A/N: Borg: "Silly tastless garbage. How likely do you think that this story really is? Try to ignore the fact that you wrote this filth and imagine that you happened upon it while sifting through the great mound of dross that FFN is. Would you enjoy it or even read past chapter one? I don't really think that you would, if you say you would then you are a liar of the first degree. There is a lamentable lack of honesty on the part of reviewers. Everything they read is wonderful, the best they have ever read, no one tells it like it is. This story is crap, pure and simple. You should have crap-canned it after you read over the first chapter that leaked out of your mind. Your spellin is lousy, your grammar laughable and don't try that old '...but this is the way I talk so this is the way I write' arguement. Thats fine if you are in grade 2 but no one really wants to read it. I think you were/are one of those unfortunate teens that were over-praised when growing up. You were told that everything you did was wonderful, your unlucky parents had to keep every piece of awful art, every award for participating, every report card. You want me to get over it? Then perhaps you should get over yourself and realize that you are a mediocre person with no talent for writing. Again I ask you to remove this filth from FFN and stop embarassing yourself on such a stage as this." Hmm, looks like a case of calling the kettle black, yes? Every word I've put into bold, is something from your "review," that you've misspelt. First of all, if you want to criticize someone's spelling and grammar, you'd better make sure you get your own spelling and grammar correct. Second, you apparently haven't read the rules. You aren't permitted to spam, like you've done 14 times on chapter 2 of my story. You also have to be respectful of the writers on this site, which you are clearly not doing. Constructive criticism is permitted, but this is outlandish! I usually have patience for childlike temper tantrums such as your own, unfortunately I cannot condone yours any longer. You are a pathetic excuse for a person and you clearly have way too much time on your hands. I am proud of what I have written, in fact, I read every chapter I write at least 4 times. If you want to call me a "liar," then fine. But since you don't know me, then you have no right to tell me what I like and what I do not like. I will not remove my story for you or anyone! As for knowing that reviewers are not honest, well, do you know every reviewer on ? I know that you don't know me and I also know that whenever I review, I am totally honest in reviewing. I review because I like a story and I encourage the writer to continue! So your claim is false, yet again. In regard to, "How likely do you think that this story really is?" Well, this is fan fiction for a reason! It most likely won't happen on the show, although I think it would be an interesting plot, which is why I write it. When you can prove to me, this includes factual evidence, that my story is not worth writing and people don't actually like it, then I may take your review more seriously next time. Until then, deal with the fact that you cannot always have your own way. auggy1984: Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review! I'm glad to know, that you've noticed the maturity in Amy's character. kursk: Yes, Madison will eventually be able to tolerate things. colorado2: lol I'm glad you're fairly pleased with this chapter. :) Cap'n Kiera Sparrow: Thanks for being such a loyal reviewer! The encouragement really helps!

4.16 Fueling The Fire

----December 24, 2004 (Christmas Eve)----

Ephram fastened Kelly's new diaper and tossed the dirty one into the trash. "Good as new, huh sweetie?" He cooed, as he tickled his eldest's tummy. He smiled, as he saw the glow on the infant's face. "God, I love you!" He leaned down and kissed his daughter on the head. Then he reached over to the edge of the bassinet and grabbed a tiny hanger, with a brand new Christmas dress that Madison's parents had mailed to Kelly, as an early gift. He plucked the crimson red, white lace trimmed, velvet dress from the hanger and slipped it over Kelly's head and carefully maneuvered her arms into the sleeves. After a few moments, he fixed the buttons on the back, then put tiny white socks trimmed in white lace, on Kelly's small feet.

Kelly giggled, wiggling her toes and fingers, and blinking her deep brown eyes.

Ephram laughed and slipped Kelly's tiny white dress shoes onto her feet. Not that she'd be walking in them. He plucked the small baby brush from the corner of the changing table, lightly combed it over Kelly's blonde hair, and then slipped a stretchy red ribbon baby headband, complete with a little red and white bow, around Kelly's head.

Kelly giggled again and tugged at Ephram's finger.

Ephram smiled and gently pulled his finger away, then pulled his eldest into his arms. "My, my. You look stunning, Ms. Brown." He noted, as he held her in front of the mirror.

Kelly tugged at tuffs of her Father's hair and made cooing noises. "You know, everyone is coming to our house this year, to celebrate Christmas, don't you?" He asked, as he rubbed his daughter's back.

Kelly stuck her thumb in her mouth and stared at her reflection.

