To kitty, thanks for your review. I appreciate it a lot. - To RiNoA2oO5, tee hee, your review is funny. Thanks both of you for the nice comments and taking the time to read this story. Remember to check the story information page for when updates will be.

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Zell pressed the plastic phone to his ear and said, "They don't want to see you. Quistis absolutely refuses and Selphie throws a fit at the sound of your name. I don't know what more you want me to do."

"Nothing," Squall said. "No point in pestering them."

"So, um, how are things?" It was easy to see that Zell was nervous. Squall couldn't blame him.

He just shrugged as he said, "I deserve worse."

"I'm sorry, man. But I don't know what to say. I mean… I never expected something like this to happen. How can you live knowing what you did?"

"I can't."

"You know your mom's planning on visiting too."

"Is she? I'd rather she didn't. Not that I don't want to see her but it's bad enough you guys have to see me like this… or even at all. I'm sure it was hard for you to come here." Zell didn't say anything for a few minutes. He wasn't sure what to say. This whole incident forced them all to be aware that life wasn't always fair. It could be harsh and cruel. It could make you miserable. It could also change happy people into sad people. "Zell," Squall finally said. "Do me a favor. Remember that I'd take it all back in a heartbeat if I could. I miss her."

Zell said, "I know." And he did know. It was easy to tell by looking in Squall's eyes. That's where you look when you want to know the truth. You search their eyes and their soul to find out what you're looking for.

Time was up, the guard announced. Squall was handcuffed and escorted back to his cell. It was a lonely little block of concrete. Squall didn't feel he deserved even that. The heartache he felt caused his eyes to sting. He didn't know which punishment would be more suitable for him, life in prison or the death sentence? They almost seemed to be the same thing. For days, the memory of his family and the memory of his actions was mental torment. How many nights did he spend in that cell, silently sobbing? He'd lost count. He felt even worse when his mother came to visit him. Things had been hard on her since his father died and then this happened.

"Squall," Raine said, "How have you been?" He didn't say anything. What exactly could he say to that? He couldn't say 'I'm okay' because not only would he be lying but he'd sound like a heartless jerk. Things weren't good either. He was miserable. "Ellone came with me to see you." His younger sister stood behind Raine's chair. She waved when her name was mentioned. He waved back.

Squall said, "I'm surprised she came."

"You are her brother. We still care about you, Squall. None of us knew what to think. I still don't. Ellone seems to be handling it okay though."

"She's tough. She's got a strong mind and a strong heart. Don't let her throw her life away or ruin any good that comes to her." Raine watched his eyes glaze over and it broke her heart. What he'd done was wrong but he was still her son. She had the right to love him. It was easy to see he was suffering greatly for his deeds. He closed his eyes a minute then opened them once he was calm again.

Ellone wanted to talk so she switched places with Raine. She said, "I don't like what you did. If I could change the past I would… But I'm glad that you admitted you did it instead of lying."

"It was kind of obvious it was me," he said. "But I deserve worse than what I'm getting. I'd take it back too if I could." He tried to swallow his tears down. "I miss her so much."