Sorry, sorry, and sorry to keep you all waiting. Graveyard shifts suck when it comes to creativity. And my mind is insisting on working on a future chapter that will hopefully be both funny and cute. I know, excuses excuses. Anyways, here it is and hopefully you will all like it. Again, sorry for the wait. And as always I do not own CM. But I can tell you that the promo for the new ep is finally on youtube!

"Mom, do you want me to drive?"

Penelope arched her shoulders and stretched. "Nah, I got this Grace. But thanks. Besides, you can't drive out of state until you get your full license." She adjusted the radio, trying to get a station. "I don't get it, we are almost nearing the outskirts of Chicago, there should be at least one stupid radio station that I can get." Penelope huffed and relented. "Ricky, can you get a cd out of the back? Maybe the Mica one?"

"Sure." He rummaged in the pocket in the back of Penelope's seat and pulled out the desired disk along with a couple others he thought his mom would enjoy. "Here, I also grabbed the Black 47 one that you like. Perfect road trip music."

"Awesome." She reached back and grabbed the disks and handed them to Grace. "Here, can you put these in for me? And pick the one you want to play first." She shifted in her seat. "We shouldn't be more than a half an hour or so. And knowing your Grandma she will have dinner ready for us along with our beds. God I love that woman."

Grace popped in the Mica cd. "I hope she has her scalloped potatoes. Grandma makes those the best." Her mouth began to water at the thought. "It's been ages since we had them. Oh, and steaks. Hell, right now I'd be happy with anything."

"Even Aunt Anna's tofu surprise?" Ricky smirked.

"Yuck," Grace stuck her tongue out. "no, never. That stuff is nasty. Plus, I need red meat. Before we left coach said I needed to pack on some weight before the new season starts and that means red meat and carbs." She leaned against the door. "Man ,I hope the new season will be a good one."

Penelope glanced over. "It will be Sug. And we will be there for every single game cheering you on. And for the Thanksgiving game your Grandma and Dad's sisters will be there too. So there will be even more people cheering for the great Grace Morgan."

"Thanks Mom." Grace began to smirk but then a warm smile spread across her face. "You guys are the best."

"Damn straight we are. Hey Ricky, are you going to be in the drama club again this fall? You haven't talked at all about it."

"I do not know. I'm not sure if I should this year..."

"And why not?" She looked in the mirror at her son. "You enjoy it and frankly Sug you are good. If you didn't have your heart set on becoming a doctor I would say go into acting. Hell, Uncle Aaron has suggested that you might be a good under cover agent but I told him no way. There is no way on this planet I will let two of my babies go into law enforcement. It is bad enough that I will have to worry about Gracie. Now, why are you balking at drama club this year?"

"Eh," Ricky shrugged his shoulders. "I talked to Mrs. Mackay before we left and we will be doing a play... Pirates of Penzance. And I know Uncle Aaron will insist on coming to see it... Mom, I just don't want him to be upset."

"Hun," She threw him a reassuring look. "it might be hard for him but he will not be upset. If anything it will bring back good memories. I'd say go for it. And Sug, if he doesn't want to see it, he doesn't have to come and watch. I'll just ask Jack to take him out to a movie that night or something. It'll be fine."

"Oh alright. I'll think about it."

"Good, now sit tight and brace yourselves. We're coming upon Chicago. Time for a soft bed, hot meals, and time with Grandma and your aunts. Last I heard from Aunt Sara, she said Charlie should be happy to see you. He misses his favourite cousins."

Grace huffed and looked out her window. "Yeah right, last time he was a total jerk wad. Pulling my hair, teasing Ricky, and insulting us. If we are his favourite cousins I would hate to see how he treats his other cousins."

"Now now, everyone has their off times. According to Aunt Sarah he has been much better since they enrolled him in military school. Even your Grandma says the change has been good. And besides you haven't seen him in years so don't be so quick to judge him."

/

Twenty minutes later they pulled into the driveway exhausted, sore, and tired. They had been on the road since before daybreak and were ready to sit down in a soft seat and relax.
"Mom," Grace climbed out of her seat. "let's never push it like that again. I love you and Ricky, I really do, but after spending all that time in that small van... I can see why those UnSubs snap."

"Come on sis," Ricky patted her on the back. "we are not that bad."

"Penelope!"
The three people looked at the steps to see an excited Fran. Before they could move she had engulfed Ricky in a hug. "My sweet Grandbabies!" She drew back and planted a kiss on her grandson's forehead. "It has been far too long. Oh my how you have grown. Penelope dear you didn't tell me that my grandson shot up like a weed."

Penelope gasped in mock offense. "I so did. I told you he recently had a growth spurt." She hugged Fran. "But I do confess... I did neglect to say that it was an uber growth spurt."