Ephram laughed. "Yeah, I know. I don't know how thrilled I am about this either." He looked back at his own reflection, noting that he still had to get cleaned up and dressed.

The door swung open, as Madison walked in. "Hey, baby!" She plucked her daughter from Ephram's arms. "You look beautiful!" She kissed Kelly's forehead several times and then turned to Ephram. "Amy was wondering where you went."

"Just dressing Kelly."

Madison rolled her eyes. "Looks like living in a house with four females is getting to you."

"How so?" Ephram asked, not getting the joke.

Madison playfully smacked the back of Ephram's head. "You're always complaining about how long it takes for us to get ready and how you can do things, 'so much faster'.....Hypocrite."

Ephram frowned. "Oh please, it doesn't count. I was getting her ready and she's a girl."

"Whatever." Madison spun around and headed out of the room, with Ephram hot at her heels.

"I...." Ephram began, but Amy was quick to cut him off, as he entered the room.

"Eph! There you are! Look, I need to get ready, so I need you to get Julia ready." Amy said, as she handed her daughter to her fiance and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"But..."

"Here's her outfit and I'll be ready in a few minutes." Amy quickly added, as she hung a small hanger on Ephram's wrist and dashed off towards the bathroom.

Madison smirked at Ephram's disturbed look.

"Oh, so not the time!" Ephram frowned, as he narrowed his eyes at Madison, and then shuffled back into Kelly and Julia's room.

----4 Hours Later----

The ring of the doorbell echoed through the house, as Madison glanced at her watch. She could feel a knot in the pit of her stomach and a lump in her throat. This is it, time to introduce the parents. She thought, warily. Once her parents had contacted her, they immediately wanted to meet their new granddaughter. They had, however, been very against the living situations and clearly thought very little of Ephram. Her parents were never late, to anything, so she knew they were here, standing outside the door. She looked at Amy and Ephram, noting their sympathetic looks as they held the children; Amy holding Julia and Ephram holding Kelly.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Ephram asked. He was now dressed in nice, formal clothing.

"Ha....you don't know my parents, Ephram." Madison replied, quietly. She heard the doorbell ring again. "Well, here goes nothin'." She padded over to the door, her fancy red evening gown swishing behind her and her red heels making clicks as she walked. Her hand fell to the handle and she slowly turned it, while forcing a smile on her face. She opened the door, feeling a cold breeze snap at her exposed skin, and then she saw the semi-stone like faces of her parents. "Mom, Dad! It's so good to see you!" She motioned for them to come inside. "Come in!"

Mr. and Mrs. Kellner made their way inside, scanning the room as if it were dangerous.

Madison quickly shut the door and walked over to her parents, giving them each a quick hug. "It's been so long!"

Mrs. Kellner scowled. "Yes, well over nine months." Her voice seemed almost monotone.

"Well, you're the first ones here." Madison replied, with a shake to her tone. "Everyone else should be arriving soon...." She made her way over to Ephram and Amy, then scooped Kelly from Ephram's arms. "This is Ephram Brown, the man I told you about on the phone. He's Kelly's Father." Madison said, as she motioned to Ephram. "This is Amy Abbott, Ephram's fiance and that is Julia Brown, Amy and Ephram's daughter, as well as Kelly's little sister." She motioned to Julia and Amy, respectively. Then she took a few strides towards her parents and held out Kelly. "And this is your granddaughter, Kellner Brown, but we call her Kelly for short."

"It's nice that you introduce everyone before your own daughter." Mrs. Kellner snapped, as she glared at Ephram.

Mr. Kellner took Kelly from Madison and nestled her in his arms.

"Kellner, as a first name?" Mrs. Kellner repeated, as she examined her grandchild. "Why didn't you give her our last name?"

"Because she's Ephram's daughter. I felt she should carry his name." Madison replied, a bit defensively.

"But you're not married, correct?" Mrs. Kellner persisted.

"No, Mother, we're not."

"And..."

"We're not planning to be. Like I said, Amy is Ephram's fiance." Madison replied, with a stiff tone.

"She should carry out last name, if born out of wedlock." Mrs. Kellner replied, coldly.

"Well, she doesn't." Madison snapped back, earning a hard look from her Father.

"How long are you planning to live here?" Mrs. Kellner asked, her dark eyes staring holes into Madison.

"I don't know." Madison replied, returning the look.

