"Dad's not home yet?" Julianna questioned as she came into my room. I shot her an annoyed look as she sat on my bed.

"Jules, don't you have anything to be doing?" I asked her bluntly.

"Andy, why do you have to be so pissy? Well?" She looked at me directly.

"Ok, I'm not. Stay, make yourself comfortable ok? Whatever you want, alright, just don't go crazy," I told her and she carelessly jumped down on my bed.

"That is-" The phone cut her off and I reached for my extension.

"Hello?"

"Andy, how are you?"

"Alright, where have you been?"

Julianna suddenly perked up, "Wait, Dad's on the phone! Let me talk to him!" Giving her a 'no way' look, I backed away.

"In New York… didn't your Mother tell you? Or did Maddie?"

"Right, never mind Maddie did mention something…"

"Ok, well I'm coming home,"

"Dad, wait how's Mom?"

I heard him pause and then hastily he replied, "She's fine. Everything's fine… Is Rory around can I speak with her?"

"No, she's still not, kind of confused about that. Where is she?" I asked him.

"She's not home?"

"No. Dad what's going-"

Ignoring my question, he quickly replied, "Look I have to go Andy. Tell your sisters and Chris all is alright and I'm coming home."

"Can I talk to Mom?" I ask, but it was too late; he had already hung up.

"He hung up?" Julianna questioned, looking at me incredulously.

"Yeah," I mumbled putting the phone in the cradle. "He's coming home."

Julianna looked carefully at me and stood up walking over slowly. "Is your Mom, is she ok?" She asked softly.

"I don't know." I replied quietly. "Look, did Rory call or anything last night?"

"Mom? No, no she didn't." Julianna said hastily.

"Oh," Getting up I grabbed my coat, "By the way, what were you up to last night?" Casually I looked at her, while I put on my coat.

"Oh, me?" She questioned. "I was just around here, watching TV and such. It was a very uneventful night," She told me stressing the uneventful part.

I glanced at her inquisitively, before commanding, "Well, go grab your coat we're going out," Walking out of the room I grabbed my car keys.

"Where are we going?" She called questioning after me.

I was leaned against the wall sitting in my bathroom. The window was open and a brisk fall wind kept sweeping in. Clutched in my hand, was my life line, my ciggy. After I had hung up with Holly I couldn't resist. Not wanting to go outside I conveniently placed myself right by the window.

Hearing "Maddie," being shouted down the hall I jumped. It continued until I could hear rapid knocking on my door.

"One sec," I called back. Dropping my cigarette in the toilet, I quickly flushed it. Closing the open window, I stopped for one second to spray myself with some kind of body perfume. "Yeah," I opened my door trying to sound relaxed.

"We're going out, grab your coat," Andy told me. Stopping for a second he looked at me. "What is that smell?" He questioned.

"Oh, earlier I was burning incense," I explained, lying through my teeth.

"I see. Well be downstairs in two minutes," He stated, giving me a weird look before leaving. Andy was the only one I knew who could be so bossy and get away with it. It wasn't because underneath it all we knew he truly was kind. He was truly kind, that just wasn't it. It was that when he spoke forcefully like that, he actually did sound scary.

Grabbing my corduroy jacket, I quickly headed downstairs. Both Andrew and Julianna were waiting in the hallway.

"Where's Chris?" I asked them.

"He is with his Father, but don't worry we're picking him up." Andy told me standing up and walking to the door. Ushering both Julianna and I out before him, he locked the door.

"Andy, where are we going?" I questioned, not being able to stand this any longer.

"I'll tell you once we have Chris," He told us, getting in the car. Julianna shot me a hopeless look before we both got in.

Both Matt and I ran downstairs once we heard the front door being opened. Matt had originally wanted to go find Conner. We both were positive that he had gone to Blair's. It only made sense. I had spent the last hour trying to convince Matt to wait till Conner got home. Trust me, it wasn't easy. Right now, Matt looked like he was going to explode.

