There is a shadowed room where soft glow bulbs barely show the

outlines of a few rows of people sitting down. The room is silent and

it appears that all the people present have their heads bowed in some sort

of shame. Suddenly, all of the bulbs are extinguished. A spotlight comes

from above, illuminating a tall man, with black, unkempt hair, and a few

wrinkles are scattered over his face. All in all the man appears to be

middle-aged, and attractive with sorrowful hazel eyes. He tentatively

stands, looking around nervously. Clearing his throat, he takes a deep breath.

"Hank Meade; Age Forty-three; Widower; One seventeen year old daughter.

Enough said,"

The spotlight dissipates, then quickly finds its way to another

nervous person. It is a woman, middle-aged, dirty blonde hair tied into a

high ponytail, round dark blue eyes, and her face is touched with beginnings

of crow's feet at the corners of those eyes. But, anyone could see that she

was still able to turn many heads. She holds her chin high, attempting to

show that she is very confident, but she wrings her hands in fear.

"Elizabeth Allan; Age Thirty-nine; Divorced; One fourteen year old son;

Two daughters, the oldest is fixing to turn thirteen, and the youngest just

turned eight. I think I just won, Hank,"

Almost unanimously four people slap their foreheads, the sound

echoing in the shadowed room. Two spotlights land on both Elizabeth and

Hank. They squint their eyes, painfully, trying to get their eyes to adjust

to the light. They look at one another, coldly.

"Did I mention that my daughter doesn't even live with me anymore?"

An agonizing groan comes from behind them. Elizabeth is clearly

startled, having a betrayed look upon her face.

Second Chance

As your heart engulfs mine time will speak unspoken words.

And as true love is hard to find, desperate tears fall from my eyes.

And you want to go on your own.

And tomorrow you'll need me.

Every time you go away -

Every time you go away -

Every time you go away - my heart breaks.

And as distance becomes clear, shadows cast their memories.

And as true love is what I fear, you're love brings me to my knees.

And you want to go on your own.

And tomorrow you'll need me.

Every time you go away -

Every time you go away -

Every time you go away - my heart breaks.

And the first time that I saw you, I was burning with desire.

And the last time that I saw you, you put out the fire.

And you want to go on your own.

And Tomorrow you'll need me.

Every time you go away -

Every time you go away -

Every time you go away - my heart breaks.

Episode One; The Pilot



Hank Meade and Elizabeth Allan laid side by side under the soft

covers of an even softer bed. They were in a Honeymoon suite, which

Elizabeth found cozy. They both stared idly at the ceiling, as if

expecting that at any time it would come crashing down onto them.

Elizabeth found it hard to even think properly after what Hank just

told her. He had mentioned his daughter, quite a lot actually, and

found it alarming that he had left this little tidbit of information

out. So, Elizabeth responded as any other intelligent woman would.

"Huh?"

"I told you about Murphy, Liz - she's . . . " he trailed off, trying

to find an appropriate word to describe his only daughter.

"Rebellious is the word you used often,"

"Yeah," responded Hank, wincing slightly.

-I don't think rebellious even begins to describe Murphy.-

Elizabeth rolled on her side to face Hank. She sighed, longingly,

while she traced patterns on his bare chest. Feeling hurt from his lack of

trust on her part, she laid her head against his chest. Soon their breathing

became a mirror image of one another. She wanted to press him on the matter -

get him to tell her why Murphy no longer lived with him.

"I didn't want her to go. It was her choice to go live with my Sister in

Louisiana." Hank started, pulling Elizabeth closer to him, "Liz, she was an

alcoholic - a drunk at thirteen."

-I didn't even know that thirteen year olds new what beer or whiskey

was; I didn't when I was that age. All I wanted to do was play baseball.

Regardless of whether or not it actually was my fault: God knows I wasn't

around as much as I should have been - I blamed myself. All I did, extending

the bookstores all over the U.S., was for her. I wanted her to grow up in a

big mansion, with at least twenty different rooms to choose from. I didn't

want her to grow up poor like I did, living in a two bedroom trailer that leaked

when it rained, and roof that popped when it got too windy.-

Elizabeth was far beyond shocked, she hoped he was embellishing -

even if it was just a little. One of her own daughters was thirteen, and

she refused to believe that her girl would even go near wine coolers. But,

as the divorced woman glanced at her lover's solemn face, and heard his even

more strained voice; she knew that he was not lying - not to her - never to her.

For more than a year they had been seeing one another. It was by

chance that they had met. Hank Meade was a wealthy man: he owned a chain

of bookstores called Murphy's. The the main store was in his home town,

Sweetwood, Oklahoma. But, soon he found that his business flourished so much,

that he felt the need to open another, and another, and another, and another . . .

-Hank looked so out of place when I first saw him. It was at the

construction site of the new Murphy's he's having built here in Texas. He

was dressed in a dark business suit, wildly exclaiming to large, strong,

angry looking construction workers that they were doing a shoddy job.

Except in not so nice words. I think when he got punched the third time,

my heart went out to him.-

"What happened - I mean, what did you do?"

"What could I do," he exclaimed, in an angry huff, "I sent my fifteen

year old little girl into rehab. Then, when she came back she wanted

to move in with my Sister Ceceally."

"And, you let her?" Elizabeth asked, increadouously.

Hank sat up, abruptly, causing Elizabeth to fall from of him.

She felt burdened at the moment: one, she had thought she had known this

man who had met her kids, and actually liked them; two, her heart went out

to him once more when she saw the pained expression he wore.

"I had a library made out of our attic when she was seven, furnishing

it with any book she asked for. I gave her a '64 Camaro when she was

thirteen, and let her drive it even though she didn't have a permit."

he paused, sighing heavily. "So, when she told me that she hated me for

sending her to rehab, and that Ceceally understood her - I subserved,

and let her go."

-I was a Daddy's girl, plain and simple. If I wanted anything, or

to go anywhere, I asked my Father. I just never found that safety and comfort

when I was near my Mother.-

"Do you hate me? For keeping this from you, I mean?" asked Hank, looking

like a lost a puppy.

Surprising Hank, Elizabeth laughed and patted the place beside

her. They laid in one another's arms, listening to one another breathe.

Ritualistically, he stroked her hair, smiling at the silkiness of it.

"Of course not,"

"Good. Then when I ask you to move in with, I want you not to hate me

for that, either,"

Elizabeth opened her eyes wide, with a near gasp. She did not think

she had heard Hank correctly. Did he just ask me to move in with him - to

Oklahoma, she thought. Wanting nothing more than to plant kisses all over

him, she hugged him tightly. Only then, did Hank breathe a sigh of relief.

He knew now that she was all for moving. But . . .

-The kids won't like it. They won't want to move - not away from

their friends - not away from their Father. But, I want to move; I want

to be with the man I love. I'm selfish, I know.-

"Does this mean you want all of us to move with you?" asked Elizabeth, leerily.

"Everyone," he confirmed, "you, Tobias, Faith, and Hope - even your

thirteen year old cat."

-That's one of the things I think I like most about him. He actually

likes my kids. I mean, they're my kids and I love them more than life itself -

but sometimes I think; did they actually come from me: I was never like that.

I think.-

She chose her words carefully, not wanting what she was about to say to

come out the wrong way. Turning her head so that she could view his entire face,

Elizabeth sadly smiled. Hank knew that smile all too well. He feared the worst

when she looked at him like that. She was about to say something that he might

not be able to handle . . .

"I want you to know that I want to go with you," Hank brightened, then moments

later his face sunk, "but if the kids don't want to leave, I don't want to force

them - and I won't leave them to their Father."

Solemnly, Hank nodded, and pulled her to him to kiss her. It

was the kiss like they had had so many times: ardour, hope, and fear all

in one. Neither had expected to love anyone - at least not for a very, very

long time. Hank briefly thought of his deceased wife, even her image brought

him a little slice of pain. Elizabeth had been divorced for years, and even

her ex-husband's car parked in her drive way made her wince.

