white lights and blue and silver ornaments that sparkled when the light hit them. Several green and red candles were placed around the room, small flames dancing on the tips. Before her, a fire crackled in the hearth spreading warmth over her body.

"What are you smiling about?" came Tristan's voice from behind her. Kelsey peeked over her shoulder at her boyfriend and smiled even more broadly. She held a single finger to her lips, shushing him and pointed to the door that separated the kitchen and the living room.

Together, they listened to his mom start to softly sing "Baby it's Cold Outside". Kelsey waited for it, knowing it was coming, and she grinned in satisfaction as Mr. Simms' voice joined his wife's in the duet.

Kelsey put a hand over her mouth to quite her giggles. "They're so cute!" she said as Tristan joined her in front of the fireplace and wrapped his arms around her.

Her giggles subsided and she drew herself closer to him, placing her head on his shoulder. She took a deep breath through her nose, inhaling his wonderful scent. She glanced at the window into the dark night and sighed. It was a blizzard outside. There was no wind and the snow fell quickly, as if determined to cover every inch of surface in the town.

"I should get home," she said, "before it get's too bad."

"Or you could just stay here with me," Tristan answered, hands moving to her thighs.

Kelsey laughed out loud as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yeah, my father would just love that." She kissed his lips, making it linger. "Can you take me home or should my dad come pick me up?"

Tristan got to his feet and pulled Kelsey up with him. "I doubt my car would make it through the snow but maybe I can take my dad's truck."

Together the two made their way to the kitchen where Rylee and Tyler had just finished their perfectly harmonized duet. Rylee looked up and smiled sweetly at her son and his girlfriend. "Cookies are almost ready. Would you want some?"

Kelsey shook her head. "No, thank you. But they smell delicious."

Tristan turned to his father who had taken a seat at the small round table across the room. A warm mug of steaming tea sat in front of him. "Dad, can I borrow your truck? I need to take Kelsey home."

"No can do, the truck's got a flat," Tyler said. He took a sip from his drink and shared a quick look with Rylee. "You could stay here if you'd like."

"Really?" Kelsey said, perking up. "I mean, I'd have to ask my parents." She grabbed her cell phone out of her pocket and left the room. The phone only rang two times before her mother, Claire answered.

"Hey mom."

"Kelsey, are you on your way home?" her mother asked, voice cutting in and out through the line. "It's getting really bad out there."

"No, actually. Tristan's car won't make it through this and his dad's truck has a flat," Bethany said, running a hand through her blonde hair. Though she had spent many nights with her boyfriend, neither her mom nor Tristan's parents knew of it. It had been in secret. Now she had to ask. She took a deep breath. "I don't think I'll make it home tonight. Can I stay here?"

Her mother was quiet for a few moments. "Let me talk to your father."

Kelsey's stomach twisted nervously, feeling as if she were a little kid again waiting to get permission to have a snack before dinner. And sadly, she never did get that snack. On the other side of the line she could hear the soft voice of her mother calling for her dad. Aaron's voice was deeper but smooth as he answered her. When there was a slight shuffle, like the phone was being passed, Kelsey knew her dad was on the other side of the phone.

"Hi, daddy." Kelsey bit her lip and waited. Behind her, she could hear Rylee singing again. The smell of fresh baked cookies made her mouth water.

"Hi, honey." He paused as if second guessing himself. Kelsey held her breath. "Considering how bad the roads are you can stay there."

Just then, the door that separated the kitchen and living room opened and Tristan stepped through. Kelsey grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up. She had to cover her mouth so her dad wouldn't hear her laughter as Tristan threw his fist in the air. Trying to not sound too excited, Kelsey spoke into the phone.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Love you." Before she could hang up Aaron spoke again.

"You can stay but I want you in a seprate room, far from Tristan." He sounded firm, and if she could see his face she knew his blue eyes would be serious.

"Dad," Kelsey said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm serious, Kelsey. I was young once," Aaron said. "Now, I will pick you up in the morning. I love you."

"Love you, too." She clicked ended the call and turned to Tristan who stood feet from her, a grin on his face. She smiled back, nudging him as she walked by and into the kitchen.

Pogue was on his feet now, munching on a cookie. "So, what's the verdict?"

"I can stay but my dad made if very clear that I have to be in a room far from him," she said, jamming a finger in her boyfriend's direction. She laughed and grabbed his hand, linking their fingers together.

Rylee nodded her head, short brown hair falling out from behind her ear. "I'm not trying to be an un-cool mom but I agree with him. We'll set you up in the blue guest bedroom."