"Hey you guys," A voice called, a voice that was not Conner. Stepping into the foyer we saw Parker standing there grinning. "What's going on?" He asked looking at us. Maybe he was smarter than we gave him credit for.

"We thought you were Conner…" I explained.

"He's not here then?" He questioned, looking around at the now spotless house. I shook my head. "Any idea where he is?"

"Blair's," Matt replied tightly.

"Oh shit! Is he trying? What the hell is he up to?" Parker asked angrily. "Is he just fucking with her…?"

"We don't know if he went there for sure," I told him, hoping to calm him down.

"Allie, don't be so stupid, we know he's there. Where else would he be?" Matt questioned, his tone matching Parker's.

"Alright, so he went to Blair's. What the problem? They went together for three years. If anything, if they got back together wouldn't that be a good thing?" I questioned them.

"Allie, Blair doesn't like him," Matt replied quietly.

"How do you know that?" I asked him curiously. I had thought Blair still had a little thing for him.

Matt shrugged and said, "I don't, but…"

"That's beside the point." Parker interrupted. "Blair and Conner are way too different for each other. We found that out last year and we don't want to find out again. Lately Conner's been with a new girl every week, and Bee well she's been hanging with some pretty sketchy people,"

"You're such a jerk!" I exclaimed.

"It's true," Parker responded. "Conner has moved on to greener pastures," At that comment I punched Parker's shoulder before stomping off to my room. "Ow, Allie! That was cold!" He shouted after me.

Remembering what Blair said. I knew she was right. As much as I wanted to pretend she wasn't right. I owed it to Holly and to ever other girl I had ever done that too. I had to make sure Holly was ok. And, with that whatever it takes.

How the hell am I supposed to talk to her though? Yo, Nick can I talk to your sister, because I took her virginity last night and I want to make sure she's ok? Sitting in the driveway at the Mariano's I looked around wondering what to do. Knowing I wasn't going to get any answers anytime soon, I got out of my car and headed to the door.

"Is Holly there? I just have to ask her something about Allie…" I recited quietly out loud, before ringing the doorbell. Grimacing I listened as the bell rang inside the house.

"Hey Conner," I gave a smile to Danny who had answered the door. At least it wasn't Nick.

"Hey, um, I just came by to ask Holly something. Just a big brother thing, just have to ask her something regarding Allie," I told him hoping he'd understand and not see through my lie.

"Oh, for sure," Danny replied stepping back and welcoming me in. "Holly!" He shouted upstairs. Hearing no response, he sighed. "Her bedroom is the second from the left upstairs."

"Ok, thanks." I replied, heading upstairs. I was surprised I was just allowed upstairs. Knocking on the door, I heard a muffled response. "Holly?" I shouted back. "It's Conner,"

A minute later the door opened and Holly stepped into view. She was wearing pajamas and her hair was let loose. "Conner?" She looked surprised. She obviously hadn't expected me. "Come in," She told me ushering me into her room.

As soon as the door shut I began, "I can't stop thinking about last night." A blush reddened her face and she looked nervously around.

"Conner, I'm fine." She told me, sitting down on her unmade bed.

"Are you really fine?" I asked looking at her. "I mean…"

"Maybe, just a bit hung-over, but other than that fine," She explained, running a hand through her already tousled tresses.

"About us-"

Interrupting me, she began again, "I'm fine. I appreciate your concern Conner, but maybe you should go," She told me calmly.

"Can you listen to me?" I exclaimed, getting a bit upset. "Sorry, but I have something to say and I can't wait anymore... I like you Holly. I know last night was a drunken thing, but maybe it wasn't. I mean maybe it was meant to happen. Maybe we should start. Take things from the beginning and see where it takes us,"

Holly just sat there silently and then she finally spoke, "You mean date?"

"Yeah," I responded. "You can think more about it," I told her.

"I'm pretty sure I thought enough about it." She smiled at me. "Sure, I'll go out with you Conner," She said, still beaming at me.

"Alright, cool." I laughed. "I'll call you." I told her grinning. Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, I walked out of the room happy.