-I want Liz to live in my house. I want to wake up to see her

sleeping next to me. I want to eat breakfast with her. I want to come home

and have dinner with her, and for her tell me about her bad days. And, I want

her to give me back rubs; she has soft hands, god, I love those hands.-

-I want to live with Hank. I want to be in arms as we sleep. I want

to make him dinner - breakfast - even just a bowl of popcorn. I want him to

complain about the imbociles he has to work with. And, I want him to rub my

feet; he has long magical fingers, god, I love those fingers.-

The shadowed room is not quite as full as it was before. Four

people sit in wooden folding chairs, surrounded by flickering soft glow

bulbs. All have their heads down cast, their faces are masked in blankness.

Abruptly, all of the lights go out. The spotlight breaks through the darkness,

landing on a boy with very blonde hair, deep, grey eyes, and thin lips. He

groans as he stands up. Clearing his throat loudly, he shuffles his feet while

looking at them.

"Tobias Allan; Age fourteen; Divorced parents; First bourn,"

The spotlight fades, then hits a girl that sat beside him. Tobias

sits down, shaking his head. Frowing, the young girl stands up. Her dirty

blonde hair is in a high pony-tail; her baby blue eyes dance around the

shadowed room. Holding her chin high in defiance, yet she wrings her hand

together, nervously.

"Faith Allan; Age thirteen; Divorced parents; Middle child. Check,"

She quickly sits down, and the spotlight goes to an even younger

girl. Anxiously, the girl stands up, boucing slightly on her feet. She

pulls on her very long brown hair, her chocolate brown eyes wide with glee.

Tobias and Faith shake their heads in unison.

"Hope Allan; Age eight; Divorced parents; The baby of the family,"

Hope plops down on her chair, the spotlight lingering on her

longer. All goes dark for a while, then the spotlight lands on a girl

whose sleeping with her mouth open. She quickly stands up, running a

hand through dark red, unkempt hair, her hazel green eyes glance around

the room.

"Murphy Meade; Age sixteen; Single parent - dead Mother; Only child.

Check, and mate,"

She sits back down, a satisfied grin on her face. The spotlight

disappears and the room becomes one big, dark shadow once more. All is

silent, leaving an uneasy quietness. It is broken by even snoring. Two

distinct groans are heard.

Tobias Allan glared at his Mother. If looks could kill, she

would have been dead nine times over. Elizabeth kept her face passive,

hoping that her son would not keep looking at her: he made her feel guilty.

Faith Allan looked from her older Brother to her Mother, wishing that she

could run to her room and scream into her pillow. Hope Allan had all ready

ran to her room - to begin packing that is. Both teenagers looked solemn -

solemn and grief-stricken.

"Well don't look so excited about it," Elizabeth commented, sarcastically.

-What did I expect? Them to jump up and down, and plan a going

away party?-

"At least say something." she begged. "Tell me what you think - what

you feel."

Tobias scoffed at this. He thought this was a big joke, just a

big joke, and suddenly his Mother was going to jump up saying she was not

serious. But, the look on her face gave him the realization that this was

just about as serious as it gets. Faith stared at Tobias, hoping he was

going to voice their obivious dis-pleasure at the idea of moving to another

state - home - school. Faith shuddered at the thought.

"What do you want us to say, Mom? Oh, yes Mom, we've always wanted to

leave our friends, Dad, and our entire lives behind just so you can be

happy," Tobias bit off, angrily.

-I deserved that. I have been selfish this past year, but I

have been there for them, haven't I?-

"Faith, you haven't said anything. What do you think?"

Faith blanched, and studied her tennis shoes as if they were ever

so interesting. She heard Tobias' shoe tapping incessantly: he wanted his

Sister to back him up. Frankly, Faith was torn. She did not think moving

would be so terrible; a lot of kids move. But, she did not want to leave her

best friend - her only friend, but most of all she did not want to leave her

Father.

-It's like, Tobias always has to make me choose between him and Mom.

So what if he resents her, that doesn't mean I have to. And, it doesn't mean

I have to take his side everytime they start arguing.-

Elizabeth studied her daughter's form for a while. She could tell

that she was pondering whether or not she was going to hurt anyones feelings

with what she wanted to say. Elizabeth sighed, lamentfully. Knowing this

was not going to be easy, she at least hoped that they would a bit more

agreeable. Though, she smiled to think of how Hope was happy.

-I home schooled all my kids until it was time for them to go into

junior high. I did not think that learning that Christopher Columbus discoverd

America, which isn't true, six times over was good for them. It's when you're

in junior high, that you make friends - break friends - learn the nastiness of

rumors - discover who you think you are. I hated junior high.-

"Mom," Faith started, hesitantly, "I don't want to move."

Tobias smirked a little, and reminded himself that he would have to

be nicer to Faith more often. Faith could feel her Mother's face drop, even

though she was not even looking at her. But, Faith was not finished, so she

quickly finished her line of thoughts.

"But, I don't want you to be un-happy, either. And, I know that Hank makes

you - happy, so moving in with him would make you really happy, right?"

Elizabeth peered at her daughter, perplexed beyond belief. She had

no idea at what Faith was getting at. And, this intrigued her more and more.

Faith still studied her shoes, but found that she was gaining courage by the

moment. Swiftly, she looked up and met her Mother's gaze.

"I don't want to take that away from you. So, if you really want to do

this - I'll go, too,"

-When did my baby become so caring - thoughtful - smart? When did

Faith become so . . .-

"Oh, Faith . . . "

Elizabeth was at lost for words. She thought she could just hug and

kiss her daughter and never stop. That was two down for the woman, now all

she needed was Tobias . . .

-Sometimes I think the whole world exists to kick me in the face.

I am not moving away from friends. I am not moving away from Dad. I am not

moving away from Texas. Period.-

"Fine," Tobias yelled, standing up, "I'll just move in with Dad. And, you

can go live in Oklahoma with perfect Hank, and his perfect business, and a

have a perfect life without me!"

So, Tobias ran down to the basement, his new room. He had to beg

his Mother for two months before she agreed to let him have it. He did not

see the big deal about turning the garage into a bedroom: there was nothing

but boxes, dust, and mold down there. And, he was just getting his room the

way he liked it.

Tobias pointedly slammed his door, running down the stairs two

at a time. He threw himself on his bed, reaching underneath it to take

out his portable cd player. Quicky, he turned it on, studying his room.

His orbs lingered on a poster of Jemmi Hendrix. The boy threw his cd player

back under his bed, not bothering to turn it off. He grabbed for his guitar

that laid beside his night stand. Tobias began to play a well-memorized song.

And, suddenly, life did not seem half as bad.

Dinner was quiet, while tension hung in the air like death. Faith

tolerated her little Sister's ramblings about the move. She offered a nod,

and a little bit of information she had just read about Oklahoma. Tobias,

in the meanwhile, pushed his food around his plate. His music had calmed him

down, but only momentarily. He could feel his Mother's gaze lingering on him,

while strained dinner-chat insued.

"Mommy, when are we gonna' move?" Hope asked, turning her attention away

from Faith.

Elizabeth eyed her youngest daughter, with a look of hope. If she

could be anxious about the move, maybe the other two would follow.

"Not for another couple of weeks,"

Tobias, angrily threw is fork down on his plate. The sound echoed

through out the dining room. All three females looked at him - quite shocked

at his ouburst. He slowly lifted his head, meeting his Mother's eyes.

Blanching, Elizabeth averted her eyes: Tobias looked so cold at the moment -

no emotion but contempt was there.

"Have you even told Dad, yet, Mother?"

"I'm calling him tonight Tobias, and don't talk to me like that," she

warned, meeting his eyes agian.

"Then, I won't talk to you at all - may I be excused. I have a lot of

packing to do,"

Elizabeth nodded solemnly, following Tobias with her eyes as he walked

out of the room. Suddenly, she did not seem so hungry, and it seemed that

Faith was in the same state of mind. Faith did not want to look at her Mother

at the moment. She was frightened - frightened that if she left she would

never see her Father again.

"May I be excused, too?" asked Faith.

