It was too long ago that the forest of Kansas fell due to some careless camper. The flames roared high, up and above the tallest trees, eating alive everything that was brown from the drought of that month of November.

Linda, William, and Chris were now but rags from the turmoil. Chris had numerous burns from trying to fight the flames, gaining his victory in life.

Despite the cold nights which followed, Chris and his parents were cold... Martin promised so many times that he would get help, but since he was only a lowly college boy, he couldn't do much, but to encourage his family.

Michael Sr. searched through numerous estates to build up a cheap rent for the Kratt family. But all of them didn't care and only wanted to raise the rent because of the house fire which occured DURING the forest fire, not before.

Finally, the first snow began to fall. Chris and his parents were sitting in a homeless shelther which consist of forty other people, who did more complaining than ever. Chris found a quiet place and left his parents to the spot and lay to sleep off this terrible nightmare.

One evening, Chris had to shower because of the workers' rules for homeless folks. He always was very uncomfortable showering amongst numerous of strangers. But this night, he was more scared.

He heard the workers in the outside rooms yelling at someone. The accused finally spoke up and yelled at them. Chris hurried to wash himself to get from the commotion. But just as he was about to shut the shower off, the door burst open. One of the workers saw Chris just in a towel and she said, "Relax. We got him handled. He came in drunk and wanted to hurt the women."

Chris grabbed his clothes and hid in a corner and quickly dressed. Then, with his fast strength, he ran over to his parents, who were sleeping on the same bunk, looking tired.

"Mother," Cooed Chris, "Are you alright?"

Linda answered, "I was more worried about you, son."

Chris gulped, "I was fine. They were able to stop him before he came into the shower room."

William said, "I got to get us out of here... Chris is definitely uncomfortable with these surroundings. You, my dear, is worried about Chris being gay-possessed."

Chris raised an eyebrow. Linda quickly said, "We have little ears here, William."

William looked at Chris and shushed up. Chris didn't care and went to his bunk. He covered himself with his blanket and drifted off to sleep, hoping everything was okay...

Heavy breathing was heard. Chris felt his face being burned for some reason. When he opened his eyes, a man's face was right up against his. Chris sat up in fright, hoping it was a dream. He rubbed his eyes and looked, this time the man was sitting on his bunk, looking right at him.

Chris was afraid. In his voice was no scream. He had no strength to scream after all. His body was shaking as the man grabbed his arm and pulled Chris closer to him.

Chris was dead scared now. His teeth chattered as the man got closer and whispered in his ear. Chris' eyes widened and finally screamed... Screamed like a girl when she sees a mouse in the living room.

William jumped up and saved his son in time. Chris had never seen his father act so fast in his life! William took the man by the hair of his head and kicked him in the crotch. If Chris' scream wasn't loud enough, the man's yelp was louder.

The workers were already in the sleeping room when they heard Chris scream. Half of them grabbed the man and dragged him from the sleeping room. Two workers stayed and asked who had cried out first.

Chris was hiding under his mother's arm, on his parents' bunk, under their blanket. William touched Chris' shoulder and Chris reacted, William had to stop Chris, "It's me, son... It's okay... The employees got him under supervision."

The lady that Chris saw in the shower room, knelt by him and said, "What happened, young man?"

Chris hid his face and started crying. Linda shook her head at the woman, but she said, "If he cried out, we need to know what Elner did to him."

Chris looked at his mother in the face, "He told me to... to... get undressed... Mom!"

The woman stood up and turned to William, "If I were you, I better get out of here as fast as you can... I doubt the young man is not going to sleep in this place anymore."

William nodded, "We're trying as hard as we can, ma'dam."

The woman nod once and her employee followed her out to the dining area, where Elner was. William sat on his side of the bed and looked at his son, who was still crying in his mother's shirt. He turned to Linda, "Whether we got a house or not... We have to move now."

"But William-"

"Linda... I'm not having my son get gayed by men in this place... It's worse how that man just came in and took Chris and told him to get undressed. I can't risk it, Linda."

Linda said, "Let me get dressed."

