A/N: I don't know where all this sensitivity towards the Big Bat is coming from – because as I'm rewatching PC at this point in Desire I'm beginning my "Caleb is a big fat loser" phase. That's not all though – soon I also get really ticked at Alison – ashamed of Rafe and want to put a gag on Livvie to stop her from her constant whining.

Yes. I realize the show is long over and that no one is making me TiVo SoapNet. Thanks though. ;)

ANY-WAY – it's times like these I'm so thankful that I had the nerve to put my thoughts to paper, that I never had Alison stab Rafe or romp around in the barn with a bloodsucker. Life is so much nicer in my version of PC. Call it sappy and full of spun sugar – but some of us like things sweet now don't we?

So here's a peek as to what's up with Caleb – just a peek – not the whole deal – remember we've got 2 ½ years – give or take – to fill up here. If you're reading this and are like "WHAT?" read the end of EYHD – Chapter 43 to be exact- to get the details on Caleb's dad's huge mistake.

Gosh remember when my stories were only 40 something chapters long? How'd I ever get away with it? LOL!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who are still reading. LOVE you. Mean it. :)

Until 11 – Enjoy! xox-G

Chapter Ten

Caleb stared at his hands, clenching his fists over and over. He turned towards his desk and gazed at the ring sitting there, glinting slightly in the moonlight.

Whatever it was that had been plaguing him was creeping up so gradually he almost thought it wasn't happening at all. But he finally had to take notice of the fact that his instincts were less than sharp, that his thirst was lessening, that his desire for everything he once held sacred was waning.

And the most surprising of all was that he wasn't as upset about it as he thought he'd be.

He should be though – because if his powers were truly weakening it would put both Olivia and Rachel in grave danger.

Caleb paced the length of the room, glancing at the clock, knowing that he should be going to bed soon. If he stayed too long he was sure Olivia would notice and suspect something was amiss. The last thing he wanted to do was worry her.

If there was one thing he learned it was that Olivia and worry don't mix.

He wished he could consult his father – but ironically, his father – the man who had made sure he was turned was the one who caused him to have the chance to be mortal again. And for that Caleb was truly thankful. Without that option he'd not have known what it was like to have his children. As much damage as had been done between him and Colin it was well on it's way to being repaired and then there was Rachel. Ah…Rachel. Just thinking about her made his heart swell.

He looked at the desk again – this time his eyes falling on the framed photo of his little girl. Colin had Olivia's eyes and coloring but Rachel was all his. Her eyes were as clear and as blue as his own. He never knew he could love someone the way he loved her. In the past his own wants and needs came before anything else – but not in Rachel's case. He'd give absolutely anything for her.

It shamed him to admit it. Next to Olivia she was definitely the one who he worried about most. His relationship with Colin would always be tumultuous, but Rachel's love for him was pure and strong and completely unconditional. She would always have a special place in his heart.

The love he felt for the women in his life. It was one of those rare things he and Rafe had in common Caleb thought with a sigh.

If things kept up this pace soon there might just be one more.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Abby sat alone in Cam's study. She originally had come here to put a book away but she found herself suddenly daydreaming. She ran a hand gently over his desk and gazed at the pictures he kept there.

There was one of Aidan – when he was about four, sitting in a bath full of bubbles. A few more years and she'd have to hide that one. She thought, suddenly wistful. She knew well it would soon be a cause for embarrassment.

There was one of Lia and Lynnie's wedding. They had stood on either side of Cam and leaned in, each kissing him on the cheek. She marveled at the light in his eyes. The way he looked in that picture was quite possibly the happiest she'd ever seen him.

She took back that thought as gazed at the next set of pictures, a series of three featuring Cam and Quinn. The first was Quinn's first little league game, the second when he won the college championship and the third of the two of them on the day of Quinn's first major league game. It was an absolute dream come true for a sports nut like Cameron to have a son who made it to the big leagues. Every once and a while Abby was reminded how disappointed they both must be about the way things worked out.

Abby was worried. Worried about Lynnie and the things she saw in the future, worried about Quinn, that maybe someday when he finally got settled with Billie and Tyler the life he'd lost would haunt him once more. Her worry about Lia started anew every day. It frightened her to no end that she put herself in such danger on a daily basis. And she was even worried about Aidan, because all of the sudden, she was getting the feeling that he was starting to see things too. She needed to watch him closely. If that was the case – she didn't know what she would do. Worrying about Lynnie was bad enough. Right now it just seemed like Aidan was having a few bad dreams. She needed to question him a bit more to find out what exactly those dreams consisted of.

She suddenly had a vision of her own. She went into sort of a trance, the images cloudy. She hadn't seen something so unclear in a while. She tried to focus to get a clearer image but it wasn't working.