-Am I doing the right thing? Just pack up and leave? I have nothing

left here - but the kids . . . -

Faith hesitantly walked down to her Brother's room. She wondered if

she could even look him in the eye. Any other time she would have knocked, but

she needed to talk to him - to someone who would relate to what she was feeling.

As she reached the end of the stairs, she saw Tobias throwing CDs into a box. The

loud thud of plastic hitting plastic let her know that he was far more than irked.

"Tobias?"

"What?!" he yelled, stopping in mid-throw.

"That's my CD,"

"Oh," he changed his tone instantly, then tossed the CD in the box anyway.

She made her way over to his bed and plopped down. Faith sighed, then

rested her head on her hand, and continued to watch Tobias mercilessly thrown

objects into a box. Tobias was angry - a little bit at his Sister - but, it was

mostly at his Mother. He closed the box, duct-taping it securely, then sat

beside Faith.

-This past year, all my Mom has done is think about herself. I wonder

if she even realizes I exist anymore?-

"Are you really going to move in with Dad, Tobias?"

"Yeah," he says, blandly.

"Oh," Faith says, not hiding her hurt at her Brother's nonchalance.

Elizabeth dialed her ex-husband's number, and as it rang, she hung up

abruptly. She did not know why she was afraid of telling Red Allan that she

was going to move. Then, it came to her: he would not like having his children

away from him. Elizabeth sighed, telling herself that it was now or never. As

she went to reach for the phone, it rang, startling her. Hesitantly, she picked

it up.

"Hello?" it was Red.

"Elizabeth," he said, choosing his words carefully, "I'm moving - to Alabama.

There's a bigger firm that offered me a partner ship."

-Red was always one to get straight to the point when he had something

bad to say. I, on the other hand, am a coward when it comes to breaking bad news.-

"Oh," she was lost for words.

She sat down on a stool near the phone, tapping her fingers on it.

She found it ironic that they would both be leaving the town that they had met

in. But, their marriage had ended a few years ago. It only seemed right that

they leave the past behind. Only it was not that simple for Elizabeth: she was

thinking of her children's well being; they had to leave everything and start a

new.

"Red, I think you should come over - I have some things to say, that I don't

want to say over the phone,"

"Liz?"

"Please, Red - I need you to come over,"

"Well, I was kind of busy . . ." Elizabeth cut him off.

"Tobias needs you to come over, too," she said with urgency.

"Okay - okay," Red subserved.

She hung up the phone, feeling still heavy with guilt, and anxiousness.

In a couple of weeks she would not see this house again. She would never use the

phone she just had, or eat in the dining room once more. But, Elizabeth felt

that if she could feel so much love for Hank, that surely everything would fall

into place.

Red Allan walked to the house that he once considered his own. He

recalled when he had bought it; he had carried Elizabeth over the thresh hold,

even though they had been married for a couple of years. Pausing, to knock at

the door, he thought of just coming in. Then, he thought better of it, and

knocked. He heard a distant voice telling him to come in; he walked into the

house, taking a deep breath.

Normally, he would have come over later, because he was busy. But,

something in his ex-wife's voice told him to come over at her urgent request.

Hearing the soothing sound of water flowing, Red made his way to the kitchen.

He found her washing dishes, ritualistically. He cleared his throat, and she

turned. Even after all the years he had known her, he still was captivated by

her natural beauty. Red studied Elizabeth momentarily, drinking in all of her

simple garb of slacks and a button down shirt; even the face that there was no

make-up on, made him wince.

-She never wore any make-up. Elizabeth never needed it. I think

that was one of the reasons I loved her: her ability to throw away trivial

things.-

Red walked to the sink, and started to dry off the dishes she was

washing. There was never a stressed silence between them after the divorce.

They had been good friends even before they had started dating, and remained

so after. Yet, now the leaving of quietness in the air - it felt uncomfortable.

Elizabeth sighed.

"I'm moving to Oklahoma with Hank," she broke through the solitude of silence,

"but Tobias wanted to live with you."

-Moving to Oklahoma? I thought that she would stay . . . I mean,

she would be far away with me in Alabama, but I thought she would always

be here.-

"And, Faith and Hope - they're okay with this?" he asked, hiding the

trepidation he felt within.

"Hope actually seems very anxious, while Faith is indifferent,"

He held his tongue. Red was afraid that if he spoke now, he

would beg her to come with him - beg her to take him back. But, no,

he could not do that - this time she was marble. It saddened him to

think that it was another man that had chiseled her. He dried a bowl,

and sat it aside waiting for her to speak again.

"You have to tell Tobias tonight, he's all ready started packing, and

stopped speaking to me," Elizabeth lowered her voice.

"I know, I was going to tell them all tomorrow, but I guess - when do you

leave?" he hated the way his voice came out weak.

"In a couple of weeks. I suppose you won't be there to see us off," it

was a statement.

The glass that he had been holding, dropped to the floor. Shards

of glass pooled around both of their feet. Red became angry at her last

remark. It seemed as though everytime they spoke, she had to remind him

of his ineptness. Long ago had he stopped apologizing: sorries just did

not work, and they always sounded hallow coming from him anyhow.

"Was it really that bad, Liz? Being married to me?"

-I know I was a screw up, but isn't being sorry enough? Sorry may

not make it better, but isn't it the thought that counts?-

-He was screw up. And, being sorry isn't enough. After a while

sorry looses its meaning.-

Elizabeth turned off the water, walking to the table to sit down.

Red finished drying a plate, following her. They sat across from one another,

merely looking at each other. Both wanted to look anywhere but each other's

faces, yet they were compelled to gawk.

"Not all of it was bad, Red," Elizabeth sighed, "but, there was more bad

than good."

"I know I missed so much, and I regret that, I do, Liz . . . " he was

interrupted.

"I don't think you realized just what exactly you did miss, Red. You spent

all your time at your firm, giving no thought to birthdays, anniversaries,

and both of your daughter's birth. There aren't enough sorries in the world

for what you did,"

-Red was at his greatest when I was pregnant with Tobias. He did

not even want to have sex, in fear of hurting the baby. And, after Tobias

was born, he carried him everywhere, and was extremely protective of him.

Red didn't even want friends to hold him. About a year later I found out I

was pregnant with Faith. About this time, I found out that he was cheating

on me with a lawyer friend of his. I threw him out, but eventually took him back.-

"What do you want me say. I know that sorry isn't good enough for you. But,

all that time I spent working late into the morning, bought everything you see

here," he motioned with his hands.

"You can't buy forgiveness,"

- I named Faith, Faith because I had faith that Red would change his

ways. He kept cheating though, and every time I kept taking him back. I don't

know why I did it. I suppose I think all children need a Father. When I was

pregnant with Hope, he was staying at the firm more and more. He told me he

had more responsibility, now that he was a partner. I named Hope, Hope because

I still held out hope that Red would revert back to the man I fell for.

I was studying music in college when I met him, and he was studying

law. Red's Father kicked him out when he was sixteen; he's lived on his own

ever since. I saw him as a starving artist type of boy. He wore faded blue

jeans, with holes in them all the time. And, he never cared a thing about

his beautiful black hair. And, his eyes - God, his eyes . . . He was poor,

but he was brilliant. I always admired the way he took his life as white

trash, and turned into a successful man. I was always the planner, the one

who thought about what I did, and worried about what came after. He lived

for the moment, and the only thing I ever saw him hold firm to was his work.-

"But, it's not my forgiveness you need, because I've done that along time

ago. I won't forget, though, and it's those babies sleeping upstairs that

need you. If you leave, try and come down to visit them every now and then,"

With that Elizabeth stood up, and strode proudly out of the

kitchen. Red watched her go, and it reminded him of how he had watched

her go years ago. He supposed he had always held out hope that she would

run back into his arms. But, now he knew - knew that there was nothing he

could do to make him seem bathed in a golden light once more.

-She was always the one that was there. Every night, or morning

that I got home, she was there. I would come into our bedroom, and she

would lift the covers for me to climb in. Liz was the only thing that

was constant in my life. What do I have to keep me steady now?-

Tobias heard stairs creaking, and he half expected that Liz was

coming down to try and talk to him again. As he pulled off his headphones,

Tobias saw Red at the bottom of the stairs. He smiled at him, and stood to

give him a hug. Red embraced his son, a sorrowful look on his countenance.