It had stopped snowing now but the chill was still there. Nearly an hour had passed since the cops and ambulance had arrived but Rome had only told Bethany his family's secrets ten minutes ago. She still said nothing. She looked at him as if studying him, her blue eyes darting from his eyes to his mouth, searching.

"Say something," Rome pleaded. "You're freaking me out."

Bethany blinked as if coming out of a trance. "I'm freaking you out? I'm the one who's freaked out Rome! You're a…a-you have powers for God's sake!" she yelled, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Shh! Keep your voice down." Rome grabbed her arm and pulled her farther from the cops who were talking together in little huddle only yards from them. Though they had already talked to Rome and Bethany about the accident, they still wanted them to stick around just incase they had more questions. Thankfully, they had bought the story about them walking away with only the shakes and a few minor cuts.

When he was sure they were out of earshot, he let go and stepped in front of her. Her gaze was intent on him as if she were waiting for him to say it was all a joke. But he said nothing, he only waited for her to speak.

"You're not lying to me?"

Rome shook his head, face and eyes serious as he took her hands hesitantly. "I wouldn't lie about something like this," he said softly. His breath came out in white puff as he breathed in and out. "This is my life. If you don't want to be in it, I completely understand, I really do."

She continued to stare at him, and maybe he was imagining it but he thought he saw tears starting to fill her eyes. Tears fell down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around him and held him close. "Rome, if it weren't for your…powers," she stuttered over the word but kept going, "I might not be here right now."

Rome felt his heart harden in defense, waiting for it to come. The distance, the heart ache. "You don't owe me anything, Bethany."

"Shut up and let me finish," she said, holding onto his hands as he tried to pull them free. "I wouldn't have known what to do if you weren't here with me. Powers or not, I love you with all my heart."

He couldn't help the smile that came to his face. His heart softened as she leaned up and pressed her lips to his in an affectionate kiss.

"You know, you're taking this very well," Rome noted, keeping her tight in his arms.

Bethany laughed, the sound lifted the tension that was only there moments ago. "I must be in shock still." Her eyes widened suddenly as if though had suddenly crossed her mind. "Oh! It totally makes sense now! Every time I'd ask Kelsey about your family history she said it was just nonsense. Or that's what Tristan had told her. No wonder she didn't spill…"

"No," Rome said, louder than he meant to. "She doesn't know. Kelsey can't know, Bethany. No one can know." He glanced over his shoulder to make sure the cops were still out of earshot. His breath came out in shapeless puffs in the air. The ambulance had left nearly an hour and a half ago, taking Kyle along with it. The paramedics had said that he would be fine and from what they could tell, no permanent damage had been done.

The touch of Bethany's cold hand on his neck pulled his attention back to her. He met her eyes and couldn't help but smile. Instead of being freaked out that she was now in on his family's darkest secret, he was relieved. No more lying, no more hiding or worrying. Her reaction had been more than he had hoped for. She took it so well that he was actually waiting for the moment when she took off running in the other direction.

"Your secret is safe with me," she said softly. "It always will be."

If these words were coming out of anyone else's mouth, he'd be doubtful. But it was Bethany who was talking to him and he trusted her with his life.

"Gosh, pick a movie already!" Peyton laughed, sitting crossed legged on Quinn's couch. A bowl of popcorn sat in her lap. She watched him scan a finger along the row of movies set along the far wall of the living room.

Quinn looked over his shoulder and playfully glared at her as he grabbed a random movie and popped it into the DVD player before joining her. The lights had been already turned off, and in the dark, Peyton peeked sideways at her boyfriend. She giggled at finding him staring at her, his hazel eyes highlighted by the glow of the TV. "I love your laugh," he said, placing a hand on her thigh.

Peyton rolled her eyes and snorted in laughter. "Yeah, okay," she said sarcastically and turned her gaze back to the screen.

A few minutes of silence passed and she could still feel Quinn's eyes on her. "Stop staring at me, you creeper," she said, not meeting his gaze. His laughter curled around her, gaining her attention.

"I'm a creeper, huh?" He leaned closer, placing his lips to her neck then looked into her eyes. "How about a kiss for the creeper?"

"Nope." With a shake of her head she poked his nose. Then she deliberately scooped a handful of popcorn in her hand and shoved it in her mouth.

Quinn's eyes widened in mock hurt then narrowed playfully. "Come on, I want a kiss," he pouted and moved in closer, their shoulders brushing. Swallowing the mouthful of popcorn Peyton looked at him.

"Okay, you can have a kiss," she said but stood from the couch. "But you'll have to catch me first!" With that, she tore from the room and raced down the apartment hallway. Quinn was hot on her heels. She squealed in laughter as she jumped across his bed, landing near the dresser, feet thumping heavily on the floor.