"Let me get the woman so she can guard."

"William, I'll be fine."

"It's not you, I worried about. It's him."

Chris was still crying and holding his mother. William took out his phone and dialed his friend's number. After calling five times, the phone was answered, "William?"

"Hey, Mike... I was wondering if you have any room in your house?"

"Sure... Just one guest room... Why?"

"Chris almost got raped in this place. We have to get out and right now."

"Chris got what?"

"Chris almost got preverted by a homeless dude. He's terrified and I can't trust this place."

"Oh, uh... I'll ask the ladies to prepare the bedroom and blankets. When are you coming by?"

"Probably in a day or two."

"William, be careful. Who was the man?"

"Elner? Elner. Why?"

"Oh, okay. I was wondering because we lost several of our students and I don't know why. Besides, I know Martin could spare a bed with his brother."

William smiled, "Martin has a dorm room, right?"

"Yeah, I'll even transfer him to a room mate bedroom so Chris can have his own bed."

"Great, thanks Micahel. Let Martin know in the morning what happened. He's very concerned about his brother's well being."

Michael answered, "Okay. I'll make sure the young ladies don't hear of it..."

"Why?"

"Because... it's pretty common today and I'm sick of it, really."

"Okay, I got to go and get Chris to calm down."

"Okay... See you in a little bit."

"Okay, bye."

William sat down by Linda and cupped his son close to his body to warm Chris. Linda stood up and got her clothes ready and went to get dressed. William led Chris to the small van and told him to remain calm.

Chris sat in the seat and buckled himself. He watched as his father went back into the building. Chris peered over the edge for a weapon in case of troubles... Sadly, nothing was there... He had to calm down. Minutes later, his parents came out of the building and got into the car and William drove away from the building.

Chris didn't look back thinking that the man was chasing the car down. He put his feet together and held his tears back... This was going to be a long ride.

A couple days passed... The family spent two nights in the van at a rest stop with the doors locked and the windows covered with sheets. Chris rested close to his mother whenever William woke up early to get the van back on the road.

By the time, William saw the Maine state limit, he breathed a sigh of relief and looked at his wife and young son. Chris was still nursing close to his mother and Linda accepted his babish behavior, until if it got too far, she would push him away.

William saw the tall college standing on the hill side. He parked in the parking lot closest to the building. He saw numerous of teenagers walking in and out of the doors. He looked at his son and left the van and locked it.

William went up the stairs. Teenagers of both sexes stared at him. He went pass their glances and entered Michael's office.

"William..."

"Michael..."

Michael stood up and hugged his friend, "Where are they?"

"In the locked van... I don't think Chris is going to leave his mother."

Michael faintly smiled, "I have a cure for that," He picked up the phone on his deks and dailed some numbers, "Wait a second."

The phone was finally picked up and Michael put it on speaker, "Martin?"

"Mr. Corcoando? What do you need?"

"Your father's here with your mother and brother... We're in my office."

"I'll be there in a minute."

"Okay, bye."

William said, "I assume you told him."

"Of course I did... And boy, did he turn red with anger. I thought I had to control him. What he said there on the phone was anger."

The door was opened and Martin came in. Two beautiful young ladies followed him. William almost got scared of his own son.

Martin took his father's hand and said, "This is my girlfriend, Laura Corcoando, and this is her sister, Aviva Corcoando, Mr. Micahel's daughters."

William smiled faintly at each confused girl. Michael said, "Lead us to your van, William."

William made a face, "I don't know if he'll come out, Martin."

Martin said, "We'll see... Let's go."

So William led the group over to his van. He turned to the four and said, "Stay here at the front... I know he's going to be nuts to see all of you."

Micahel nod once. Aviva and Laura looked at each other in bewilderment, wondering what could be in the van.

William unlocked the doors and opened the side door. He woke Linda up with a gentle shake, "Wake up, Linda... We're here at Michael's college."

Linda sat up, "We are? Already?"

"Yes. I need to wake Chris up."