"Dad," he asked, excited, "did Mom ask you? I can live with you, right?"

Red noticed the gleeful look in his son's eyes, and thought of

saying yes. Moments later, he knew that he could not do that. Right now

Tobias adored him, but if he were to come to Alabama with him, he would end

up loathing him. Tobias did not like the look on his Father's face at the

moment; it was the look he got when he was going to say something he did not

like. He plopped back down on his bed, with a sound of disgust.

"You're making me go with Mom, aren't you?"

-I just let him down again. Why do I always make myself the bad guy?-

"Tobias," Red pondered over his words, slowly, "it's not like that. I'm

leaving for Alabama in a month or two - I got a job offer, and I just can't

refuse it."

-He can't refuse his job. He can't refuse his obligations to all

those firm parties. But, he can refuse me. I hate him sometimes.-

"Whatever," Tobias stated, monotonously.

"No, not whatever, Tobe. You wouldn't like it with me, here or in Alabama.

I'd be gone all the time,"

"You're gone all the time anyway," the boy said, sharply.

-Sometimes I want him to hurt just as bad as I do.-

-Sometimes I wish I could take all his pain into me.-

Red moved to his son's bed, sitting beside him. He draped an

arm around Tobias' shoulder, willing all of his lament to dissipate.

Instinctively, Tobias leaned into Red's affection. They sat in silence

that was etched in regret, fear, and hope that the distance between would

not just be in miles.

"I may be far, but not too far that a phone can't reach. And, I'll come

down as often as I can,"

"Promise?"

"Yeah," Red swore, and meant every word, "I promise."

-Sometimes I can stay true to what I say, especially when there's

good reason to.

-Sometimes I believe him for all he's worth.-



Elizabeth hummed along to the radio, casually glancing at Hope

sitting beside her, and in the rearview mirror at Tobias and Faith. She

had just turned onto Cedar Wood, knowing that within minutes she would be

at their new home. Frankly, it frightened her. There was so much that

could go wrong, and she knew that a lot would go wrong. Hope would be the

find it the easiest to adjust; with Faith it would take time, but she persevered,

because she was so kindhearted; Tobias was the one she worried about the most,

though.

Tobias had his headphones on, currently drowning himself in an angry

tune. He looked over his shoulder to look at his guitar. It brought him hope

that he would be able to survive today and live to see tomorrow. He was not

sure at what he expected of Sweetwood, Oklahoma. But, the people that he had

seen in the few convenient stores they had stopped out had been too cheery,

and nice for his taste. He was used to boisterous, obnoxious, and sometimes

rude people in home town. And, he wanted desperately to find something wrong

with Sweetwood. Alas, as they had entered the small town, he found himself

being drawn to the natural loveliness of it.

-I hated it, but liked it, you know what I mean?-

Then, the van stopped, and the children realized that the house they

looked upon would be their home from now on. It was a harrowing thought, yet

not such a terrible one. The house was big, that was to be sure of. It was

two stories, and the yard was perfect: an emerald green lawn, with Crape-Myrtle

trees littering it, as well as colourful flowers near the entrance.

The Allans stepped out of the van, one after the other, Elizabeth

taking the first step. She had been there before, visiting for a few days

at a time. This time it was different though, she would not be going back

to the place she had lived in for so long. As she loved her home in Texas

so dearly, she hoped that she would come to love this place the same.

Faith studied the house closely. She recognized as being Victorian

in model, but it was the yard that held her attention. A rather large birth

bath caught her fancy, as mocking birds flew to and fro. She followed her

Mother, deciding that she would be brave and not wallow in self-pity like

her Brother. Hope stayed close to her Mother, being intimidated by the

large structure, as well as unfamiliar surroundings.

"Mom, is that our new home?" the wide-eyed Hope inquired.

"Yes," Elizabeth answered, as Hank walked out, "it is, sweetie."

Tobias scoffed, as he leaned against the van, willing himself to

become invisible. Hank walked briskly toward the four people, noticing the

looks of trepidation in all their faces. Discreetly, he hugged Elizabeth,

and kissed her. He smiled down at Hope, who returned a shy grin. He looked

at Faith, then to Tobias.

"Well," he said, nervously, "I suppose you should come in and get familiarized

with everything."

Faith nodded and followed her Mother and Sister. She looked back

at her Brother, who was taking his time at walking to the house. She slowed

her pace, so that she could walk beside him.

"What do you think?"

-What do I think? I think it sucks.-

She was answered by a grunt of some sort, and a slight glare. Faith

frowned thoughtfully, then caught up quickly with the rest of her family. She

was pained by Tobias curtness with her, that had occurred, and remained for a

few weeks.

-I just want Mom to be happy. Why does he act like I'm the reason all

this happening?-

A black Camaro sped up into the driveway. Tobias heard it instantly,

but only when the horn was honked, did the others turn their heads. The three

females were perplexed at the presence of someone else, but Hank recognized it

instantly. He silently hoped that it was his imagination, otherwise something

was going to go terribly awry. But, as Murphy Meade stepped out of her car, Hank

felt a pang of guilt wash over him like an ocean.

Murphy was taken aback at the visage of her house. She smiled to

see that it looked exactly the way it did two years ago. Even as she had

pulled into the driveway, the evidence of other people there did not register

in her mind. When she was set on something, all she could do was think about

it. Now, though she noticed four strangers fixing to go into her house. Her

first thought was that her Father was selling the house. But, as she saw that

an attractive blonde was holding hands with Hank, she blanched.

-Is that woman he's dating - she's pretty. And, her children are

almost all splitting images of her - well except for the munchkin.-

"Murphy?" Hank called, as he broke away from Elizabeth.

Hank ambled quickly to his daughter, fearing the worse. Murphy

watched Hank hurry over to her, and hoped that he would not be angry at

her for coming unannounced. When Hank finally did reach her, he stopped

before coming to close. He was hesitant about embracing her; it seemed

almost as if they were worlds apart.

-I can't believe she's here. Why is she here? Did something happen

to Cecealy?-

"Daddy," she said, and then surprised him by hugging him.

Slowly, Hank hugged her back. When they parted, both noticed

that their eyes were soft, and teary. But, no tears fell, they were both

too strong, and stubborn to cry in front of one another at this mere reunion.

Suddenly, Hank found himself liking the idea of having Murphy back. There was

a look of innocence in her eyes right now, but there was also age that lined

them as well.

-God, what am I doing? The last time I saw him, I said some

things that I could never forgive myself for.-

"Murph, what are you doing home? Is Cecealy okay?"

"Yeah, she's fine. I left a couple days ago . . ."

"Did you tell her you were leaving?"

-I deserved that. I deserve a lot of things.-

-Murphy didn't deserve that. She deserves better.-

"Yes, and . . ." Murphy trailed off, looking at the ground.



She could not bring herself to ask what she came there to ask.

It all seemed so simplistic a few days ago. Now it looked like a big

mistake, that she could never make up for. Murphy sighed, running a hand

through her tangled hair. Hank could tell that there was something she

needed to say - wanted to say. Without thinking, he laid a hand on her

shoulder. She looked up at him, perplexed beyond belief.

"Daddy I wanna' come home," she blurted out.

Hank tilted his head; he did not think he had heard her correctly.

But, when Murphy stared up at him with hope in her orbs, he knew what she

said - and knew she meant it. Smiling fondly at his only daughter, he

embraced her once more. Murphy sighed with relief, and let the tears fall.

She had missed home terribly, but she could not show weakness - she would

not show weakness when her mind was set on something.

"I swear, Daddy," she said, sternly, pulling back from him, "no more - no

more drinking, racing, or any other of those screw-up things I did. I just

wanna' be a kid again, and not have to worry about disappointing you anymore."

He hugged her again, just holding her close. Elizabeth watched

them closely, coming to the realization that this was the infamous Murphy

Meade, while her children stayed oblivious to who the girl was. Murphy

clung to her Father, letting the memories of the past few years engulf her.

