A/N: Guys, I'm really sorry about the delay. This is my last week of school, and I've got to study for my exams! I promise over the summer that I'll update much more often, so please bare with me. Also, there was a very heartfelt review about Zach and Christine's relationship, and I hope this chapter clears things up for everyone!

Christine had offered to take Kasey into her room and keep her entertained until Booth and Brennan had finished with the inevitable confrontation that they needed to have with Parker. It was just past noon, and they had all just finished with lunch when the partners sat Parker down in the living room.

"Am I in trouble?" Parker asked, flinching slightly before looking back down.

"No, Buddy. You're not in trouble, but we need to talk to you about your mom." Booth said softly.

Parker looked up immediately as his eyes filled with tears.

"Don't make me go back, please! I... I like it here with you, Daddy." He said.

Booth's heart broke at the little boy's words, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Parker, you don't have to go back, but there's something that you need to know."

Parker looked confused, and said, "What is it, Daddy?"

Booth looked back to Brennan, and then back to his son. "Your mom... she passed away, Buddy." Booth finally said.

Parker stared blankly at his father for a few moments, and then looked at Brennan.

"What does he mean, Bones?" He asked.

Brennan looked to Booth before looking back at the small boy. "He means that... Your mother died, Parker. She's not here anymore." She deadpanned.

Parker's eyes filled with tears and he shook his head.

"No! I didn't mean to make her die, I was just scared to go back! I'll go back! Make her alive again, Daddy! Please!" He sobbed.

Booth took Parker into his arms and held the shaking boy. "Shh, Parker that's not how it works. It's not your fault, buddy." He said.

"Why, Daddy? What happened to Mommy? Why is she gone?" He questioned.

Booth looked at Brennan for advice, and Brennan said, "Your mommy was very sick, and very sad, Parker. She needed help, but she didn't get any. It's not your fault. Your mommy just didn't ask for help like she should have."

Brennan didn't know if those were the right words to say, but nothing was coming to her at that time.

Parker was blubbering into his father's shirt, and punching his little fists.

"Wake me up, Daddy. I don't like this dream. Wake me up!" He screamed.

Booth held on tighter to his son, and soothed him with his touch. "It'll be alright, Buddy. Everything's going to be okay. You're safe here, and we'll take care of you. Shhh." He whispered.

Eventually, the crying and the shaking exhausted him, and Parker passed out in his father's picked him up and carried him into the bedroom, laying him down on the bed.

Coming back into the living room, Booth sat back down on the couch next to Brennan. He put his head in his hands and sighed heavily.

Brennan put a hand on his arm and urged him to look at her. "You alright, Booth?" She asked.

He shook his head. "I know it's to be expected, but I... He looked heartbroken, Bones."

"He is. His mother passed away. And even though he didn't want to see her again, he still loved her. It's one thing to not see your mother anymore, but it's entirely different thing to know that she is dead." She said, the sadness evident in her voice.

He took her hand and looked at her saddened eyes. "God, I'm sorry, Bones. This is probably bringing up a lot of bad memories for you." He said guiltily.

She shook her head. "I've come to terms with the loss of my mother. I'm just saying that I know what he's going through, and I can help him get through this." She said.

He smiled sadly at her and said, "You're amazing."

She shrugged. "You'd do the same for me. You've done the same for me." She said, motioning towards Christine's room.

He nodded. "We have great kids. It's impossible not to love them." He said.

Smiling, she stood up and said, "That is true. I'm going to check on the girls."

Booth nodded, and picked up the remote to see what was on T.V

Later that night, Brennan was tucking Kasey into bed.

"Okay, Baby. I love you. I hope you have sweet dreams." She said, kissing her forehead.

"Are you Parker's new mommy, Mommy?" Kasey asked.

Brennan froze and stared blankly at her daughter. "I..."

"Chrissy told me that Ms. Becca went to heaven, and that means that Parker needs a new mommy. Are you his new mommy?" She asked again.

"That is a very complicated question, K-Bug." Brennan said.

"Why, Mommy? It's easy. Parker doesn't got a mommy anymore, and you're a mommy. That's what happened to me. I didn't have a mommy, and you saved me." She said.

Brennan's heart clenched in her chest at her daughter's words. "Yes, sweetheart, but it is Parker's decision if he wants me to be his mother or not." Brennan explained.

Kasey nodded, and said, "Well, he's gonna want that. You're the best mommy ever."

Brennan smiled and kissed Kasey's forehead. "I'm glad you think so, Baby, because you're stuck with me!" She said, tickling her sides.

Kasey squealed, and squirmed to get away from her mother's fingers. "Mommy, stop it! It tickles!" She giggled.

Brennan relented, and stroked her daughter's hair. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

"Night, mommy. Have good dreams." She said, turning to her side, and pulling the covers up to her chin.

"I'll try." Brennan whispered, turning the light off and shutting the door.

Brennan walked across the hall into her oldest daughter's room, and knocked lightly. "Come in!" She heard from the other side of the door.

She opened the door, and saw Christine brushing her wet hair. "Hey, me and your dad are going to bed. Don't stay up too late." She said.

Christine nodded and asked, "How's Parker?"

Brennan hesitated. "He's... upset. But that's to be expected."

Christine nodded. "I remember when my I came back from camp, and the social worker told me that the house had burnt down and no one survived. I didn't believe her. I kept looking around for everyone, but no one was there." She confessed.

Brennan walked over to where her daughter was sitting, and sat down. "I'm sorry, Chrissy. I know that I wasn't there for you when you needed me, but I'm trying to make up for it." She said.

Christine nodded. "I don't blame you. You were just a kid. You were my age. I can't imagine having a baby now. That would be... I understand why you didn't keep me." She said.

Brennan nodded. "I just... I love you, and I want you to know that I'd never leave you again."

Christine smiled. "I know that."

"Good." Brennan said, pulling her into a hug. "Oh, shoot! We still have to give you your present! First thing tomorrow, I promise. I'm sorry that your birthday was a flop, but I think that you'll enjoy your gift very much."

Christine smiled shyly, and showed her mother her wrist. "Zach got me a charm bracelet." She said.

Brennan examined the jewelry, and raised an eyebrow. "I see. This is very beautiful. It looks like something that someone would give to a girlfriend."

Christine shook her head. "No, Zach and I are just friends. I mean he's a great person, and I love spending time with him, but I think our age difference shows. I think he should date girls his age, and I want to date guys my age." She explained.

Brennan nodded. "I think that that is a very mature decision, sweetheart. I wouldn't have forbidden you, but I think that this is the best decision for both of you."

Christine shrugged. "I'm not saying that I never want to be with him, but I think I need time to grow up a little bit."

"Well good for you, Chrissy. I think you two will be better off just being friends for now anyway."

Christine nodded and looked towards the door, seeing Booth standing awkwardly in the doorway.

"Hey." Christine said.

"I wasn't eavesdropping." He said quickly.

Christine rolled her eyes. "Sure. Well, I'm going to bed. You kids enjoy the rest of your night." She said, waggling her eyebrows.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! If you liked it, why not leave me a little comment letting me know!