"Stop jumping!" Quinn suddenly said, bringing a finger to his mouth. With the other hand he motioned to the floor. "My neighbors below will complain."

Peyton froze where she stood, eyes on the floor. But Quinn's laughter had her looking up just in time to see him leap over the bed. She shouted in surprise as Quinn's arms wrapped around her waist, holding her in place.

"Cheater!" Peyton giggled within his embrace, her back pressed to his chest.

Quinn kissed her temple and chuckled. "First I'm a creeper, now I'm a cheater? I just can't win can I?"

She twisted to face him, eyes sparkling as she met his gaze. She couldn't help but think of how handsome he looked, with his unruly hair and warm hazel eyes. Going up on her tiptoes, Peyton placed her lips on his and closed her eyes, loving the way his mouth melded with hers. His arms tightened around her, pulling her tight to his body. Peyton's stomach warmed pleasantly.

When they parted, Quinn's chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath. Peyton grinned and ran her hands, palm down up his chest then around his neck. Her fingers played with the thick hair at the base of his head. "I'd say that was a win, don't you?"

As a response, Quinn ran a hand gently down the side of her face and brought her lips to his again. She could feel the passion, hunger and want he had for her.

"Quinn…" Peyton said, pulling away slightly.

"I'm sorry," he answered with a small shake of his head. "I know…I need to calm down." He stepped back but Peyton followed his movement so she was still standing right in front of him, inches apart from each other.

"No, it's okay." Peyton gave a small, nervous smile as she sat down on the bed. Almost shyly she beckoned him to sit next to her. Quinn crawled next to her, his eyes never leaving hers. Her heart sputtered in her chest as he gently kissed her lips.

"Are you sure?"

Peyton bite her lip and nodded. Slowly, Quinn leaned into her as if giving her enough time to change her mind if she wanted to. But she had made up her mind, so she grabbed the back of his neck and their lips met. She scooted until she was laying down with Quinn leaning over her. Peyton reached for the bottom of his shirt and broke apart for only long enough to pull both of their shirts over their heads.

She was lost in the moment, in the feel of Quinn's hands against the bare skin of her stomach. A thought crossed her mind suddenly. I love him. And she did, though she had never mentioned it to him.

"Quinn," she said as his lips moved from her mouth to her neck. He stopped abruptly.

"Do you want to stop?" he asked. The concern in his eyes and voice made Peyton all the more sure of her feelings. She grinned at him and brushed his hair off his forehead.

"No," she said with a slight laugh. "I just wanted to say that I- that I love you."

A slow smile spread across his face, making him even more handsome. "Good," he said. "Because I feel the same way about you."

"Say it." Peyton's words were soft as she looked up at him.

Quinn's expression became serious as he gazed back. "I'm in love with you."

Then his lips were on hers.. His fingers traced a line down her stomach and to the top of her pants. Peyton's heart jumped into an excited anticipation as he successfully unbuttoned her jeans.

Just then, a voice popped into her head, a voice that was not her own. Through the Connection she could hear Rae's voice, sounding urgent. Peyton, where are you?

I'm a little busy here, she replied in annoyance.

Rome and Bethany got into an accident.

Peyton jerked away from Quinn and bolted upright. She gasped. "We have to go. Now."

Looking confused, Quinn watched Peyton scrambled from the bed and pull her shirt back on frantically. "What's going on?"

"Bethany and Rome got into an accident. We have to go," she said, buttoning her jeans. "Shit, where are my shoes?"

Quinn's shirt was on in seconds. "What happened?"

"I don't know!" she said. "I don't know." Just as she reached for the Connection to ask, Rae's voice popped into her head again.

They are okay but your mom wants you home. She tried to call, she said. As she spoke Peyton had found her shoes and pulled them on in a hurry. Quinn stood ready and waiting by the door, Peyton's keys in hand. She gave a sigh of relief that Rome and Bethany were okay but something was obviously going on since her mother wanted her home.

"I don't know what happened but Rae says they're fine," Peyton said. "I still have to go home."

Quinn nodded, completely understanding. "Thank God they're okay."

Together, with their jackets on, they walked out the door and down the single flight of stairs. Once in the car and the heat turned on, Peyton glanced at her boyfriend. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Quinn asked. "For what?"

"About tonight," she said, purposely keeping her gaze fixed on the road before her. "About what was going to happen."

Quinn grabbed her right hand that was not on the steering wheel and intertwined their fingers. "To be continued?"

Peyton took her gaze off the road for a moment to meet his gaze and grinned almost sheepishly. "Definitely."