"No worries Dear." Fran grinned. "All that matters now is that you are here. And oh," She made her way to Grace. "my sweet precious Granddaughter." Fran kissed Grace on the forehead. "You look tough as nails, as usual. Grab your bags and come on in you three. I have dinner all ready and waiting for you. Scalloped potatoes and ham. I know I know, you were probably hoping for pizza or something but I wanted to get a nice hot home cooked meal in you."

"Fran," Penelope grabbed her bags. "that was almost exactly what we were hoping for. A nice home cooked meal. We just need to settle our bags, wash up, and then we'll be ready to eat. And thank you soo much. I've spent all day thinking about sleeping in Derek's room and eating your cooking."

"Here, let me get a bag." Fran reached down and grabbed one of Grace's bags. "Actually I was thinking one of the kids could stay in his room this time. I have a new mattress in the other spare room and your back will feel soo much better after sleeping on it. Trust me Dear."

"Alright mother." Penelope playfully winked at the older woman before following her band of children inside."

/

Two days later Grace woke up to the sound of her phone on the nightstand beside the bed. Groaning she reached over and turned off the alarm. It was far too early for someone like her to be up. But, her cousin and his buddies were going fishing this morning and if she wanted to come, this was the time to be awake. She was sure that he had no want for Grace to join them, but Fran had insisted to both parties that it would be a good chance to bond and that they might actually have some fun.

She stumbled out of the bed and to her suitcase. Grace pulled out a te-shirt and a pair of sweatpants before coming out of her room and shuffling to the washroom to shower. On her way she smelled the faint scent of coffee drifting from the kitchen downstairs. She glanced at her grandmother's room and saw the door open.
Grace smiled at the realization that her grandmother probably got up just to make sure she had a decent breakfast and a cup of coffee before going. Fran was a perfect contrast to David. Where her Nonno was gruff and a bit rough around the edges her Grandma was sweet and tender.

Quickly she showered and got herself ready before coming downstairs.

"Good morning Sunshine. I have waffles with butter and strawberries for you." Fran grabbed the plate and plunked it down in front of Grace. "And, I have coffee for you. Can't have you going fishing on an empty stomach now can we?" She took a plate and sat down beside Grace. "I remember doing this with your Grandpa when we went out fishing."

Grace grinned. "Grandma, it is far to early for anyone to be as cheerful as you." She got up and filled her travel mug with coffee. "Did the perky bug bite you or something?"

"I am just soo happy to have you here." Fran took a sip of her own coffee. "Sometimes it feels like you and your brother are growing up without me... And to be honest at times I wish your mom would move here with you two but..." She bit her lip. "But, I know that is not possible. Her life and most of her family are in Quantico... It would be unfair to rip you away from that."

An awkward silence fell over the pair as they ate their breakfast and drank their coffee. Grace knew why her Grandmother felt the way she did. She often wished her Dad's family were closer. It would have been ideal if they moved to Quantico. But, Grace knew her Grandma's, and Aunt's lives, were in Chicago. Just like her family was centered in Quantico.
As Grace put the last piece of waffle in her mouth she heard a car pull up in the drive. "That must be them Gran, I'll be home before dinner, or I will try." She got up and grabbed her bag. Quickly giving Fran a hug before filling her travel mug back up. "Tell Mom that I have my cell phone and that we are going to Busse Lake. Love you."

Fran tenderly kissed her Granddaughter before letting her go. "I love you too. Now go and have fun, but first take your lunch and the bottle of water from the fridge!"

Grace walked out of the house and threw her bag into the back of the jeep. She eyed her cousin who was throwing her a glare. "Do you have tackle and a rod?" Charlie huffed.

"Not right now. But there is a rod and a tackle box in the garage. Give me a second to grab it." She ran off to quickly get the fishing gear. A glint in her cousin's eyes told her that he didn't think enjoy the idea of her tagging along and Grace had no wish to make it worse.

"Man," The young man next to Charlie groaned. "this is why we shouldn't have brought a chick. They take forever to get ready. By the time we make it to the lake it'll be too damn late."

"Relax Josh. You know I had no choice. My Grandma invited her along... and no one goes against her wishes." His hands tightened on the steering wheel. "And from what my Ma said, it is better to have Grace with us than her brother. From what I heard that boy is a real pansy. Drama club, med camp, hell, I wouldn't be surprised if he played chess or something lame like that."

"He actually does play chess, and is good at it." Grace put the tackle into the back. "Chess is a game of the mind though, I doubt you could grasp the concept, Cousin."

"Get in," Charlie huffed. "you can sit in the back with Tyler. Now, are you finally ready to go?"

"Yep." Grace buckled herself in. "now lets go bag us some fish. Grandma was telling me last night how Busse is great for bass."

"Whatever." Charlie put the jeep in reverse and pulled out of the drive.