I was so happy! Conner asked me out! Maybe things do work out. Smiling, I reached for the phone. Could I call Maddie? Our last conversation hadn't ended so well, but maybe. Resolving that I'd apologize I picked up the phone. Receiving her message machine, I hung up. I can't apologize on a message machine! Sighing, I rolled over. Laughing I grinned. He likes me.

"You dragged us out of the house for lunch?" Maddie asked Andy exasperated. We were all sitting in a restaurant on the outskirts of Hartford. It was quiet and they served breakfast all day so I was relatively happy.

"Yeah, what is this about?" I questioned jokingly.

"Look sisters, just enjoy the meal, I'll explain later." He reasoned, sipping his coffee. He was relaxed against his leather booth and appeared to not have a care in the world.

"Seriously man, what is this about?" Chris asked again. He too had been just as inquisitive when we rolled into his driveway. He had been in the middle of sleeping when we came and dragged him out.

"You guys are so impatient," Andy laughed.

"And, you are definitely aggravating," I responded, taking a bite of my pancakes, while Maddie was nibbling at her burger quietly.

"Ok, Jules, because even you are getting irritated with me, I shall tell you. Dad's coming home today-"

Interrupting him Chris looked confused "How does this affect me?"

"Let me get to my point. Because this concerns you, what are the whereabouts of Rory? Just wondering here, because she wasn't home last night…"

"Is that all?" I exclaimed.

"You made us all come here just to point out the obvious. She's probably just in Star's Hollow visiting our grandmother," Chris replied.

"Are you not enjoying the food?" Andy questioned faking anger.

"The food's great, but that's not the point," Chris countered.

"Maddie are you enjoying the food?" He asked. Maddie looked up and nodded. "What's up Madds, you've been too quiet lately."

"Just thinking," She replied.

"Can we get this straight?" I questioned. "You bossed us all around and made us come out here just so we can talk about the whereabouts of Mom?"

"One, I was hungry we have barely anything edible in that house-"

Interrupting him I spoke, "We do too! You just can't cook!"

"On contra I'm a culinary genius, I just thought it be nice for the four of us to eat out. This is the first time we have ever eaten out together. Dad gets back tonight so we might not have another opportunity for awhile. And, lastly I thought you would care about the whereabouts of your Mother!"

"Look, why don't we just call her cell phone," Chris decided. Pulling out my own phone I dialed my Mother's number.

"Rory DuGrey?"

"Mom…"

"Oh Julianna, honey, I'm so sorry I forgot to call. It's just I got a big scoop for the paper last night. And, one of the conditions was that I went with them last night,"

"Oh, like your old Omnia Paratus days?"

"Your Grandmother tells you way too much."

"Did you have to stand in the hallway with a blindfold on?"

"Not quite, more so just the car bit. Heading to some unknown place with some strangers in their car,"

"With a Blindfold?!"

"No, they decided to let me see the light. I'm sorry. I figured that it would make me late for dinner, not take me out all night,"

"But you got it? A big scoop?"

"Huge. I'm on my way home now,"

"Talking while driving, that's not good,"

"You called,"

"Yes I did and now for your safety, I'm hanging up,"

"I'll be home in about an hour,"

"Alright, bye Mom," Hanging up the phone, I looked to my siblings. "She's fine. She just had a big scoop for the paper and ended up, well you know..."

"So, this was for nothing," Chris sighed.

"Thanks for lunch though Andy," I laughed

"You're welcome Jules, nothing like bringing this dysfunctional group together." Andy grinned, looking at us. Chris who looked downright glum, me who was beaming happily and Maddie who just was staring down dazed.

"Madds?" I questioned carefully.

"Sorry, I just spaced out for a bit, are we going?" She asked us.

"Yeah, you three head out, I'll grab the bill," Andy told us.

"Thanks DuGrey," Chris chuckled patting his back.

"Thanks a bunch, Andy," Maddie said to him. "It was nice."