-I hated him for the longest time. While I was in the clinic,

I thought of a thousand ways to get back at him. I even started a list.

But, eventually I found that I couldn't hate him; but, I couldn't forgive

him either. And, I just couldn't stand be anywhere near him. When I got

back from the clinic, I said some things to him that I hate myself for now.-

"I'm through, darlin'. No more trips all over the damn country, I'll be

home for you. But, Murphy," he added, cautiously, "there's are going to

be a lot rules. If you come back there won't be of that partying bull

shit anymore."



-I never wanted to let her go in the first in the first place.

After two years of hardly talking to her, and seeing her only a couple

of times, I want her back - for good.-

"Daddy?" she asked, glancing over at the four people standing around

looking at her, "Who the hell are they?"

It was in the living room where an uncomfortable silence hung.

Murphy in a reclining chair, tapping her foot impatiently. Elizabeth sat

on a couch, with Hope and Faith on either side; Tobias next to Faith.

They all stared at one another, sizing each other up. When Murphy decided

to come home for good, the least she expected to have four more people

living there.

-I don't want to hate them, really - I don't. Even that sounds

like a lie to me.-

Elizabeth had no idea what to say. Seeing the rowdy teenager

before her made her recoil with leeriness. There were things that Hank

had told, that made her wince instinctively. If her children even did

half of what Murphy had, she would not be able to stand the sight of them.

But, at this thought, Elizabeth felt guilty. So, she smiled briefly at

Murphy, offering her kindness. Murphy was astounded, completely. Usually

an adult took one look at her and pegged her for some sort of hooligan.

"Murphy," Elizabeth said, wringing her hands together, "this is Hope,

Faith, and Tobias."

"And, you're the Texas-woman?" asked Murphy, nonchalantly.

Faith scoffed at Murphy's bluntness, stealing a glance a the older

girl. Deciding that Murphy was attractive in her own sense, because she

reminded her of Elizabeth a tiny bit. Murphy wore no make-up, and looked

as though she did not care anything about her hair. The guitar that Murphy

had carried in, made Faith respect her: she had never been able to even

play the triangle.

-I always wanted an older Sister. Someone I could talk to, or ask

them about stuff that I can't talk to Mom about.-

Hope seemed more at home than she had at first stepping out of the

van. She eyed the large book case full of knick knacks, then hopped off the

couch to inspect them. Running her tiny fingers over some of the more

intricate ones, she giggled at a dancing pair of bears. All the while

Murphy eyed the young girl, a blank expression on her face.

"My Mother collected bear figurines," stated Murphy, smiling, "I never

understood her obsession with bears. I'm a dragon and wolf person myself."

"Where is she?" asked Faith, hoping to ease the tension in the room.

Murphy frowned at the girl, and Faith upturned her eyes. She did

not know what she had said to make the older girl turn icy. Murphy dug her

hand into her pocket, fondling an object.

"She died a couple months after I was born,"

Elizabeth regretted having any ill thoughts toward Murphy. And,

she came to the conclusion that maybe that was why Murphy had been so wild:

she had grown up without a Mother, and a Father that away more than he was home.

The room hung still with solitude.

Tobias had tried his hardest to avert his eyes from the girl. Yet,

he found himself sneaking glances at her. He found her not beautiful, because

he had seen better looking girls; it was her facade that he had heard of, that

made him want speak with her. He studied her face as she looked down after

saying that her Mother had died. Feeling sympathy for Murphy, feeling the

need to say sorry - to apologize.

-Have you ever done something really stupid, knowing that it was stupid,

but you still did it anyway? I knew it was idiotic of me to like her. I

mean, for one she's three years older than me; two, she's this slacker girl

with a guitar, while I'm the overachiever boy with too much smarts for my

own good - we're total opposites.-

Hope turned her attention away from the bear figurines, ambling her

way to Murphy. She studied Murphy's rings, fingering the silver objects.

Pulling slightly at Murphy's necklace, Hope grinned at her innocently.

"Can I see it?" Hope asked, poking one of Murphy's rings.

Hesitant at first, Murphy shrugged her shoulders, and pulled off the

ring. Hope gleefully bounced around, and slid the ring on; it fell from her

finger. Murphy chuckled, then picked the ring up, placing it back on her hand.

"I don't have any jewelry," stated Hope, "but I like yours. Are they real?

And, what kind of flag is that on the ring around your neck?"

Inwardly, Faith groaned: her Sister could be such a pest sometimes.

At least, though she was bugging someone else that was not her. Faith held

back a laugh, at the unbelievable look on Murphy's face. Murphy lowered her

voice so that only Hope could hear, and Hope was reduced to a mound of giggles.

-Murphy is so cool. She didn't just ignore me when I asked her stuff

like my Brother and Sister usually do.-

"I'm going to grab a smoke, and finish unpacking." Murphy announced, as Hank

came into the room. She added, "Welcome to my humble abode - don't take any

of my stuff."

It was difficult to say whether or not she was joking, or being

absolutely serious. Hank nodded, setting down some suitcases near the couch.

Elizabeth looked increadously at Hank, then to Murphy's disappearing figure.

Hope bounded after her, bombarding her with some more empty chatter. Faith and

Tobias, leisurely, picked up their suitcases, and decided to go choose a room

from the three available upstairs bedrooms.

-I took one look at this girl, and I knew she more than 'rebellious',

like Hank had stumbled over. All I could think was as she announced that she

was going out to have a cigarette, was God, I don't want her around my kids.-

Once the kids had made their way upstairs, Elizabeth stood up,

turning to face Hank. She opened and closed her mouth, attempting to

get words to come out. It was to no avail though, she stood there,

amusing Hank at her loss for words. Finally, she found her voice,

and molded it to sound astounded - disgusted.

"You let her smoke?"

"If I didn't let her, Liz, she would just do it behind my back, and

get someone else to buy them for her. Besides, she's almost eighteen,"

-It's not a big deal.-

-Am I the only one who sees this as a big deal?-



Tobias sat on the couch, watching the television intently. Faith

sat on his right, reading a book. Hope bounded down the stairs, just as

Murphy shut the door. Holding a Monopoly board, Hope grinned, casting a

pleading glance at her Brother and Sister. Tobias groaned, ignoring his

youngest Sister: he hated Monopoly. Faith followed suit, pretending she

did not see the board game.

"Play Monopoly with me," Hope whined.

"No!" Faith and Tobias said, in unison.

Murphy ambled her way to a chair, plopping down; a creaking noise came

from the chair. Hope would not take no for an answer. She started setting the

game up anyway, through glares from her siblings. Murphy watched the television

for a moment, then took notice of the book in Faith's hands. She stood up

abruptly, grabbing the book from Faith. She turned it over to get a better

look at it. A furious glance from Murphy made Faith cower.

"Did you get this from the attic?"

"Y-yes," Faith mumble, eyes cast down, studying her hands carefully.

"That's my library, don't go in there unless you ask me first," she ordered,

through clenched teeth. "And, while we're on that subject, let lay a few ground

rules, 'kay?"

Murphy sat back down, staring at the other three. Closing the

book, she sat it beside her. Then, she leaned forward so that they would

hear everything she was about to say.

"One, never take books from my library. If you want to read them, read

them there in the attic. Two, don't go into my room: you can't borrow my

clothes or anything else. We clear?"

-So much for a nice older Sister.-

"Crystal," Faith murmured, standing up to leave.

Faith hurried up the stairs. Murphy, then left her chair to sit

beside Tobias. Hope shuffled some orange cards, not realizing her Sister

had just departed. Holding the remote in his hand, Tobias found himself

growing nervous as he sat beside her. He supposed that she was a little

harsh on Faith, but he was the same way when it came to his belongings,

as well.

-Is there something I'm missing? Weren't we supposed to be one

big happy family?-

"So," Tobias cleared his throat, "you play the guitar?"

