AN: This chapter is short but that's only because I originally had this one and chapter 7 together. I decided in the end they needed to be split because it was kind of all over the place.

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"I love nicknames. It makes me feel loved. It makes me feel less alone in this world."

-Ellen Page

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Mattea groaned as her alarm buzzed and flashed bright red, 5:30. Next to her alarm laid her phone that she just happened to check before getting up. She opened her only text, which was from her mom, 'Clyde's in the state's'. Mattea rolled her eyes and spoke to herself, "Thanks for the heads up."

Over the years Mattea had formed a routine of sorts; that day was no different. First she peeked in on the girls. She, to no surprise, found Chloe wide awake playing with her barbies on the floor. "Come on," Mattea whispered. Once they were in the hallway she returned to her normal volume. "You can help me fix breakfast."

Chloe smiled and happily skipped ahead into the living room. Seconds later Mattea jumped as Chloe screamed. She ran forward only to discover Clyde now wide awake on the couch. "When mom said you were in town she didn't mention you were on our couch."

"Sorry you didn't get the memo Dancer," Clyde spoke as he sat up pulling Chloe down onto his lap.

Mattea shook her head at the nickname Clyde had stuck her with many years ago. "Since you're here you can entertain the rug-rats while I'm fixing breakfast. Elise probably woke up when Chloe screamed."

"No problem," Clyde replied. With Mattea going to get Elise he turned his attention to Chloe. "How was school Pumpkin?"

Chloe jumped up and almost ran into Mattea and Elise as she ran to her room. Mattea sighed and sat down a sleepy Elise on the couch next to Clyde. Elise gave Clyde a half smile before curling up in a ball in the corner of the couch. Chloe came back with papers in hand and thrust them in Clyde's unsuspecting hands. "I drew you pictures."

"How kind of you Pumpkin," He spoke with a smile. "They're really good."

Chloe beamed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome sweetie," Clyde replied.

"Can we go play barbies?" Chloe asked.

Clyde stood up with out fight knowing he would loose any way. He held his hand out for Chloe to take. "You'll have to give me a tour of the apartment."

Chloe nodded eagerly leading Clyde to the hall. He stopped her long enough to turn around and speak to Elise, "You coming little Em?"

Elise shook her head and remained in her ball. Clyde frowned briefly before allowing Chloe to continue.

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"How is Virginia?" Clyde asked Mattea as they walked back to his rental after dropping the girls off.

"It's different, I haven't decided if that's good or not," Mattea replied.

Clyde hummed, "You'll figure it all out."

"I hope so," Mattea told him with a frown.

Clyde pulled Mattea into a side hug. "You're a very intelligent girl; you'll figure everything out."

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Mattea found it weird to be dropped off at school instead of driving herself. She'd been taken herself to school for years.

"Got everything?" Clyde asked from his spot behind the wheel.

Mattea popped her head back in the window to reply, "Yeah."

"Mattea!" Caitlin yelled running up to them.

Mattea allowed a small smile to grace her face. "Caitlin."

"Who's your friend Dancer?" Clyde asked with a devilish grin.

Mattea rolled her eyes. "This is my friend Caitlin. You should try to make friends sometime."

"I'll have you know I have plenty of friends," He replied.

Mattea tsked as she turned around. "Your employees don't count."

Clyde laughed and waved goodbye as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Who was that? If you don't mind me asking."

Mattea didn't mind giving a short answer, "That would be Clyde. He's an old family friend that decided to pop in for a visit."

"He seems like an interesting character," Caitlin observed.

Mattea chuckled. "A character he is."

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"When character is lost; all is lost."

-Billy Graham