Standing next to him, I smiled, "Thanks bud," Then I took off following Maddie out. It was nice. As weird as it was, we were family. And, I think finally Chris and Andy were acknowledging it.

There were no words to describe my family, but maybe special. Getting up, I headed to the cash to pay the bill. I was surprised when I saw Blair behind the register.

"Hey Bee," I smiled, handing her the bill and my money. She looked at me cautiously, before taking it from my hand.

"DuGrey, what brought you here?" She questioned, ringing in the cash.

"Family," I replied nodding outside. Since I held the keys Chris, Jules, and Madds were now leaning outside the building, looking like a bunch of scruffy missing children.

"Don't you just have one sister?" She questioned.

"My family is majorly screwed, and unless you're allowed to take breaks talking then I shouldn't even begin," I laughed.

"Go ahead," I looked at her skeptically. "It's past two o'clock the lunch rush is over and I want to hear how the perfect Andrew DuGrey is not perfect." She grinned.

"You asked for it. My Mother and Father never were married, some weird, shit like they didn't believe in it or something. Anyway, they had me and my sister Maddie. Then they spilt up, my Dad taking me, my Mom taking Madds. Till about a week ago I hadn't even met Madds. Then my Dad married Rory who already had had Chris. And, then together they had Julianna."

"That is messed," She replied still looking confused.

"Tell me about it. I'm still hoping there aren't anymore secret children out there." Blair laughed.

"Here they come," She nodded, towards my siblings who were headed inside.

"The car keys would've been nice," Chris told me. I laughed at that.

"We got tired of waiting outside," Jules explained. "And, plus we were getting a lot of weird looks."

"Yeah, and the whole time you're in here chatting it up," Chris added mockingly.

"Blair these are my siblings, Chris, Jules and Maddie," I introduced.

"Hey," She grinned at them.

"Alright, we better go. But, I'll see you around Bee." I smirked at her, pushing my siblings out. "I can't take them anywhere!" I joked.

She laughed, "See ya, Andy!"

When Conner finally arrived home, Allie and I weren't nearly as impatient to see him. Instead we both were lounged on the couch watching television. We had been waiting for him too long now. And, once we got Parker to go we had tried to simmer down. Allie had been so upset at what Parker said that she was now laying down nursing a glass of Kahlua.

"I'm home," Conner called, obviously expecting us to come running. Allie and I just continued to lie there and stare blankly at the television. "You guys? Who paid the cleaning service?" He questioned entering the room.

"I did," Allie stated.

"Thanks," Conner replied. "I didn't mean to leave you in a lurch like that." Shrugging Allie calmly sipped her drink. "What's up with you two?" He finally questioned.

"Nothing," I responded, laughing at a dumb joke a man on the show made.

"Allie?" Conner asked, looking to her.

"What? We're fine," She told him, then looking at me she said, "Matt can we watch something else?"

"Sure," I told her, changing the channel. Conner just sat down on the end of the sofa and stared off into space.

"What is with everyone being fine today?" He finally exclaimed. Allie and I looked at each other confused; unsure at whom he was talking to.

"Was Blair just fine?" I asked him. I expected him to get angry for asking, but instead he turned and looked at me.

"No, Holly was just fine," He replied.

"Holly?" Allie asked surprised, sitting up.

"Yes Holly, I was at the Mariano's today." He told us. "I went to go see Holly."

"Huh?" Allie looked at Conner perplexed. And, shot me a 'what the fuck?' look.

"We're dating" Conner told us as if it was an obvious thing. "Well, we're going to be dating soon,"

"You're dating?" Allie questioned concerned.

"Yes, it's only right," He responded, getting up he looked at us. "Beer?"

"Sure," I nodded, keeping my eyes on the television.

Downing her Kuhlua, Allie raised her arm, "Me too," Coming back Conner handed us all beers. Taking his seat, we all sat there watching TV, in disbelief of the day's events.

I'm a terrible shit for making you wait so long for the update. I'm lucky you're all still reading it. Thanks for that. If you do decide to comment, can you comment telling me your favourite part? I'm curious about that. Thanks again.