Several hours after meeting with Eve Lambert, Caroline stormed into the penthouse and many people decided to move out of her way. Letisha checked her out to be sure it wasn't a repeat of what she saw the day they left for the safe house. Nope, this was just Caroline pissed, she could deal with that. Then she went back to what she was doing. Jason was feeding Michael and looked up when she first walked in. He knew that look and decided he better check just to make sure.

"Am I in trouble?"

"No, you didn't cause this."

She plopped down in a dinning table chair and dropped her head on the table. He used his free hand to rub her back. Letisha sensed something changed in the last few months because that wasn't so platonic and neither was Caroline's reaction. She knew when to take a powder.

"He's more than finished. I'm going to take him upstairs for a bath. Its almost bed time."

"Ok, where's Lucas?"

"Making some last minute adjustments to his room. We had a lot of stuff to work out."

"Whatever."

She looked back up to Letisha.

"Thanks. I'll be up when you're done. I'll put him down. Lucas and I will fight about bedtime, I just know it."

Letisha smirked,

"Yep."

Then she went up the stairs.

Jason stood and took her hand leading her over to the more comfortable couch. Once they were sitting, he put her head on his shoulder and held her close.

"What's wrong?"

"We gotta find a new school for Lucas quick."

"That bad?"

"Yeah, he was rude, condescending and judgmental."

"About what?"

"Negative influences, bad elements, criminal behavior."

Jason sat back on the couch looking at her with concern.

"I never meant to do anything to affect Lucas in a negative way. Its gonna be like that for Michael."

She scrunched up her face trying to follow him then shook her head.

"No, not you."

"I don't understand."

"Its not the Morgan the principal has issues with it's the Spencer. And since he officially became Lucas Spencer after the—incident—that just highlights his situation and adds to the problem."

"I am still not following this."

"Lulu beat up the man's son in the spring. She gave him a black eye and pretty much kicked his ass up one side the playground and down the other."

"What?"

"Yeah. Apparently, Spencer women are pretty tough regardless of age. He's not going to cut us any slack on the guards. Doesn't have to and he's still ticked about Lulu. I think he's hoping aunt Laura doesn't bring her back."

Jason cracked up laughing.

"You're entire family has issues."

"Shut up."

"Ok, what about a school?"

"I have done the domestic schtick all day. I was not cut out for this housewife shit. Somebody else has to do the ground work for me. Get the list of schools etc. Nothing that would appeal to a Quartermaine and nothing requiring uniforms. That's detrimental to a Spencer's psyche. Could condition one for prison garb later on and we live to stay out of the joint."

"Alright. I'll get Em to do that. Then you and I will sit down and choose the school. We'll both go for the visit. If they can handle me on the tour, they can handle the guards and all the other shit."

"Fine. Em still hasn't picked her classes though, she doesn't need the distraction."

"We did that already."

"You?"

"Yeah, when Lucas and I got back from doing guy stuff."

She knows he's serious and that's the only reason she holds it in but it's a struggle so she wishes he wouldn't mention it.

"Ok. Where is she?"

"Over at Ned & Lois'."

"That's fine. She knows to call right?"

"Yes, but since she's with so many people plus her guards its not like she's going off to any wild parties. We can check up on her anytime. Or call her."

"Let's call her. The Qs never did that and I know it hurt. Plus, I want to know what time she's coming home."

"Works for me. You get a doctor?"

"Yeah. Let's go fight the kids getting them to bed then we can go to bed and I'll tell you all about it."

He checks his watch.

"Isn't it a little early for bed?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you want to go?"

She closed her eyes for a second to prepare. This was going to cost her.

"I just want to lie next to you."

Then she turned her head trying to play it off but he caught that she was embarrassed and that's not something he wants her to ever feel. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered.

"I'd like that. Come on."

She couldn't help and she shivered slightly at the closeness, words and sound of his voice. This was all strange to both of them. He rose and took her hand. Once she was standing he lifted it to his lips and kissed it. Then they entwined fingers and went upstairs.

It was a knock down drag out fight. Three rounds with Lucas. Michael lasted four. Finally, both went to sleep.

Caroline finished drying her hair before stepping out Jason's bathroom and heading to the bed. He didn't say anything about her deciding to get ready in his room. He didn't know why but he liked the idea and since she was embarrassed earlier he didn't want to say anything to make her not do it again. He lifted the covers for her and she slipped into his waiting arms. That's what she wanted all day and took a few minutes to revel in it before getting serious.

"Pass the phone."

"There's auto dial and we can use the speaker."

"Good thinking."

Once they were connected and they were both assured of her full stomach and well being, Emily said she'd be back before midnight. They were satisfied and gave her the general warning about unauthorized wake up calls, just in case. She made some smart comment and they all laughed before hanging up.

At the Ashton household:

Ned and Lois made eye contact but couldn't let that go. Ned turned to Emily.

"Em, what was that all about?"

"They wanted to know what time I was coming home and to tell me not to stay out too late."

He looked at Lois but she shrugged and tried a follow up.

"Why? You are 18."

"One of you send them a memo. I won't even mention Jason's issues with the nap thing. They're cool and they love me. They're just sort of...parental."

Ned looked shocked.

"Parental?"

"Yeah as in parent like. They like to know what I'm doing and stuff like that."

"Couldn't they just ask a guard?"

"Yeah, that's what I thought but they don't. I'm supposed to call, and I do. But some times they are a bit over anxious and jump the gun. Tonight was one of those times. The fact they were on speaker phone means Caroline couldn't wait and wanted to call but Jason didn't want to be left out it."

Ned looked at Lois and she shrugged again. The one thing they both caught was that Emily didn't seem the least bit bothered by it. When Ned studied her closely, he realized she liked it. Then he considered her life at the mansion and understood this was something she never had there and always needed. He never thought of Jason and Caroline running a nuclear family. Amazing.