Nothing happened over the next couple of weeks that I could trace back to my dad. No signs of him anywhere, which I found slightly strange, but hey, who was I to question it? I'm happy if I never see any signs of him for the rest of my life! My mom came up with the possible explanation that he might have sold the car, and the license plate along with it. Well, maybe. The only way to know for sure would be to run a check on the license plate and find the owner; but that would require going to the cops. And if it was his car, and he knew we went to the cops, he'd kill us in a second. We couldn't risk it.

Things were going good with Chris and I. We hadn't really had any fights, a couple fleeting disagreements maybe. When Gordie returned from his cousin's and learned of the relationship between Chris and I, he didn't look very surprised. And by that I mean it looked like someone had just told him chickens lay eggs. He told us that he had guessed it almost before it started. Something about him having supernatural telepathic powers. Yeah right, more like he had been spying on us that day in the ice cream parlor, when he told us he was leaving to help his dad with the gardening. Actually, he called it "sociological observations". Oh please.

Those weeks were pretty much filled with laziness and boredom. True to her word, my mom made sure I went no where by myself. She even went as far to give Chris a lecture on it when he came by the next morning, after I told her he knew everything. It was more like a casual talk if you ask me. Like I said, she's not very conservative with the whole parenting thing. She once said that I'dturn out to be better than the kids of those strict, religious families that keep such a tight rein on their kids that it breeds rebellion and defiance in them. I have to agree with her, for the most part. So it became a common sight around Castle Rock to see Chris and I walking everywhere together. I knew the town talked about us, how Chris had "corrupted" the new girl. I didn't care for my reputation. Why should I? I had Chris. I bet that if he weren't a Chambers then every girl in town would want him.

Today, however, I received some news that made me look forward to the rest of the day. My mom was letting me paint my room! You might be thinking something like, "wow she's painting her room, big whoop." But you see, I've NEVER been allowed to paint my room before. We never stayed long enough to bother, so I coped with the colour of my room, no matter how ugly it was. One time I had a room that was painted salmon pink on two walls and olive green on the other two. Needless to say I spent most of my time in other rooms. My room here was a light tope colour, not bad but a little bland.

I already knew what colour I'd paint my room. Colours, actually. You might think this a bit strange, but I loved it. I was going to paint my room a medium blue, darker than the sky, with an orange horizontal stripe running across the wall, two thirds down the height of the wall. Under that I'd paint vertical lines, alternating light blue and dark blue. I was also going to try to stencil orange and red Hawaiian flowers across the tops of the walls. ((A/N: My friend actually wants her room like this. I guess you could say I stole it from her for the story, and she doesn't know. Just thought I'd mention it. Read on)). I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I was going to ask the guys to help me with the painting, but only the easiest, most basic stuff, once Chris got here to take me to the tree house. I was still under the order to never be alone.

When I heard Chris knock, I rushed to the door and threw it open, with a huge smile on my face. "Hey!"

Chris slid his arms around my waist, drawing me closer. "What put you in such a good mood, Cal?" he asked, after giving me a kiss.

My grin widened and I answered, "My mom's finally letting me paint my room! I get to go pick out the paint shades and start today!"

He gave me an amused look. "Any chance that I can help?"

I nodded. "Are you kidding? I was going to put a leash and collar on you if you didn't want to!"When wewere done laughing, Itold him about my plans for the room, and how I was going to get the guys to help. "I'm not sure if I trust Teddy and Vern with painting, though!" I said, laughing again. Chris told me to not let them do anything more than paint the base coat. "They can't do much to screw that up," he'd said.

"I'm definitely not letting them get near the stencils. I'd have deformed flowers all over my room!" I chuckled, giving Chris a peck before we started out to the tree house.

I guess my excitement was a little contagious, because even the guys started to get a little hyped about painting my room. Not much, but a little. Enough to agree to help me out, anyway.

"It could be fun," Gordie pointed out. "At least it's cool colours, and indoors. I had to paint my whole fence last summer and looked like a ripe tomato."

"So when we gonna start?" Vern broke in. "Because I gotta clean my room sometime today. My mom's getting' all pissed off at me 'cause I keep puttin' it off."

I thought for a moment. "Well I have to go to the paint store and pick out all the colours and buy all the cans, so you can clean your room while I do that." I glanced at my watch. "It's 11 o' clock right now, so meet me at my house at around 1. Okay?" Nods all around. "Great, well I'm gonna go now. And wear clothes you can get messy, remember?"

I started climbing down the ladder, and Chris started down after me. When we reached the bottom I faced him. "You don't have to walk me all the way back to my house, you know. I'll be fine, really." I gave him a reassuring smile.

