They drove the 30 something miles back to Velma's house and when they turned down the street Velma gasped and shook her head. She had been right after all, for as they drove up to her driveway, she saw two of Coolsville's police cruisers parked in front of her house.

There was also a very familiar BMW and one lavender Caddy parked next to her father's station wagon. She sighed and pulled behind the wagon while Shaggy parked the Mystery Machine near Daphne's Caddy. He got out and let Scooby out as well.

Velma wanted to slump over the steering wheel, for she knew once she got inside, she was going to hear about this for the next week. She took her keys, and her small handbag and opened the door.

As she got out, she realized she was shaking a bit, and suddenly she wished she was back in Shaggy's arms where for a short time she had found acceptance and love. She glanced over towards where he was standing, awaiting her instruction on what was to happen next when the door to the Dinkley residence flew open and Marilyn Dinkley ran out it to cross the yard to where her daughter stood. "I told you I heard a car," she yelled behind her as she ran.

Following her where the two sheriffs, Harold Dinkley, Fred and Daphne; all looking a bit relieved now that Velma had arrived.

Mrs. Dinkley grabbed her daughter in a fierce hug, then released the girl and quickly checked her over for broken bones or bruises before unleashing a tirade of words at the young teen. "Where have you been all night? Do you realize how worried we were? Are you hurt? What happened that you couldn't even call us to let us know you wouldn't be home?" The questions came rapid fire, one after the other with barely a breath of air in between.

Velma stood, flustered and quite embarrassed at the show her mother was making in front of the audience of people now gathered in her front yard. "I'm fine, Mom," she interjected once her mother stopped to get a breath of air into her lungs. Velma glanced up at Shaggy, who had strolled over towards Velma's car, with Scooby trailing at his heels, willing him with thoughts to speak up on her behalf. Unfortunately he was not looking right at her and didn't catch her mental desperation.

Velma sighed again. "The case closed late last night, and I was very tired. I tried to drive home but found myself unable to stay focused on the road." It wasn't an actual lie, she had found driving difficult with tears streaming down her face. "There were no phones in the area where I pulled over, or else I would have called." Again her eyes flicked over towards Shaggy, begging him to confirm her story. "I'm very sorry for making you guys worry."

This time he caught the glance she gave him and he nodded once to let her know he understood. "Mrs. Dinkley, I can vouch for Velma." He walked over to stand behind her and placed his hands on her slim shoulders. "I left the warehouse last, and I passed her car on the side of the road. I thought she might need help so I stopped to check on her." He cleared his throat and tried not to blush as he stated the rest of the story. "We talked for a few minutes, but because it was really too late to be out driving, we, like, fell asleep."

Velma had been holding her breath, wondering what he was going to say and was very relieved that he had left out the part about what had happened between their talk and the unexpected falling asleep afterwards. It was basically the truth, minus a few details.

The sheriffs had taken a few notes then nodded to Mr. and Mrs. Dinkley. "Well, as long as your daughter is now home safe, I think we can close this case."

Mr. Dinkley nodded and shook their hands. "Thank you, Officers, for coming right out. We really appreciate your timely efforts." He waved as they climbed into their cruisers.

With a tip of their hats and a broad smile, they departed. The Dinkley's along with Mystery Inc now gathered on the front lawn.

Velma had to stifle a large yawn, although she had fallen asleep in Shaggy's arms she had gotten very little real rest.

Daphne had left the group to stalk over to Velma. "You had me worried! Next time you are too tired to drive, tell me and I'll take you home!" She stomped one booted foot in emphasis.

Velma looked up at the prettier girl, and shrugged. "I don't think anyone was thinking much last night." It was the best she could come up with and she didn't really want her parents to know about the fight they had just last night. "I'm pretty sure we were all tired and not thinking straight."

Fred merely threw his hands down. "Well, now that she's found, I don't think I'm needed here. Another case closed for the defunct Mystery Inc." He fished his keys out of his pants pocket and headed towards his car.

Harold and Marilyn watched as he got into his car without another word and quickly backed out of the drive and left. Velma looked over at her mother's questioning face. "Don't ask."

Mrs. Dinkley had seen the group have its share of fights and squabbles as the kids had grown into teenagers all fighting for their independence and testing newfound maturity. She merely nodded and led her husband back into the house, telling Velma to come inside very soon. She had thanked Shaggy with a smile for keeping her daughter safe all night, which he had responded to with a fierce blush.

Daphne had missed none of the interplay between Shaggy and Velma and had caught all the sly glances, and had waited until the Dinkley's had disappeared into the house before confronting the younger girl.

"So what really happened last night?"

"It's just as you heard, I was too tired to drive and Shaggy found me." Velma was not comfortable confiding in the older girl what had actually occurred, she still found it hard to believe herself. "Why do you always read more into things than that are actually there?"

Daphne was frowning now, and the crease lines didn't do much for her face. "I may look ditzy, but I'm not. Something happened and I want to know what."

Overtired, worn out and just plain fed up with her whole morning so far; Velma screwed up her face and practically yelled, "NOTHING HAPPENED! I was upset and tired and Shaggy let me cry out my frustration. I fell asleep. HAPPY NOW?" She pushed past her once best friend to walk over to Shaggy.

He was standing to one side, trying to keep out of the conversation as much as possible. Scooby was just laying at his feet, not sure whether to bother Shaggy for some food or to just wait it out. Velma gave Shaggy a small hug, wishing she could do more but holding back for the fear that Daphne would read more into it than she was comfortable about letting out. "Thanks, Shaggy, for everything. I'm going inside now, you better get home and confront your own mom. I know she's more lenient than mine. Call me later and see if I'm grounded for life or not."

Shaggy nodded. "Okay, Velma. You're welcome. Like, anytime you need to talk, I'm available." He wanted nothing more than to follow her inside to make sure things were going to be fine for his new love, but he knew better than to push the limit right now.

Velma entered her house and left the others outside. Daphne merely harrumphed as she watched them say goodbye. She had been certain there was more going on than met her eyes, and she was determined to find out. Now was not the time, so she merely nodded to Shaggy and climbed into her Caddy. She would do some gourmet shopping, then ply the beatnik and the dog with food.

Didn't her father always say that good food could always make a man confess his soul? She backed out of the drive and headed for the nearest town. This was one mystery she was going to solve on her own.

Left alone in the yard, Shaggy returned to the Mystery Machine. He held open the door and allowed Scooby to take his place on the front seat. "You know, Scoob, I'm beginning to wonder about the group."

"Rhy is rat, Raggy?"

He started the van and backed out of the drive. "Because, Scoob, we can't seem to stay in the same area for five minutes without having a fight. I'm afraid this time we are breaking up for good." He shifted the van into drive and drove off down the street. His house was only a few streets over from Velma's. "I mean, we've, like, fought many times, but we've never stayed mad at each other for long."

He dismissed any further thoughts about the group as he pulled into the drive of his own house. "Right now, let's, like not worry about it. Let's get some breakfast and some rest, then we can try to sort out a solution."

He was thinking of Velma as he said the words. What was going to happen to their friendship now that they had done what they did? He had never ever considered pursing his romantic feelings towards Velma, and now he found himself thrust into a relationship he was not sure he was ready to handle.

He opened the door and let Scooby out. He would do exactly what he had suggested to Scooby, get some food, and then think about his future with his friends. A full stomach always helped his mind work better.

With thoughts of bacon and eggs filling his mind, he opened the door to tell his mom he was home and ready for breakfast.

-To be continued