Shrugging, Murphy yanked the remote from his hand. She flipped

through the channels ignoring him. Coming to the realization that she

would not be talking to him any time soon, he decided to go work on his

room. Truthfully, he liked his room: it was big enough - bigger than his

basement room, anyhow. Murphy watched Tobias walk up the stairs, looking

indifferent. She turned back to the television.

Hank took some folded clothes from Elizabeth, and placed them into a

dresser. He could remember distinctly the day he had thrown out all of his

wife's clothes. It had been a lamenting experience really. But, as he helped

Elizabeth with putting up her clothes, he felt like something was patching him

up: giving him something back that he had lost.

-I didn't touch any of Margaret's things for years. I couldn't

even bare to sleep in the room we had together. I felt like I would be

betraying her memory if I just threw her things away. I couldn't imagine

her not being able to wear her favourite flannel night gown, or those ratty

bear house shoes. Sometime later I realized that I couldn't just keep

dwelling on the past; what's done is done. So, I moved all my things back

into the Master bedroom, and gave all her clothes to Goodwill. I hung onto

some things . . . the important things . . . I don't have very many pictures

of her, because I catch glimpses of her when I look at Murphy. I see the dark

red hair, and the pug nose - I have to ask myself - did we make actually

make that: a beautiful girl, growing up too damn fast?-

"I haven't heard Murphy screaming, or killing anyone - guess there getting

along, huh?" Hank joked, pulling her onto the bed.

"Must be," Elizabeth added, laughing, "Tobias hasn't slammed any doors,

or threatened to run away."

They laid side-by-side, staring up at the ceiling. Both had a

happy look plastered on their faces. Hank reached for Elizabeth's hand,

twining his fingers with hers. Turning to look at one another, their

faces held smitteness, adoration, but most of all love. Hank kissed

Elizabeth for a moment, allowing all of his emotions to come forth.

"Give it time,"

Elizabeth laughed, playfully swatting Hank on the arm. She kissed

him, and he pulled her close to him.

"It's cute how Hope follows Murphy around. Maybe now she'll get a taste

at what it's like to be driven out of her mind,"

The both chuckled, closing their eyes merely drinking in each

other's presences. Elizabeth instinctively folded into Hank, to which

he molded himself to her loving how soft she was.

-This is . . .-



-This is . . .-

-Perfect.-

Tobias sorrowfully strummed his guitar, with his headphones on.

It bothered him that he could not write his own music, only mimic others.

He sighed, placing his guitar on the floor beside him. Laying back on the

bed, Tobias closed his eyes, willing sleep to come. All he wanted to do was

pretend that this was a dream; a very, very bad dream. That was when he heard

screaming. Instantly, he knew it came from Hope: he rushed out the door and

downstairs.

Faith had had the same idea, and they collided into one another

at the top of the stairs. Both siblings running, made a deafening thud

with each step. But, as they neared the bottom, both of their jaws dropped:

Murphy was leaning over Hope, tickling her mercilessly, leaving a knocked

over Monopoly pieces scattered everywhere.

-This . . .-

-Sucks! I can't believe she's playing favourites. Not that I'm

jealous, or anything. Because I would have felt the same way if she was

tickling Faith. Right?-

-Is weird. I didn't think she would like Hope . . . I guess I

was wrong . . . again.-

With down-trodden expressions, Tobias and Faith trudged back up

the stairs. Tobias lingered as Faith passed him. He cast a glance at

Murphy; she finally let Hope up, and they were starting a new game.

He sighed, quietly. But, one could sooner hold back the tide, rather

than the disappointment that lingered on his face.

Elizabeth knocked on Faith's door, half expecting to hear a shout

of leave me alone. But, instead Faith opened the door a crack. Seeing it

was her Mother, she opened it wider, inviting her in. Elizabeth glanced

around the room: it looked nice, save for all the unopened boxes. Nothing

was unpacked.

"Why haven't you started unpacking?"

Faith shrugged her shoulders, then sat down in a chair in front

of her vanity - wringing her hands. Elizabeth sighed, deeply, then

crossed her arms across her chest. She was not buying her Daughter's

casualness for one minute.

-Oh, no. I'm the one that invented the wringing hands deal.

She's nervous, and peeved.-

"Spill, Faith," Elizabeth told her, tapping her foot.

-If put all my stuff up, it'll finalize that we're never going back.-

"I'm just tired, that's all,"

Elizabeth sighed, and lost all of her sternness. She sat on

Faith's bed, trying to meet her daughter's eyes. It was no use, Faith

kept her eyes glued to the floor, with her back to her Mother. So, they

sat in silence, Faith wishing for Elizabeth to leave; Elizabeth hoping for

her Faith to tell her what was wrong.

-I wish Faith would just talk to me like use to. When she was

little, she would never shut up, and now . . . -

-I wish I could just not talk to her sometimes. I want to pout,

and I want brood. Does that sound too immature? Brooding is what Tobias does.-

"I'm sorry, Mom, it's just," Faith paused, "do I really have to go to

school tomorrow?"

Elizabeth shook her head out of disbelief. She thought it funny

how Tobias and Faith always tried their hardest to get out of school.

She stood and hugged Faith, kissing her cheek.

"Hank and I are taking Hope to Peter Piper's, want to come?"

Faith shot her mother a glaring glance. Elizabeth knew that look

all too well: Faith hated to be treated like a child. As she stepped out

of the door, she called over her shoulder . . .

"Yes," she said, grinning, "yes, you do."

Hank studied his daughter's posture, while she lounged on the

couch. He shook in amusement, as he noticed one of her legs draped over

the arm of it. Murphy was flipping through the channels, with an animal

extinct. Barely even pausing for someone to get a word out - then the

television flickered with something new. Pulling on his coat, and grabbing

his keys, Hank pushed her leg off of the arm of the couch. Murphy

mock-glared at him, and began to push buttons on the remote at him.

"We're goin' out for Pizza - you up for it, Murph?"

"Whose we?" she asked, turning her attention back to glow of the screen.

"Liz, Hope, and maybe Tobias and Faith,"

"Sounds great, Daddy," Murphy smirked, sarcastically, "let me grab my tutu,

and princess crown."

"All right, all right," said Hank, chuckling, "suppose you're too old for fun

and games, huh?"

"Well, if you had said Chucky Cheese, I might have considered it for, oh . . .

a second longer,"

Hank shook his head, smiling joyfully, then ruffled Murphy's hair.

He swept his way to the kitchen, humming a soft tune. Elizabeth came down

the stairs shortly after. She cast a glance at Murphy, and Murphy caught her

eyes. Quickly, Murphy looked away.

-Looking at her only makes me think of how imperfect I am.-

"I suppose you're staying behind, too?" Elizabeth asked, as she slipped on a

pair of strapless sandals.

"How'd ya' know?" Murphy smirked.

"I think all teenagers live in the same book: no one wants to go to . . ."

she was cut off by Murphy.

"A kiddie place?"

-Murphy can be charming when she wants to be. I can see why Hank

lets her have her way almost all the time.-

"Well . . . yeah. Do you want us to bring you something back?"

"Nah," Murphy declined, casually, "I'll just eat a P. B. and J sandwich -

thanks, though - I appreciate it."

-And, can be absolutely nice sometimes.-

Elizabeth nodded, walking to the kitchen. Murphy sighed and flipped

of the television. She yawned, standing up to move to the basement. She thought

that for her first day back - it was okay - not good - but okay. As long as she

had her music, she could deal. Smiling, Murphy had a bounce in her step as she

headed down to the basement.

Tobias walked down the stairs, his stomach eating itself with every

step: he was starving. Reaching the kitchen, finally, he hungrily grabbed a

bag of pretzels on the counter. Just as he got the intolerable package open,

he heard a guitar being played. The tune was unrecognizable to him. So, he

followed the music, and it continued to get louder as he neared a door. He

figured that it was the basement.

With each step down, Tobias found himself growing accustomed to the

strange sounding song. There were no lyrics, only the music. When he reached

the last step, he saw Murphy sitting on a stool, her head downcast. He found

himself in awe of such a serious expression on her face.

-She's so mysterious.-

When Murphy looked up, she saw Tobias standing with his mouth

slightly ajar. Attempting to hide all emotion on her face, Murphy smirked

arrogantly.