"What about your mom's orders? She's right you know, it might not be safe yet." We had started walking away from the tree house so the rest of the gang wouldn't overhear us. They still didn't know about my dad. Well, we'd told Gordie about him, but hadn't mentioned yet that he might be in town. I guess I felt that the less I had to say it, and the less people knew, the less real everything would be.

"It's been so long, though, Chris. You don't know my dad. He never waits this long to come after us. Besides, I certainly could have imagined it all. The license plate could have been close, but different all the same." I looked away so he wouldn't see the fib in my eyes.

He knew I wasn't telling the truth anyway. There was no way I could be more certain f what I had seen. "Don't lie to yourself, Callie. You know what you saw; you wouldn't imagine something like that. If you pretend things never happened you're just gonna end up in trouble. I don't wanna see you in trouble, Cal."

Giving in, I rested my head on his shoulder as we walked, and he put his arm around my waist as we walked back to my house. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this, Chris."

"You didn't drag me into nothin'," Chris replied, pulling me closer. I had to smile at his bad grammar.

We got to my house and I reminded him to come back at 1 o' clock. I waved to him as he headed back down the street, allowing myself a small grin. Then I went inside to get my mom and go to the paint store.

"Hey mom?" I spoke up when we were in the car. "Why are you letting me paint my room?"

My mom glanced towards me, then turned back to watch the road. She twisted her hands on the steering wheel before answering. "I think we're going to be here for awhile, Callie-cat."

I stared at her for a minute. How could she know that my father wasn't going to show up and wreck everything? I had already seen one sign of him. It was just odd and disturbing that nothing had followed. By that I mean no glimpses of a shadowy figure outside our house, and no rushed packing and driving away. Running. That's all we seemed to do. All of a sudden I got really tired and weary, just thinking of all of the running away we were gonna do in our lives. I often wondered why we couldn't just go to the police about it. My mom claimed he'd kill us with no second thoughts as soon as we did. Couldn't the police protect us from that? It wasn't a horror movie. My dad couldn't take down a whole police station. But, if my mom said we couldn't, then we couldn't.

If only I had been looking in the side-view mirror instead of pondering things that I couldn't figure out anyway. Maybe I would have noticed something that would've made everything a whole lot easier…

The paint store was located across from the tavern, The Mellow Tiger or something, and as I got out of the car I looked over at it disdainfully. Chris' dad was probably in there right now, boozing it up with his buddies. I saw Ace leaning against the wall beside the tavern door, smoking a cigarette and it seemed like he was waiting for someone. He caught me looking at him, and our eyes met from across the street. I saw something I didn't expect in them. Someone once said that eyes were the windows into the soul. Instead of malice and disrespect, I saw a window into the hidden Ace Merrill; the part that housed a strange vulnerability, and maybe even tenderness. The part he'd sooner die than reveal to his friends. Then why was he having this moment of weakness now, with me? Shaking my head, I tore my eyes away and headed for the door of the paint store. Glancing back one last time, I saw Eyeball and Vince walk up to Ace, and the three of them disappear into the tavern.

One of the ladies that worked at the store helped me find all the right shades of paint I wanted. She was nice, except she always had a vacant look in her blue eyes, like something in the back of her mind was distracting her. She had reddish-blonde hair, and was a good bit taller than I was.

"Will this colour do, dear? The lady, her nametag said 'Marianne', held up a blue paint chip for me to see. The colour was exactly what I wanted

"Yeah it's great, thanks," I replied. Marianne smiled warmly to me, and wandered off to get the cans. I stared after her, searching my memory bank for who she reminded me of. I came up with nothing. It bugs me when I can't remember things, because I like to think I have a photographic memory, while its obvious I don't.

My mom and I hauled everything out to the car, started it up and drove home. I checked my watch for the second time that day. It read 12:30. I could get everything set up while I waited. The furniture in my room had been removed early this morning and sheets placed on the floor do; all I had to do was tape where the windowsill and where the lines would go.

While I was trying hard to tape straight lines (which wasn't easy, because I lacked a ruler of any kind, so every half a foot or so I had to stand back to see if it was actually straight) I got, well, distracted of sorts. But I didn't mind oh so much because a) I had like, one strip of tape left to do, and b) well, just keep reading.

"HI!" I heard someone speak before I was tackled to the ground from behind, almost smacking my head against the wall. I knew it who it was instantly.

"Chambers!" I yelled, laughing, still pinned on the ground underneath him. "What if I had hit my head on the wall and gone into a vegetative state from which I'd never recover? How would you feel then, Mr. I-like-to-pretend-I'm-a-professional-linebacker!"

"Oh, I don't think I'd mind too much," he teased, flipping me over so that he was sitting on my stomach. "I'd visit you everyday, wipe the drool off your chin…hey, it wouldn't be that different from how things are now!"

I tried to glare at the boy sitting on me, but it was hard, partly because it was funny and partly because I was starting to suffer from oxygen deprivation. "Chris, you're too heavy," I managed to choke out. "Gerrof!"

