Hey all. chapter um 18 I think coming at you. but first thanks to:

DallysGirl4Life-thanks!! Hehe. Keep reading, I'm glad you like it!

crazy4nc128 -I never really like pop all that much either (lmao could you tell? Hehe) And u better have that chapter up soon ;) lmao. thanks!

Deadly Wisteria -thanks a lot! A lot a lot!!!!! Please keep reading and let me know if you come up with any more brilliant ideas!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

kimmerkay -Lmao! I sure could tell Mace is ur favourite character! But that's okie! He's one of mine if not my favourite too!!!! Hehe. and I'll see what I can do in the Tex getting better department. ;) (there I go being evil again, sorry)

MissLKid -yus sad. Sorry bout that! Hehe but I'll try to make this one more happy, I think it'll be if I write bout what I think I'm gunna. but anyway thanks again as always!!! Hehe

And as always. I own nothing. And I must say, sorry bout the lack of POV varieties, I know there hasn't been much variety, but sorry, its just whoever makes sense to me in that chapter.

Bob's POV

I looked at the door where Mason had just walked off. I felt really bad. He never could catch a break. Poor guy.

"I'm gunna go after him." I said as everyone nodded. I think everyone was pretty much in shock. I walked out in the hall and started in search of Mason.

I always knew their pop favoured Mace over Tex. It was quite evident. You had to be blind not to see it. It never did make much sense to me. I mean Tex was into those rodeos and horses and what not just like him. But now I got it. Tex wasn't really his son.

I managed to find Mason down the hall. "Mace you okay?" I asked as I approached him.

He put his finger to his lip. "Shhhh."

I was confused but I didn't ask. I just followed him quietly to the end of the hall. He stopped and sat on a chair that was sitting in the hall. I sat next to him.

I whispered. "What's going on?"

He spoke in a normal volume now though. "I saw someone hanging around the outside of the room when I walked out there today. But they musta seen Pop cause they were starting to run. And I thought I saw a shadow of someone right before you guys came up but I dismissed it. But now I'm not sure whats going on."

That was weird. I don't know who would be doing that. "Oh I'm sure it was nothing Mace. You're probably just upset."

He nodded and we sat in silence for a few minutes until he continued. "I don't get it Robert."

I turned to him. "Get what?"

He continued. "How he can be like that." I assumed he meant his Pop. And he continued. "I mean we raised Tex our whole lives. He's pretty much Pop's son. But he just doesn't see it that way."

I tried to think of something inspirational to say. But I just couldn't think of anything. So instead I just said. "Look Mace. Your Pop, he just he's different from you and me. He sees things differently. Its obvious he does care about Tex though."

He nodded. "Yeah I know. But awhile back. Member when Tex got shot?"

I just nodded and he continued. "It started because I finally confronted Pop about it. And Tex overheard and ran off with Lem."

I sighed. "Oh jeez Mace. I had no idea. But this isn't your fault."

He nodded. "Yeah I know. I know I got him upset in the first place but Pop just got on my nerves. Besides I still believe it's Lem's fault if anyone's."

I laughed. "You ain't never gunna forgive Lem are you?"

He laughed as well. "Sure, when pigs fly Robert."

I laughed. Then he continued in more of a serious tone. "But I don't get it. After all that Pop still didn't care enough to protect Tex."

I sighed. "Listen Mace. Don't take this the wrong way okay? But Tex isn't the kind to be protected. He likes adventure. No matter what I don't think that he can exactly be controlled."

He nodded. Then he completely changed the subject. "I know you have to be getting back to college soon and I should too but I'm going to take a break. I can catch up. It's more important for me to be here."

I nodded. "If you're sure."

He nodded then laughed. "Not that you're going to make it very far without me anyway."

I laughed. "Sure sure Mace."

We sat there for awhile. He stood up first. "Let's get back and eat. But can we skip the thankful part?"

I nodded. "Sure." Even though I had no idea what he was talking about.

We walked back into the room and everyone was still there. I grabbed Mason's plate and handed it to him and he smiled. And I grabbed mine and we all started eating away.

I turned towards the door and as I did I saw a shadowy figure sneak by. "Hey Cole? Will you help me with something in the hallway?"

He nodded and we walked out into the room.

"What's this all about?" He asked.

I sighed. "Someone keeps hanging around the room. I convinced Mason he was imaging it but I dunno, I have a bad feeling about it." I answered as I saw someone running down the hall.

Hehe. who is it? You'll see soon enough. Please review.