/

Penelope smiled as she woke. After sharing a hotel room with her two children it was nice to wake up and know that she could move around without the fear of waking up her children. Granted, they had a room where she had her own little bedroom but the walls in the hotel were thin and any sound would reverberate through to the main area with the kids. And the mattress in this room, Fran did not kid when she said it would be good for Penelope's back.

She slipped on her slippers and grabbed her rob before walking out of her bedroom. She stopped in front of Grace's room and pushed open the door. Her heart began to beat faster when she saw an empty bed. For a moment Penelope panicked before remembering this was the morning she was going fishing with Charlie and his friends.

Quietly Penelope made her way downstairs and into the kitchen.
"Morning Dear, I was wondering when you would be getting up."

"Morning Fran." Penelope poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down. "Grace already gone?"

"Yes," Fran looked up from her crossword puzzle. "she left hours ago with the boys. I take it Ricky is still asleep?"

"Yep. He won't be up for another hour or so. My son is soo not a morning person." Penelope let out a yawn. "So Fran, what is on for today?"

"Well, I was thinking that you, me, Des, and Sarah, could go for coffee. Ricky could come too if he wants. They have a milkshake there that I think he would like. And after, well, it is open. We can do whatever you want."

"Coffee with Des and Sarah sounds nice, and maybe some shopping later? Ricky needs some new jeans... the pairs he has now will be flood pants soon. And he needs some new shirts. One's that are not sweater vests... But just wait and see. He will probably be glued to his phone the entire time texting Kat. I swear, I haven't seen anyone texting or talking that much to one person since... since..."

"Since you are Derek?" Fran smiled but her eyes hinted at the sadness within.

"Yeah, since Derek." Penelope sipped her coffee. "Wait, were we really that bad?"

"Oh yes you were. The... the last time he was here we couldn't go a minute without him sending you a text or without him talking about you." Fran sighed. "We could all tell that he loved you... when he talked about you, Derek got a look on his face of utter and pure joy." She brushed back a stray curl of grey hair. "I was soo glad that you two finally got together and allowed yourselves a bit of happiness. Out of all the woman my son was with, you were the one I liked the best."

"Aw, thanks. And out of the handful of men I dated, you are the one mother I liked the best." She sighed and leaned back. "On other topics, do you think Grace is having fun?"

"I think," Fran chewed on the edge of her pen in concentration. "that she is probably having a blast while showing the boys up."

/

"Now, Grace," Charlie picked a worm out of the container. "this may seem gross but worms are the best way to catch a fish. You take it like this and-"

"And place it on the hook like so?" Grace picked up a worm and slid it on the hook without blinking. "You guys act like it is my first time fishing. It isn't. My Nonno takes me fishing all the time back in Quantico. He's also takes me duck hunting sometimes, which is fun. According to him I am a natural when it comes to firearms."

"Yeah, like that." Charlie tried to hide his irritation at her trying to one up him. "Before we cast, who wants a beer? Tyler?"

"Sure man. Pass me a cold one." The slender blonde took a beer and opened the can. "Now, this is what fishing is all about. Drinking beer with the boys. And," He glanced towards Grace. "putting up with the occasional chick."

"Grace," Charlie looked at her. "you want one?"

"No thanks. I'm alright."

Charlie smirked. "What's the matter? Too good for a beer? Do you need some wine or something?"

"No," Grace glared, her black eyes flickered with anger. "I can so drink. Could probably drink you all under the table if I wanted to. But lucky for you guys I just don't want to right now because I am here to catch fish and not get myself drunk."

"Chuck," Josh grabbed a beer and chuckled. "your cousin is probably a lightweight in denial."

Grace pursed her lips and glared at the guys. She had drank the odd glass of wine and scotch with her Nonno at family gatherings and it had not been a big deal. But that was when she was surrounded by family. Here, she was with strangers. Sure, her cousin was technically family but she did not know him that well, not well enough for her to drink around him.
But, Grace was a Morgan and turning down a challenge was not in her blood.
"Pass me one." She caved and took a beer from Charlie. "Just one though."

"Finally," He pulled a beer from the cooler and passed it over. "we are going to have some fun. Now, let's show these fish we mean business."

/

That evening Charlie pulled up into the driveway of his Grandmother's house. "Alright guys, lets get this lightweight into the house before my Grandma notices."

Tyler got out and extracted a drunk Grace from the back seat of the Jeep. "She had what? Seven beers? I hardly call that a lightweight." He slid an arm under her legs and tossed her over his shoulder. "I think she drank pretty much all our beer."

"She should have quit after the first." Josh took her gear out of the back. "But no, Chuck had to keep egging her on. Saying she wasn't good enough. Man, thanks to you we got no fish. None. All we have is an underage drunk chick. Next time, it is either no beer or no girls."

Charlie scowled. "No girls. None after today. And it isn't my fault she took us up on the challenge. She could have said no."