"I-I'm sorry, I just," he stuttered.

"S'kay, I was just messing around anyway," she waved him off.

Tobias' eyes widened: he thought for sure she was going to yell

at him. Murphy rested her guitar on the stool, making her way to one of

many bean bag chairs. As Tobias took in the room, he fell in love with it.

There were a couple of electric guitars, a few amps, and a drum-set. Off in

one of the corners, there was a table, with a large stereo system; a large

selection of CDs lined the wall behind it.

"What is this place?" he whispered.

"A slice of heaven. My band calls it The Haven, though,"

"You have a band?"

Murphy mutely nodded her head, picking up a magazine on the floor.

Leafing through it, she found that the boy's presence did not irk her like

it had before. Tobias ambled toward the wall of CDs. He hesitated when he

wanted to reach out and touch some of them.

"Don't mess with any of the instruments, there the band's." Tobias gritted

his teeth, but smiled when she added, "You can rummage through my CDs -

borrow some if you want."

He almost instantly, pulled one out, and looked at the back of

it. Murphy tossed the magazine aside, then stood up. She walked to Tobias,

looking at what he had pulled.

"Jemmi Hendrix, huh? Elvis was better," she coolly, rambled.

"What?!!!"

-Okay, so I'm over reacting. But, Elvis - I mean, it's -

it's . . . Rockabilly!-

"No way, man, Hendrix was the king," Tobias defended, placing the CD on the table.

Murphy raised her left eyebrow, catching Tobias' eyes all the while.

It irked him that she was so calm, and looked clearly amused at his outburst.

"Don't think so,"

"Oh, you don't, huh," he asked, glaring daggers at Murphy, "then, pray tell

what catches your fancy?"

"The good stuff,"

"Which is?" he prompted, irritated beyond belief.

"Ella Fitzgerald, Hank Williams - The Clash. Like I said, " she told him,

shrugging her shoulders, "the good stuff."

Tobias scoffed, and alternated his weight from foot to foot. Murphy

only smiled at him knowingly.

-I want to wipe that smile off her face. She looks so damn smug.-

"First off; country is all about getting drunk, infidelity, and dogs dying.

Second; Jazz is just too old fashioned. And, third; punk is only beating people

up, while sporting a mohawk,"

As Tobias continued to rant his thoughts, Murphy's smirk soured.

She scowled, with her hands shaking out of rage. Wondering how he insult

some of the greatest music out there, she took a deep breath.

-Where the hell does he get off? He's nothing but a kid, who

probably likes pop, or hip-hop. I hate him.-

"Oh, yeah? You're probably just a sheep like the rest of the world,

following the latest trend. You're supposed to be smart, right - try

thinking for yourself for once!" Murphy's voice became louder with every

word.

-The gall she has, the little . . . I hate her.-

"You're nothing but a rich, spoiled brat! Get your head out of your ass,

and stop acting like you know every goddamned thing!"

They were only a foot apart, and they were both for certain that

Faith could hear them by now. Tobias' countenance was scarlet. His breathing

was irregular, and was disappointed in himself: he never lost his temper.

"Why don't you go to hell, and take that slut-Mother of yours with you!"

-Oh, God, I shouldn't have said that. Liz was so . . . nice? -

Civil to me?-

If Tobias had had more time to contemplate the facts that Murphy was

a girl, and was just angry, he would have never done what he did. Simply,

Tobias threw all of his weight behind a right hook. Murphy stumbled over

some mess on the floor, falling down. Tobias gawked at the girl laying on

the floor before him; he had never punched anyone. But, as Murphy held a

hand over her left eye, he felt ashamed, but still enraged. Tobias ran to

the door off to the side that took him to the side of the house.

Walking down a well beaten path in Sweetwood Park, Tobias brooded.

Finding a comfortable looking bench, he sat down, feeling as if the weight

of the world was on his shoulders. Sighing, he hung his head in his hands.

Suddenly, he felt something hit him hard in the back of the head. Tobias

whipped around to see what it was; a rolling basketball came to a stop near

his feet. Then, two boys ran up to him out of breath.

Tobias noticed that they seemed truly sorry for the incident. It was

almost as if they were exact opposites: one had bright red hair, with piercing

blue eyes; while the other had dark brown hair, with eyes to match. The

dark-haired one picked up the basketball, eyeing Tobias all the while.

"Sorry, about that, man. Dofus here," he said, shoving the red-haired one,

"is a spaz when it comes to basketball."

"I resent that, ass," he retorted, shoving the other boy back.

Tobias solemnly nodded, hoping that he did not seem too much of

an outcast in their eyes. The red-haired one shocked him, by extending

his hand to Tobias.

"I'm Henson Campbell," he then pointed at the other boy, "and, this is . . ."

"Montgomery Williams, but you can call me Monty - everyone does,"

Tobias shook both of their hands, and they took a seat next to him.

An involuntary sigh escaped his lips.

"You play?" Henson questions, tossing the ball up and catching it.

"Yeah, a bit,"

"Try outs are tomorrow after school, we're gonna' be Sophomores," informed

Monty, staring out at a pond nearby.

-Some people seem nice. Everyone's nice here in Oklahoma. I think

I'm gonna' be sick.-

"You new here?" Monty continued.

"Yeah," Tobias was beginning to like the boys: it took his mind off of what

had happened earlier, "my Mom moved us from Texas to live with her boyfriend."

"Oh, you mean that big house on Cedar Wood; you just got lucky, man. Hank

Meade is the richest man in town," said Henson, awestruck.

"Nice guy. Helped me fix a flat on my bike once," Monty offered, cheerily.

-Yeah, everyone thinks Hank so damn nice - so damn perfect. We're

all going to live in a perfect house, with perfect perfectness, and a

perfectly bitch of a step . . . Murphy.-

"To bad his Daughter's a total . . . " Tobias began, but was interrupted

by Monty.

"Babe,"

"Like I said," Henson started, "lucky."

"She's an arrogant, little wench, that thinks she knows everything; who's

probably gonna' be my step-Sister from hell. And, to top it all off both

of my Sisters are in league against me, and I have a Mom who could care less

about at the moment,"

There was a silence as the day turns to night swiftly. Tobias

hung his head in his hands once more. None of his seething would get

him anywhere. Henson and Monty had a ponderous expression on their faces.

Henson was the first to break the heavy solitude.

"There's never anything kicking around in Sweetwood, Okie',"

"Yeah," agreed Monty, nudging Tobias, "you might be just the one to kick

up a little dust here. Your house is overwhelmed with drama. We'd never

get bored around your house."

"Pretty soon, you and soon-to-be-step-Sis will be painting a line right down

the center of the house like in bad television," deducted Henson, with a sly

smile on his face.

The three boys break down laughing. It was not anything that they

did that intrigued one another exactly. Yet, there was an easiness that

they felt with one another, that not any of them could explain.

-You ever have one of those crappie days? Then, BAAM! - Something

cool happens, that makes you forget the bad stuff?-

Elizabeth paced her bedroom, ferociously. Hank sat in a chair,

following every footstep. He found himself getting dizzy at watching her

movements. She was exhausted, and terrified that finally Tobias had run

away. Tobias had threatened many times that he was going to run away. But,

now he had a place to go that was not just miles away from his home: he could

go to Alabama. Even though, Red had assured her that he felt it best for

Tobias to stay with her; she had seen a lingering doubt on his face. So,

Elizabeth continued to pace, with Hank offering sympathetic glances. He

knew that anything he said at the moment, would sound hallow, and be wrong.

Hank sighed, then scratched his head.

Faith pulled a few spiral notebooks from a box, then walked them

over to her vanity. A lumpy backpack laid open there. Shoving the notebooks

forcefully into her bag, she frowned at her appearance in the mirror. She

took a few steps back, then turned to her side. Placing her hands on her

stomach, a look of disgust came to her face.

-I think I'm too fat a lot of the time. I mean, I'm tall, so I

should weigh more, but . . . still . . .-

Elizabeth laid face down on her and Hank's bed. She mumbled inaudible

obscenities into her pillow, a few tears leaking out of her eyes. Hank was

sitting beside her, and stroked her back, trying to offer some comfort.