Mr. Kellner swiftly stepped between his wife and daughter, as if to stifle the accumulating tension. "She's a beautiful child, Madison."

Madison's features softened, ever so slightly. "Thank you, Dad."

Mr. Kellner nodded, gently wiggling his finger from the child's grasp. He held out his strong, rough hand to Ephram. "I'm Robert Kellner."

Ephram shook the man's hand. "It's good to meet you, Mr. Kellner."

Robert turned to Amy. "And you, Ms. Abbott."

Amy lightly shook Mr. Kellner's hand. "Please to meet you, Sir."

Robert nodded and turned his attention back to Madison. "I think your Mother and I would like to see the rest of your home, now."

Madison accepted. "Uh, of course. J-just follow me." She said, slightly surprised. She motioned for her parents to follow her, as she led them down the hall and they all disappeared into Madison's room.

Ephram turned to Amy, with a grim look on his face. "This is not going to go over well."

Amy frowned, as she switched Julia to her other arm. "No, not at all. If we live through letting all of our parents meet, I might need to go back on the 'happy pills'." She replied, only half joking about antidepressants.

Ephram frowned. "Definitely not funny." He leaned in, kissing her lips. "Not funny."

Amy nodded, soaking up Ephram's love. "I love you."

"I love you too." Ephram smiled and took Julia from Amy. "I love you too, Miss Julia." He kissed his youngest's forehead and gently rocked her in his arms. "Is everything ready to go?"

Amy nodded, thoughtfully. "Yep. The punch, cookies, cakes, pies.....Madison and I are exhausted from cooking."

"And you're sure that your Mom is going to bring the ham?" Ephram asked.

"Positive."

"Great, then we're good to go." Ephram glanced back at the hallway. "Well, as good as it can get."

"Right." Amy nodded. Her attention was turned to the door, as she heard a soft knocking. "I think my parents are here."

"Lord help us all." Ephram said replied, looking at the ceiling.

Amy bit her lip and moved to the door, opening it and meeting her parents. "Mom! Dad!" She pulled them inside and shut the door.

Rose enveloped her daughter in a tight hug. "Merry Christmas, sweetie!" She glanced back at her husband, who was trying to balance a hug foil covered plate in his hands.

"Smells good, Mom." Amy commented. "This way, Dad." She laughed, heartily. She led her Father over to the table and let him relieve himself of the monstrous plate of ham. Then she gave him a huge hug.

"Well, Amy, everything smells good." Harold replied, as his eyes swept across the room. "Where's everyone else?"

"Not here yet."

Harold snorted. "People these days, they can never be on time." He whipped the invitation from his pocket. "It did say seven o' clock, yes?"

"Yes, Dad." Amy replied, as she snatched the invitation away from him. "Actually, Madison's parents got here a little while ago."

Harold's eyes raised. Did he just hear that correctly? Someone was more prompt than him? "Well, that's just rude! You should never arrive more than five minutes early!" His brow furrowed in annoyance.

Rose patted her husband's shoulder. "Dear, why don't you get the gifts from the car?"

Harold wrinkled his nose. "Yes, yes. The gifts. Why not?" He swiftly exited the front door.

Amy and Ephram exchanged looks, both knowing this would be a night that they would never forget.

Minutes later, Delia burst through the front door without so much as a knock or ring. "Hi Ephram!" She exclaimed, as she trotted over to her older brother and plucked her niece from his arms. "Hi Julia!" She cooed, as she lightly tickled the baby's chin with her finger.

Julia cooed and cuddled further into her Aunt's arms.

"Where's Dr. Brown?" Amy asked, curiously.

"Dad's carrying in the gifts." Delia replied. He should be in about...." Her eyes traveled to the clock on the wall, as the hand painfully made its way around the clock. "Nnnnnnow." She pointed her index finger towards the door.

Andy came lumbering in, slowly teetering back and forth with a load of gifts in his arms.

"Andy, you look like you could use some help." Rose offered, as she pulled two boxes away from Andy's head.

"Thanks, Rose." Andy managed to say, before fumbling over to the Christmas tree and depositing the remaining gifts.

"Your welcome." Rose replied, as she crossed the room to the Christmas tree and placed the two boxes.

"Wow, look at all those gifts!" Amy breathed. "You guys have outdone yourselves!"

Harold waddled into the room, with his arms also filled with gifts.

"Dad! Oh, you guys didn't have to!" Amy said, as she gathered a few boxes from her Dad's arms and set them under the now overflowing Christmas tree.