He didn't exactly get off me, but he repositioned himself so that his weight was not crushing me. I breathed some deep breaths. Ahhh, sweet air. "Did I ever tell you that you'd make a good football player?"

Instead of laughing, he leaned is face down closer to mine. "Did I ever tell you that you're beautiful?"

"Err, no I don't think so."

"Well, you are." Chris leaned down even more, as I tilted my head up to meet his. Our lips met in a soft kiss, and was well on it's way to becoming more passionate when we were interrupted by the door opening. My first thought – 'dear God don't let it be my mother!' My second thought – 'how am I gonna talk my way outta this?'

Fortunately, neither of those took place. It was just the boys, and they were a lot more embarrassed than I was. Gordie, who had been the one to open the door, promptly turned around with a hasty, "Um, sorry, guess I should have knocked first. We'll just go now, and you can finish what you're doing," and ran into Vern and Teddy. He said the last part, a rather dirty implication, in a cheeky way, and we knew then that he was just joking.

"Gordie!" I cried, pretending to be shocked as Chris got off me. "Do you really think we'd do that with my mama just down the hall!"

"Yeah Gordo, do you ever use your head?" Chris playfully backed me up, giving me a hand up. "Anyway, we're done now. Let's get to work!" When I was on my feet again, I leaned up and gave him a peck on the lips.

"You said you were done with that!"

I grinned like a Cheshire cat. "He said it, not me."

An hour later found us all painting quietly, everyone working on a different wall of the room efficiently…At least, that's what I had hoped for. But the way it did happen was a lot of fun anyway. That was probably one of the best times the five of us had together.

"CHRIS! Teddy's gonna splash paint on meeeee!" I yowled, ducking behind my tall, sturdy boyfriend. He'd definitely be able to protect me from the crazy paint-wielding maniac that was chasing me around the room. Or at least block me with his well-built frame that I was currently cowering behind. It was a win-win situation, really.

"Callie-" Splassshhhh! Yeah, quite a sound effect, eh? Well, Chris did get in the way of the splash, which wasn't very big, and he had been holding his hands out in defense. Hey, better him than me. Or so I thought. "Hey Cal," he said in a creepy tone.

I crept out from behind him and faced him. "Err, yes?"

With a big grin of satisfaction, he put his hands on my face and smeared the paint all over it. And in my hair.

"I guess I deserved that."

Chris smiled at me in a consoling way. "Don't worry, you look cute with paint on you."

"Really!"

"No. Doesn't match your eyes."

I grabbed a paint roller angrily, green eyes flashing and Chris backed away. Instead of rolling it all over him like everyone expected, I turned to the wall and started to paint, with a pout in place. "Hey, do ya think she's actually mad?" I heard Vern ask. Wow, I should be an actress, I thought triumphantly. But then again, it was Vern I was fooling. Not quite a heroic feat. Darn.

"Hey Callie, you know I didn't mean it. You always look cute." His arms stole around my waist and turned me so I was facing him. I glared over his shoulder at the boys, who were watching us, and they immediately turned around, painting and humming inconspicuously. I looked back at Chris. He looked so sincere I almost felt bad for pretending I was mad at him. Almost.

I decided to give up the act. Wrapping my arms around his neck and smiling, I said softly, "I know you didn't mean it. I just wanted to hear ya say it!"

Chris gave a sigh of exasperation before he brushed his lips to mine. Closing my eyes, I deepened the kiss as he drew me closer. I heard the guys groan at the sight of us, and laughed inwardly.

"Is that all you two do nowadays? Hump like rabbits?"

Chris grinned crazily, and I smacked him. "Chris! You're gonna give them the wrong impression and then I'll be labeled town slut!" I was laughing too.

"Would that really be so far from the truth?" I tried to deck him again for that comment, but he caught my fist and hugged me to him. "Anyway," he said, turning his attention to his friends, "You guys need to find some girls for yourselves."

"I have a girlfriend," Vern reminded Chris indignantly. He did, too, although we tended to forget it. They had been going out a week now, and it was cute to see them together. Maddie was a tiny little thing beside Vern's brawny form, seeing how she was much shorter than I was, with wheat gold hair and cobalt blue eyes was. I had only met her twice, but she seemed really sweet, if not a little soft spoken. I would have invited her to come paint with us, but Vern had said that she was going to visit her uncle's horse ranch for a few days. That was too bad, because she still seemed a little tense around us, and it would have given her a chance to relax around us.

"Sorry Vern," Chris clapping his friend on the back in an apologetic gesture.

"Hey guys?" I looked at the paint spattered, paper-protected floor. "I think we got more paint on the ground than on the walls." Then I looked at each of them, and brushing a few strands of paint encrusted hair out of my face, and added, "And on us. Maybe we should get back to work?"