With a gentle shake on his son's shoulder, William feared he would spook Chris. But Chris only opened his eyes and saw his father and relaxed. He sat up and stretched. William had to tell him, "Chris... You're not going to stay with Mother and I, okay? Do you understand?"

Immediately, Chris' eyes filled with tears. He was speechless. William looked over to the front and waved Martin over. Martin came walking over and William said, "You're staying with your brother, Chris."

Chris wanted to hide, but couldn't. But when he lay his eyes on Martin, his whole spirit lifted and he dashed into Martin's arms. Martin held on to his brother, signaling him that he would not get hurt if he was around him.

Laura and Aviva were new to seeing Martin's brother. Chris felt a little sad for his parents leaving, but Linda said, "We're staying with your father's best friend. You can come see us everyday if you want to."

William felt happy for Chris being secure once again. Martin let Chris go and Chris looked around, a bit surprised... yet scared.

Martin said, "I'll try to make him feel at home."

William nodded. Michael said, "Okay, you youngsters get to classes. I'll handle Chris this morning."

Aviva blushed as he touched her father's arm, "Daddy... I'm not in college and I have a day off from high school... Could I stay?"

Michael smiled and said, "Sure, sweetie. Christopher, come here for a minute."

Chris looked at martin with wide eyes and Martin nodded. Chris went over to Michael. Michael turned to his daughter and said, "Could you watch him while I lead his parents to our house?"

"Uh, okay..."

Michael lay a hand on Chris' shoulder, "This is my daughter, Aviva. She's going to take care of you until I come back. Don't be afraid of her, okay? I'll be back."

Chris looked at Michael as he stepped into the van with his parents. Aviva stood a bit in front of him and watched as her father left. She waved as the van drove away. Then, she turned to face Chris and smiled, "Have you had breakfast?"

Chris struggled to say something. But he answered, "No..."

Aviva smiled and took Chris' hands, "Come with me to the cafe. Mrs. Angela will surely cook you a feast of breakfast."

Chris followed the girl. As they walked, many students looked at he and her and whispered to each other. Aviva led him into the cafe and called for the chef.

"Why, hello there, Aviva! What do ya need, my darling?"

"Could you cook some breakfast for our guest here?" She extended her hand out to Chris, who unknowingly, took it as a sign of 'come with me' or something.

The woman smiled, "He's more charming than that hunter dude, Aviva."

Chris blushed, he knew charming and hunter... But they didn't go together too well.

Aviva frowned, "I seriously hate that Jeff. I wish he could just leave me alone," Then, she turned to Chris, and said, "Come with me, Christopher. I'll take you to a seat closest to the kitchen."

Chris took her hand, which was really soft. He followed her to a table, where she sat. Chris sat about three feet from her, but Aviva scooted closer, "Don't be afraid of me, Christopher."

Chris shuttered, "You can... can call me... Chris..."

Aviva smiled, "Alright, Chris. You don't have to be afraid. I won't hurt you."

Chris felt his whole world turned upside down. When Angela called Aviva into the kitchen, he got a wave of her hand as she passed by him. He had to admit, she was softer than his own mother. For the first time, he smiled in front of her.

Aviva came out and said, "Are you allergic to anything, Chris?"

Chris thought for a moment, wondering how to answer her, "No."

Aviva smiled, "What's your favorite beverage in the morning?"

Chris raised an eyebrow, "Say what now?"

Aviva giggled, making Chris blush and smile in front of her. Aviva smiled, "What do you like to drink in the morning?"

Chris 'drew' on the table with his forefinger, "It doesn't matter really."

Aviva smiled bigger, "We got milk... well, four different types of milk... hot chocolate, coffee... water, fruit juices... What's wrong?"

Chris stared at her in the face, "When you said cook up a feast... It doesn't mean I have to drink all that?"

Aviva laughed and sat on the bench with Chris. Chris said, "What now?"

"You can choose, Chris."

Chris blushed, "I'm very awkward in choosing stuff..."

Aviva smiled, "You like milk?"

"Yeah, I guess..."

"Eggs?"

"What? Yeah."

"Sauages?"

