NOTE TO READERS: Ok, I updated.I finally updated. Oh, ok.and I fixed something. I said previously that the conceived date was august 19th, but I made a mistake (thanks for pointing it out wiccachick76).the actual date was the 27th, I fixed it in chapter 20, but I just thought I'd clear it up for you right now. OK.sorry it took so long this time, but I'm going to start writing the next chapter RIGHT after I update this.

THANKS FOR ALL THE REVIEWS!!!

Matt paced around his room, nervously, every few minutes picking up the phone preparing to dial, and then hanging up abruptly.

"She said that if I ever needed anything, not to hesitate to call, so why can't I do this," Matt cursed himself, under his breath as he began to pace once more.

Although the invitation was offered a week before, Matt knew it couldn't have gotten stale and he picked up the receiver once more, this time dialing six of the numbers. It took all his effort to push the final button.

"Hello," came the reply from the other line, in the sweet, but hurt voice Matt had first heard only months before.

"Hey," Matt gulped nervously and continued, speaking quick paced, "Its Matt, you remember when you said I could come to you if I needed help?" He didn't even give the opportunity for an answer, he just continued along. "Well, I need help."

~~~~~~~~~~

Danny hurried down the dark street, anger leading the way. It was past dark and the streetlights had been on for at least an hour by now, but it didn't matter. Danny knew well what he was looking for; it could have been pitch black, and he would still find his treasure.

As he passed by "Quirkies' Motel" he saw a short figure walking by. At first Danny thought nothing about it, just some low life walking the streets at night, probably looking for a handout. But then, when the figure's face was made clear under a near by streetlight, Danny's rage grew faster and harder.

At the top of his lungs, he screamed, "HEY GORDO, WE NEED TO HAVE A CHAT!"

Startled, Dave jumped as he turned to face a fuming Danny. Standing at only 5'6" to Danny's 6'1" physique, Dave knew, if it was a fight Danny wanted, Danny would win.

Dave trembled as he began to back away, slowly, with his hands in front of him as defense, "Hey Danny.what's this all about?"

"This?!" Danny began, even angrier than before, "This, right here, is about MY fist coming head first with YOUR face!"

~~~~~~~~~~~

Matt waited outside on the front porch for his "help" to arrive. He told his mom he was going out with some friends. Jo only nodded with a blank expression in her eyes as Matt headed out the front door. Before he stepped out though, Matt paid a visit to his big sister's room. Lizzie was lying on the bed; with the same expression his mother was wearing. Neither of them was aware of the world around them, which made the tears fall from Matt's face again. He felt as if he had cried a million times this week. He kissed Lizzie on her forehead and headed downstairs, to wait on the porch.

Raindrops caressed his cool skin as he walked a little farther away from the house and he wondered when the rain had started. He gazed up at it, remembering when he was a little, 2 or 3, when Lizzie and him would spin as fast as they could in the rain. It was an exhilarating feeling to have all your worries, all your fears, washed away with a single raindrop upon your face.

Matt spun faster now, wishing things could be as easy as they were when he was little, no pain, no agony. His eyes fell upon the light coming from Lizzie's room, and he knew he wouldn't be cleansed tonight, or tomorrow, or perhaps ever again. The only family he had known for years had turned into a broken jigsaw puzzle, with an important piece missing, and others distorted, never to be placed together the same way again. As the rain came faster now, he wasn't sure how many of the drops were from the sky or from his own eyes.

Just then, a pair of headlights approached the McGuire household. Through the darkness and the power of the rain, Matt could barely make out the one who occupied the driver's seat. As the car made its way up the slippery road and onto the driveway, Matt jumped inside, knowing help had arrived.

Inside the tiny car, the rain seemed to get louder as it crashed on the window glass, harder and harder, faster, and faster.

"So.Matt."

Matt didn't look up as he shuffled in his seat. Its hard to look straight into the eyes of your savior, perhaps their vision would burn you inside because it hurt too much to be so thankful, or perhaps the vulnerability you had towards them would make you disappear within their power.

"Thanks for coming, Kate."