Harold put down the remaining boxes. "Well, our granddaughter is a special little girl. She deserves the very best!" He looked around. "Where is she, anyhow?"

"Delia has her. Would you like me to go get her, Mr. Abbott? She's in the girls' room." Ephram asked.

Harold shook his head. "Oh no, I can wait." He took a seat in a vacant chair.

Rose eyed her husband. "Is...well, are will still expecting.."

"Yes." Harold replied.

"What are you talking about?" Amy asked, suspiciously.

Rose laughed nervously. "I was just asking if Irv and Edna were still planning on coming."

Amy's eyes narrowed. "Right..Well, are they?"

"Of course!" Harold jumped in, seeming more enthusiastic than he had just moments earlier.

"A huh.." Amy said, pointing a finger at her Father. "I know you're hiding something and believe me, I will find out what it is." She spun to face Ephram. "Watch him, he's got something up his pressed white sleeve. Meanwhile, I'm going to go check on your sister and Julia." She headed into the next room.

Andy took a seat next to Harold. "Well, hello there, Dr. Abbott."

"Dr. Brown." Harold replied, looking away as if he didn't know that Andy was right next to him.

"How are you?"

"Is that a trick question?" Harold asked. "After all, you're here." He quipped.

"Well, here's not doubt that you knew I'd be here, so may I deduce that you came here to enjoy the quaint conversation that we're currently having?" Andy inquired.

Harold snorted. "You must learn to get over yourself, Dr. Brown."

Andy patted his cohort on the back. "Oh Harold, I do enjoy our little chats." He stood up and stalked away.

Harold rolled his eyes. "Brain surgeons, they think they know so much."

----1 Hour Later----

Ever person was tightly crowded around the small table, for the Christmas dinner.

"This is a really good ham, Mrs. Abbott." Delia said, trying to break the uneasy silence that had settled.

"Thank you, Delia." Rose replied, as she endured heated looks from Madison's parents.

Nina, who had arrived later in the evening with Sam, smiled uneasily. "So, Mr. and Mrs. Kellner, did you have a good flight?"

"It was fine." Mrs. Kellner hissed, as she lightly picked at her food with her fork.

Nina nodded. Okay then, strike one. She thought, with an inward sigh.

The sound of the doorbell shot through the house.

Delia jumped up from her seat. "I'll get it!"

"Delia!" Andy scolded.

Delia, ignoring her Father, crossed to the door and opened it. Her lips curved upward, in a smile as she saw a very handsome and much older person at the door. "Hi, Bright!" She said, trying to keep the giggle from her tone.

"Bright?" Amy asked, curiously. She stood up and her mouth fell into an 'o' shape, as she saw her older brother at the door. "Bright!" She flew into his arms, hugging her brother tightly. She'd never been so happy to him.

"Well, that was unexpected." Bright said, as he scooted inside and pulled his sister away from him. "It's good to see you too, sis. Where's the fire?"

Amy raised her eyebrows, showing him that it wasn't the time to explain.

"Right." Bright muttered. He turned to Delia and ruffled her brown hair. "Hey, kid! How's it hangin'?"

Delia shrugged her shoulders. "Pretty good. You Mom made some kiss ass ham and we were just eating."

"Delia!" Andy scolded again, from the table. "What did I tell you about using that word?"

"What?" Delia asked, offended. "It was a compliment!"

Rose looked at Andy and shook her head. "Really, Andy. It was a compliment."

Andy frowned, making a mental note to talk to Delia about it later.

"Bright, why don't you come have a seat?" Madison asked, as she pulled up a new chair.

"Ya sure? It looks a bit crowded." Bright asked, warily.

"I'm positive." Madison replied.

Bright shrugged and took the seat that Madison had pulled out for him.

"Umm, everyone. This is my future brother-in-law, Bright Abbott." Ephram introduced.

Bright instantly caught the glares from Madison's parents. "Is there a problem?" He asked, not realizing who the people were.

Mrs. Kellner threw up her hands in disgust. "Yes!" She flamed. "All of this is a, 'problem'!" Her eyes blaze with irritation. "Madison shouldn't be here! She should be married, living with her husband and child!" She emphasized the words, 'married' and 'husband'. She snatched Robert's hand. "Come on, we're leaving. But don't think this is the end of this! You're all unfit parents and if we have to, we will fight for custody of our granddaughter!" She pulled Robert from the table and left the house, letting the front door slam behind her.