We finished painting before dinnertime, and I looked at my new, blue walls. Of course it wasn't finished yet, the stripes had to be painted on after the blue had dried, and then there was the stenciling. But it was a good start, and I was happy with it. My mom invited him to stay for dinner, but he said his mom was waiting for him at home. My mom didn't know about Chris' dad, at least I hadn't told her. She's sharp, and quick-witted though. She could have pieced it together from seeing the bruises Chris sometimes had. Or maybe she could hear the yelling and clatter from her room too.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Chris," I told him, standing on my front porch with him before he left.

"You couldn't get rid of me if you tried, my little Callie-cat." I smiled at that. He had heard my mother call me that once and now he insisted upon it, but only if we were alone. I think he liked to appear tough, or tough enough not to give pet names, in front of others. But I didn't mind. If anyone else besides him or my mama called me that, I'd probably explode. It was an extremely exclusive moniker for me. I don't know why.

I kissed him goodbye and he started down the steps before turning back. "If you ever need me, I'm just a couple feet away from your bedroom window. Don't forget that." He gave me a soft smile as he said it.

I returned the smile. "Same goes for me."

I never thought I'd take him up on his offer so soon.

A/N: Dun dun dun! What could Callie have seen in the side mirror that could have made things easier? And what was up with Ace? Oh, and don't forget the lady at the paint store, Marianne, she'll come into the story again soon. Yeah, I know, another cliffy, but I'm too tired to write more, and I can't be sure when my computer's gonna give out on me. That's part of the reason I took so long to update, I'm sorry! I planned to update not long after I got back from Costa Rica, but my computer's slowly dying. I lost this chapter and had to rewrite it! I think all my computer needs is reformatting and a good kick Which I hope to give it soon! So again, I'm sorry it's been so long! Hopefully I'll have the next one up sooner, as long as my computer's not permanently fried! I'll be a computer off my brother or a friend if that happens! So thanks for readin', hope you liked it and please review! Oh, and I got a new email address! Yay me, lol. So the new one is now in my profile. Till next time!

Screaming666: Thanks bunches! I never give up on the good stories either, and I've been kinda busy too, so I'm not one to judge. I just wish I had more time to do everything! So anyway, thanks again!

StormShadow21: Yes, there's a reason Callie's dad wants her back, and it will eventually come into play. I just have to sort out the little details so it makes sense. And I'm trying to stay away from the cliché drama and plot lines. If it starts to get like that, just give me a heads up! It's easier for readers to pick up on that than it is for the writers, I find. Sorry it's been so long since I updated! Did you end up renting The Outsiders on March Break? Oh, I own Wrongfully Accused! Well, actually it's my brother's, but I love it! About the run-in with the Cobras I was planning, I guess it didn't really happen in this chapter. Well, it had that bit with Ace, which will be explained sooner or later. Either the next chapter or the one after, it depends on how long the next turns out to be. Ohhhh so that's why Joanie started liking Chachi? Makes sense. Muchos Gracias, and as they say in Costa Rica, Pura Vida! (it means life's good, or something like that!) Bye!

ViCioUsKiTTie: Me, a main character? I'd be honoured, seriously! I won't hold you to it, though, if you decide not to. Oh, and since I last watched Stand By Me, I've somewhat changed by opinion of Teddy. I'm not sure why, but I like him better than I used to. I've also started to like Ace more than I used to, so I'm trying to incorporate him more in this fic. Thanks for all your reviews, I hope you keep reading! Byes!

DiggingDog: Yay, I'm a smart cookie! I've always meant to say that to someone, but I don't know why. Callis, Chrie…haha. I'm luvin it! Ooooh prefects I've read about them! Err, in Harry Potter at least. We don't have them here though. Sounds interesting, unless you're used to them I guess, judging by your reaction to meetings, haha. Yeah, I'm starting to ramble. I was kind of iffy about the flashback too, but it was the only way I could really show what happened without it being a huge thing of dialogue. I'm glad you thought it was okay! Chachi the dog, huh? That's cute! That's how I'd have pictured it if I hadn't seen the show before. Anyway, yeah Costa Rica was great thanks, but very hot. Very very hot. So I updated my story, it's your turn to update yours! I'm keeping an eye out for it! Well please keep reading, and reviewing of course! Byez!

Camilia Night: Aww, thank you! And yes, Chris' mom will be brought into the story soon…actually she's already appeared, hint hint. I'm not really concerned at keeping it a secret, maybe you can figure it out. Hope you liked the chapter, bye!

Icy-dropletz: Thank you so much! I've often doubted my skills at writing romance, but I like to do it. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep writing if you keep reading! Buh byes!

I hope I didn't miss anyone. I'm really tired. Just give me a shout if I did. See ya.