Chris made a face, "I guess so..."

Aviva knew she was making her new friend awkward. She smiled faintly, "Breakfast will be ready in a few."

Chris sat on the bench 'drawing' on the table. Aviva came out with a glass full of milk, which Chris drank up quickly since he was so thirsty.

As Aviva came out, she saw Chris drinking the milk down. She smiled and sat down next to Chris. She wanted to sit closer to him, but she didn't want to scare him. When Mrs. Angela left the kitchen to go to the freezer, she turned to Chris and asked, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

Chris stared at Aviva. His head was slightly tilted to get a better look at her face. He raised an eyebrow, "Like Martin? No... Why?"

"Just wondering..." She said, blushing as she looked away. Chris emptied his glass of milk and said, "What kind of milk is this?"

Aviva froze, "Fat free milk..."

Chris said, "It's amazing how milk got so many favours."

Aviva sighed, "Yeah, it does. What's your favorite?"

Chris froze and looked at her, "Uh... Basically every kind of milk?"

Aviva's eyes widened, "Even coconut milk? I can't stand it."

"Unless if you do what I do. I put a few teaspoons of cinnamon in and mix it with some addition of regular milk."

Aviva got closer to Chris and smiled in his eyes, "I really like you."

Chris' eyes widened as he blushed. He turned his head away in shock, and said, "I... like you too."

Aviva's smile grew bigger, "Really?"

Chris said, "You're like my mother in most ways... So I couldn't help but notice you."

After breakfast, Michael came back to the college. Chris and Aviva were in his office all that morning playing with puzzles. Aviva showed Chris this ball with a maze inside. Inside was a metal ball, "You have to be careful. These are three checkpoints: 25, 50, and 75. If you beyond the number and drop the ball, you can go to the next level."

Chris watched her play the maze. Once the ball fell, she groaned and passed it to Chris, "I always drop at 17..."

Chris eyed the ball and continued the maze. Aviva was jaw dropped as he carefully passed her fail point. He continued to play until his ball dropped at maze 45. He grinned, "This is actually fun."

Aviva smiled, "Not bad for a beginner."

Michael smiled as he watched his daughter and his friend's son played board games, puzzles, and even draw... Soon, at eleven, close to lunch time, he looked up to see Aviva sleeping on Chris' lap while he looked through a book.

Michael feared Chris would jump up in fright and watched. Chris shut his own book and yawned and cuddled in a tight circle close to his own daughter, making his jaw drop. He picked up his smartphone and snapped a picture and sent it to William.

William: What is going on?

Michael: It's like your boys are in love with my fine young girls.

William: :) Amazing. How is Chris handling?

Michael: Fine. He loves Aviva's company. I believed that if he didn't have her, he would probably be bored.

William: I agree.

Michael: it's almost lunch time. I got to get these two up and get the bell ringing.

William: Alright. Linda is proud of him.

Michael: I don't doubt it.

Then, Michael put his phone down and woke up the teenagers. Chris rolled and cuddled closer to Aviva, making Michael shake them awake.

When Chris opened his eyes, he saw Aviva and he was shocked. He sat up and said, "What happened?"

Aviva yawned, "We fell asleep... Oh, it's almost time for the bell. Come on, Chris. I'll bring you to the cafe and show you your brother's seating."

"Eating... again?" Groaned Chris as Aviva picked him up. Michael laughed, "You two behave yourselves. Hurry, the bell's going to ring in a few minutes."

Aviva led Chris in the quiet hallway. Chris followed her, more confident in her now. He walked quickly to walk side-by-side with her. Aviva, indeed, blushed, but continued walking.

Once in the cafe, Mrs. Angela smiled, "Ah! The two crazy birds are back."

Chris turned about, "Where?"

Mrs. Angela laughed, "You are the crazy birds."

Chris raised an eyebrow. Aviva was smiling but blushing... So Chris realized what was going on. Aviva got Chris to learn the lines and the seatings. Just in time, as the first ray was prepared, the bells rung.

Aviva took Chris' hand, "There's nothing to be afraid of. As long you're with me or Martin, you'll be fine."