Suddenly, she flipped over, and sat up.

"I can't believe he'd run away like that. I at least thought, he would give

some kind of warning. I mean he started unpacking, and seemed to be all right

with Murphy, and . . ."

Hank cut her off with a gentle kiss. Elizabeth was silenced, then

stared blankly at him. Stroking her cheek, he pulled her into a hug.

-I ramble when I'm scared. I ramble when I'm not scared, too.-

"Maybe we should move back - maybe we shouldn't be together anymore, if . . ."

Putting a finger to her lips, Elizabeth looked pleadingly at him.

Hank shook his head, thoughtfully.

"Don't even think about. Tobias is a good kid, and has common sense. I got

you this far, and I am not about to let you go,"

-I'm not gonna' let her go - ever.-

-Thank God.-

Murphy turned a page of a large, hardback book. A soft-glow lamp was

on at her desk. The attic had been a library as long as she could remember.

And, every year she collected more and more books; Murphy still had the ones

she read when she was only ten years old. Now, it was a solace for her - a

place to do homework, or write essays. A black computer was in the corner of

the attic, while her desk was pushed to wall where a window laid.

The door opening, swept her attention away from the literature she

read. At first she thought it was Tobias, then felt relieved that it was

only her Father. Hank walked in, the floor creaking softly. Murphy smiled

at him, with a tilted head.

"Have you seen Tobias?" he bluntly asks.

Murphy blanched, noticeably. Hank took notice of the outlines of a

black eye. Murphy turned her face away from him, attempting to hide the bruise.

She felt ashamed, and extremely guilty.

"N-not in a few hours," Murphy stuttered, lamely.

-Don't let him find out what I said about Liz - don't let him find

out what I said about Liz.-

"Oh, yeah? Wanna' tell me who gave you the shiner?"

"Umm," she averted her eyes from his, "don't ask, don't tell?"

"Murphy . . ." Hank warned.

Groaning, Murphy closed her book and stood from her seat. She leaned

against her desk, folding her arms. Hank could very well tell that Murphy was

probably the reason Tobias was gone at the moment. He shook his head, looking

quite disappointing.

"We got in a little argument, and one thing led to another . . ."

-It's always 'one thing led to another.' If I had a nickel everytime

she used those lines . . .-

"Murphy," he sighed, trying to hide his disdain, "what did I say? I know

what I said because I was standing right there when I said it. Promises

mean something, Murph. If you wanna' live here, you're going to have accept

Liz and her kids. Maybe you should go back with Cecealy . . ."

A cry from downstairs, caused both of them to turn their heads

to the door. Hank rushed out, with Murphy following him. The rest of

the house seemed a blur to Hank: all he cared about was seeing if Elizabeth

was all right. He knew that it was her cry, and it washed a trepidation

over his body, like he had never known.

Breaking forth into the kitchen, Hank breathed a much needed

sigh of relief. Murphy bumped into her Father as she entered, but

grimaced when she saw what was going on. Tobias was back, to which

Elizabeth was ecstatic. She hugged him, kissing his head, merely

overjoyed that he had not run away. Suddenly, she pulled back, and

her face went still with anger.

-I think she has this face that lets everybody know she's

pissed. I call it the Angry-Mom-Look. I'm scared of that look.-

"Where the hell were you, Tobias. What were you doing, it's past

midnight? You have to start school in the morning. Well?" Elizabeth

said, rapidly, crossing her arms.

"Mom," he whined, "I went to the park, and made some friends. We were

playing basket ball, and one thing led to another . . ."

Hank blinked in recognition of those lines. Elizabeth knew

very well that Tobias was hiding something, but she was just glad that

he was actually breathing - with her. Tobias cast a glance at Murphy;

she gave him an apologetic look, then shuffled her feet, nervously.

-It wasn't a complete lie. We did play basketball for a

while. Just don't ask why I didn't tell her - just don't . . ."

"Why didn't you just ask to go?" her voice softened.

Tobias shrugged his shoulders, glancing once more at Murphy.

She looked relieved, and found herself thinking that holding her temper

was going to be harder than she thought.

"Tobias," stated Elizabeth, with a sad smile . . .

-I worried about Tobias and Faith making friends. I have to let

this go - I have to . . .-

"You're a good kid," she looked at Hank, who was smiling, "so, I'll let it

go - this time."

"Well," Hank interjected, "everybody off to bed."

He offered his arm to Elizabeth; she took it and walked to their

room in the back of the house. Tobias followed them, but Murphy grabbed

his arm. Pulling him back to face her, she took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry. It's just that's it's a lot to handle to come back after

two years, and find strangers that I have to board with," she looked him

in the eye, hoping that he would know she meant it.

-I say a lot of things that I don't mean. And, I do a lot of

things that I don't mean to do.-

"I'm sorry, too, Murphy. It's a lot to handle to just up and leave all

of my friends - my home - and my Dad," he gave her a bit of sympathy.

-I do a lot of things I don't want to do, but I do them anyway.-

Tobias offered a forgiving smile to Murphy, and she took, giving

one of her own. They stood in the kitchen for a few moments, solitude slipping

between them. Suddenly, Murphy gazed back up at him.

"Will I get my ass kicked if I offer to drive you to school tomorrow?"

Tobias grinned at her, shaking his head. Murphy started toward

the stairs; he followed her, a joyous bounce in his step. He felt all the

guilt dissipate. Murphy grinned, in spite of having to get up at seven in

the morning tomorrow. Hank stood beside her door, waiting for her to come

up. The sound of Tobias shutting his door, made Murphy remember what her

Father had said just before the 'reunion.'

"Murphy?"

"Yeah, Daddy?" answered she, her voice wavering in the hallway.

"I want to tell you something . . ." he is interrupted by her.

"Daddy, I'm too tired, can't it wait 'til morning?"

"No, Murphy, it can't. Look," he said, feeling in a lighter mood than

before, "I know Tobias hit you, but frankly - I don't want to know why.

I want you to know though, that I'm proud of you for trying to right your

wrongs."

-Sometimes she surprises the hell out of me.-

-Sometimes I think that Daddy's a jigsaw puzzle, and I'll never

get to put all the pieces together to see the final picture.-

"I promised you, Daddy. No more staying out in all hours of the morning;

drinking; racing - I'm done,"

"And, I promised you. No more running around half the damned country.

I'm done, Darlin',"

(NOTE: During this scene, Trisha Yearwood's Song, Second Chance Plays.)

Hank turned to go back down the stairs. Murphy hesitantly shifted

her weight from foot to foot.

"Daddy?" she whispered, so softly that he could scarcely hear her.

"Yeah, Murphy?" he faced her once more.

"Tell me about Momma. Like you used to do - tell me about how you met her?"

Smiling Hank followed her into her room. Murphy slides into bed,

pulling blankets up to her chin. Hank tucked the blankets around her, then

pulled a chair to sit beside her bed. He watched her as she closed her eyes,

enjoying that a peaceful look came over her.

-I met Margaret in Tennessee - Nashville. She was hitchhikin

her way down to Oklahoma, after spending a year in Nashville trying to

make it big. When I first saw her, I thought she the cutest thing.

She had on overalls, a red bandana tied around her head, and a guitar

on her back. She could sing . . . God, that girl could sing. She was

dirty, and hadn't eaten in three days. I fell in love with her on those

days we drove our way back to Oklahoma.-

Hank stood up after the tale, flipping the light out as he

reached the door. But, he called out to Murphy just before he left.

"Everyone deserves a second chance, Murph, but when they get it, they

should not waste it,"

"Are you giving me a second chance, Daddy?"

"I'm giving us a second chance,"

Hank Meade left his Daughter in her room, and shut her door

quietly. He ambled downstairs to Elizabeth, knowing that she would be

sitting at her vanity, combing her hair. It felt good to have the two

people he loved most in the world so close - it was different, that was

to be sure of - but different was good.

Next Episode: Those First Day Jitters.