"Dude," Josh opened the front door. "you called her out. She had no choice."

Charlie took his spare key, unlocked the door, and slowly pushed it open. He peered inside to see if anyone was in the living room, or within eyesight of the front door. Breathing a sigh of relief he walked in with his friends close in tow. He plunked Grace on the sofa and began tip toeing out but was stopped by his Grandma.

Fran bustled into the living room to great the party. "Oh good you are finally back. Are we having fish for dinner tonight or will we be regaled with the story of the one that got away?" She stopped in her tracks when she saw Grace. "What happened? Is she alright?" As Fran came closer she could smell the beer. Her eyes darkened with anger as the realization dawned on her.
"I thought you weren't bringing beer this time."

"Come on Gran,"Charlie rolled his eyes. "you can't go fishing without having a couple beers. It's just not right."

"She looks and smells like she had more than a couple. And you know she is underage. Charlie, go home. I'll call your mother later and we will be having a little talk. I guarantee it. And you two," She motioned to Tyler and Josh. "go to wherever you live. I don't want to see any of you right now. And, you three are lucky her mom isn't here because she would tear you a new one."
Fran's ears perked up at the sound of a van pulling in. "Never mind, you guys will have a shit show to deal with in a few seconds."

/

Penelope walked in with Ricky and plunked her shopping bags down. "Fran, I know you will say that I don't need to get you anything but I picked up a little-" She glanced up and saw Grace laying on the couch in an unnatural pose with the boys and Fran surrounding her. Penelope's heart stopped and she rushed over.

"Grace, Gracie, are you alright?" She patted her daughter's cheek to wake her up. When Grace let out a groan Penelope breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to look at Fran. "What happened?"

Fran glared at her Grandson and his friends. "I do not know. What I can gather is that these fools took beer on their fishing trip and somehow got Grace drunk. They know damn well she is underage and should not be drinking."

Penelope pulled a strand of black hair out of Grace's face. "She drinks on occasion but only around her family." She got up and turned towards the group of young men. "But she would know better than to put herself in this position around people she is not familiar with. Unless..." Penelope walked up and looked Charlie in the eyes. "someone challenged her. Did you? Did you push her to drink so you guys could have a good time? Did you call her out and push her into this?"

Charlie looked down and flexed his toes. "Yes. But it wasn't just me, it was Josh and Tyler too. Listen," His eyes shot up. "we didn't want to take her but you guys forced us to. Hell Grandma, we were only doing what we usually do when we are fishing. It isn't our fault that she is a proud bitch."

Fran's eyes narrowed in a glare and she clenched her fists. "Well I am sorry that you were so hard done by us. I just thought it might be nice for you to bond with one of your cousins. I can see I was wrong Charles. Now, I want the three of you to head on home. And boy," Fran stared down Charlie. "I will be having a talk with your Momma, you can bet your bottom dollar on it."

Her grandson opened his mouth and began to protest but was stopped by Penelope. "Charles. Don't you say one word. If you do I swear to god I will send whatever technology that you have back to the 1990's. Now go." Charles took one final look at the scene before following his friends out the door.

Fran knelt by Grace. "I am soo sorry Sweetheart, and Penelope. I thought it would have been a good bonding experience for them. I did not think Charles would be stupid enough to do this..."

Penelope joined Fran. "It is alright." She tenderly put a hand on Grace's cheek. "Sometimes I wish she wasn't so proud... so stubborn... so..."

"So much like her father?" Fran put an arm around Penelope. "Derek was just like that. He was fine until someone called him out or issued some type of challenge. After, he had to prove them wrong or get himself in trouble trying. But oh, I am going to have a nice little chat with Sarah. She will ground him three ways until next Friday."

"Fran, Charlie is a college student. I doubt she can ground him."

"Oh she can. As long as a child lives under your roof you have the power to ground them in one form or another. He will be-"

"Momma..." Grace began to stir. "My tummy doesn't feel so good..."

"Here sweetheart." Penelope helped Grace up. "Let's get you to the bathroom. Can you try to make it Hun?"

Grace bit her cheek and forced the bile back down. "I'll try... where's Charlie? Did he concede defeat?..."

"Let me help you Dear." Fran took one of Grace's arms while Penelope held the other and together they led her to the upstairs bathroom. "I'll go get the girl a glass of water for when she is done..."

"Thank you..." Penelope held her daughter's hair as Grace expelled the contents of her stomach. "There, there Sug. Let it out." She rubbed Grace's back while she heaved. "After you're done we'll have a nice glass of water ready for you. Oh Gracie. Why do you have to be like your father. I mean, I get it. It is who you are but, I know you got some of my brains in there..."

"Momma," Grace panted. "please, let's deal with this later..."

"Sure." Penelope went back to rubbing her drunk daughter's back. All the while vowing that for the remainder of the trip Grace would not be out of her eyesight.