Chris nodded as the doors opened. Groups and groups of kids came marching in. Some went right to the benches and some went to the line.

Aviva took Chris' hand, "I see Martin. Come on."

Chris was led over to another group. Martin and Laura were standing against the lockers, talking and waiting.

"Hey, little bro. How was your morning with the principal? And oh, and with Aviva?"

Chris blushed, "I guess it was okay..."

Martin raised an eyebrow and went normal, "It's your first day around us rowdy kids. I can see that."

As the line went into the cafe. Chris and Martin began to be more brothers, like before. Laura and Aviva were happy for the both of them. By the time they were sitting on the benches, Martin started to ask, "So, what did you do this morning?"

Chris froze. He looked at Aviva who was sitting next to him. She looked at him and said, "It's okay. We just played board games. i showed Chris that A-MAZE-ing Ball. He had a lot of fun with that."

Martin beamed, "I'm so happy for you, bro."

Suddenly, a teenager came up to the table. Chris was a bit frightened by his appearance. Aviva said, "Jeff? What do you want?"

Jeff leaned in and pointed his finger in Chris' face, "I was told that you were playing with somebody... other than me."

Aviva frowned, "He's new to the college, Bogo."

Martin said, "You don't talk to my brother like that, dude!"

Jeff smiled, "Oh, so a new comer... Have anyone told you what I do to newcomers?"

Martin frowned, "Stop it with your bullying traits. He's a wimp as much as I am."

Chris looked at Martin in shock. He saw Jeff rubbing those dirty hands over his best friends. He growled... right in front of Martin.

Jeff said, "Oh, so we got a growller. My first time dealing with one. So you're Aviva's pet?"

Aviva answered, "He's just a friend, Jeff... Leave him alone."

"Not from I heard."

Aviva looked at Martin for help. Martin said, "If you lay a finger on Chris, anywhere on him, I will have a right to drag to the streets and deal with you there."

Chris watched as Jeff touch Aviva. He looked at martin who was hiding his face. Laura was pale and Aviva was scared. Chris stood up, "Leave her alone..."

The whole cafe shushed... No teenager muttered a sound. Jeff stood up taller and said, "Oh, little wimpy decided to stand up for my girlfriend?"

Chris looked at Aviva, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Aviva was scared. She fixed her shirt as Martin jerked up, "Chris, sit down..."

Jeff lifted his hand and took Chris by the shoulder, "Let the boy defend for himself."

Martin cried, "He doesn't know how!"

Jeff turned to Martin and clutched his fist, "I told you to shut up!" And rammed his fist into Martin's face. The whole room gasped.

"How dare you?"

Jeff turned away and saw Chris, standing tall, with his own fists tight, "Why is the wimpy brother going to cry? I can do the same to you," he walked over and gripped Aviva from behind, "Look what I have."

Chris turned evil, "I told you to back off."

Jeff laughed, "I said that. Isn't those wimpy fists going to blast me to the moon?"

Chris smiled, "Maybe not to the moon, but across this room."

Aviva gasped. Jeff left her and came over to Chris, "I dare you."

Chris smirked, "You asked for it," Then, with all his strength he rammed his fist into Jeff's face. Jeff fell further than where Martin was still sitting. Martin's jaw dropped. The teenagers gasped and stared at Chris. Aviva couldn't help but cheer and hug Chris, "Thank-you, thank-you!"

Chris smiled, "I could never let my friend be touched like that again, not on my watch."

Martin stood up and walked up to Chris, "I can't believe it, bro. Do you like Aviva?"

Chris blushed, "Let's say... I do..."

Martin laughed, "I just saw a human creature battle over one girl. The weakest one the battle! Very unexpectable. You tough, bro!"

Chris blushed, "I guess so... But I really want to go see my parents..."

Martin smiled, "Will do. After classes, I'll bring you over to the Corcoando house... Then," He nudged Chris' shoulder, "You, me, and the girls could go on a date night."

Chris rolled his eyes, "I knew you were crazy from the start, Martin."