Cam wandered in and just watched her, sighing when he caught the look on her face. If there was anything in this world that he wanted to do it would be to make that look of sorrow in her eyes go away permanently. He slowly walked towards her and when he reached her gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Abs?" He whispered trying not to startle her. It was no use. She jumped at the sound of his voice.

"What?" She gasped.

"You OK?" He asked her then, turning the chair and making her face him.

"Yeah." She replied, her voice small.

"Abigail…" Cam gave her a look that said he didn't believe her.

"I'll be OK." She qualified then. "There's just a lot going on." She sighed and gave him a smile. "How was work?"

"It was fine." He answered, determined not to let her change the subject. "You look exhausted." He whispered, his voice full of concern.

"I am kind of tired." She admitted, knowing that one way to get him off her back was to let him take care of her.

"Go up to bed then." He said softly as he leaned close to kiss her. She kissed him back – a bit too desperately – forgetting for a moment that she was trying to convince him she was alright.

She nodded and stood, deciding not to argue, which was another sure sign to Cam that she was no where near fine.

"I'll be right there." Cameron promised as he watched her walk away. He sighed again, knowing that she would kill him for jumping in but he needed to stop this before it was too late.

As soon as he was sure she was out of earshot he picked up the phone and dialed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I'm sorry to call so late. It was the first time today I've been able get away…" Jack whispered as he stood in Jamal and Imani's guest room. It had been great to see the both of them, it was just like old times. The thing he realized most since he'd been gone was that he was sorry he came here alone. A smile spread across his face as he asked. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine." The soft voice on the other end whispered back. "I miss you." There was the sound of a feminine giggle as she added. "But only just a little."

It felt so good to smile again Jack thought, though he still had a tinge of guilt every time he was with her or even just heard her voice. But he knew, deep in his heart that Melissa would be happy for him. She might be surprised at his choice but she'd be happy that he was happy.

"I was at the house today. Everything's nearly done." The voice said then. "Chloe's going a bit crazy looking for you. It took everything I had not to tell her you were coming home this weekend."

"I still don't know how I'm going to tell her about us." Jack admitted, his voice full of worry.

His newfound friend didn't quite know the answer either. "I don't know either – but I suggest very carefully." She replied with another laugh.

"I guess I should tell you I miss you too." He said with a laugh. "I'll be home soon." Jack promised, suppressing the urge to leave immediately. He couldn't wait to see her again.

The feeling was clearly mutual as the voice on the other end whispered. "I'll be waiting…"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kate lay on her side, her head resting on her hand as she gazed down at her son. This was her favorite time of day. At this time every night she just finished feeding him and both mother and child could not be more content.

She continued to coo at him and gently tugged at his tiny little feet. Alex gurgled and smiled at her as she did.

Colin stood at the doorway and watched them for a bit, his heart nearly bursting with love.

"What are you two up to?" He called out softly as he made his way over to them.

"We're just chatting." Kate replied, giving Colin a huge smile as he got settled on the other side of Alex.

Colin reached down and marveled at how Alex grabbed onto his finger and held tight. Alex continued to babble, making a series of noises that were absolute music to his parent's ears.

"Hey there little guy. What's up?" Colin whispered with a laugh. "What'd you do today?"

Kate giggled back. "Tell him Alex. Tell him that we went to the doctor and that he said that you're just perfect!"

Colin sighed with relief at her words. Even though he was beginning to believe that everything with Katrina and Alexander was finally alright, it didn't stop him from worrying.

"And then what?" Colin asked, his eyes shining with love.

"And then we visited Grandma and Auntie Abby at the bookshop. And Aunt Becky was pouting because her boyfriend refuses to be corrupted by her and is trying to keep his distance. It's not working though is it?" Kate said as she leaned down and pressed a kiss to Alex's belly. "Because Kyle was there as usual waiting to pick her up when she was done working. Tell him, sweetie. Tell him how Aunt Billie said you were the cutest baby ever – well - since Tyler of course." Kate laughed again.

Alex continued to flail around and continued to squeal and squeak in response to Kate's words. Colin was once again amazed at how much luck he'd been granted in his lifetime.

He ran a hand over the baby's head. "Sounds like a good day." He whispered as he leaned over and gently placed a kiss on Kate's lips.

She sighed when he pulled away and replied, "It was a good day." She grinned from ear to ear as she added. "There are only good days now."

Colin hoped so, but his conversation with Rafe and then with his mother concerned him. Not wanting to worry his wife in the least he nodded and kissed her again. Only good days from now on. He thought to himself.

Deep in his heart he hoped and prayed it'd be true.