Emador- I can't believe you got the sniffles about Philly. And you can have Janny! LOL

XX- Here is Kylah's parents for you. And yes I know you think OC is hot, LOL. I imagine Kylah did have that look on her face. Kylah just said those things about Mac and OC because they were so charming and liked A LOT of girls. And it's okay for Craig to be horny because Kylah likes it. And Ramsey will be fine, I promise. So here is the update you wanted for Kylah and I updated my CSI:NY story too. Enjoy.

Prettypinkcheer5- Things are still going well. She did save the best for last. But there are a few more chapters of this story to go.

Flowersc781- Well here she is back home. I hope you like it.

Meadow567- You are just determined that is how things will go, huh? LOL

Lia06- I know they are fun to write too. Now you can see her family that everyone has been asking for.

Strangexbutxtrue- Saying goodbye is always hard. And if you like CSI:NY you really should check out my story about it. (I know I am like bragging on myself here, sorry.) I think you'd like it. I'd like to have your opinion anyway because you write good reviews.

March 8, 1980

Qualla, NC

I stepped out onto the back porch of my house at home. Daddy was out in the barn doing something. Mom had gone into town to run errands. I sat down on the porch swing, enjoying the warm morning sunshine. Early March was warm in North Carolina. I looked at the kitchen window. Smokey was sitting in it, looking outside.

"You seem to have gotten settled back in okay." Dad said walking up on the porch.

"Well I've been home a week now. I got some things unpacked and some things I left packed in case I have to move again." I said.

"Your mom and I were hoping to have you home awhile this time." Dad said.

"I know. Right now I am just relaxing. I have a few drafts for articles for the local paper about my experiences with the team though." I said.

"You heard from Craig?" dad asked.

"I finally reached him late last night. He's been real busy with his new job." I said.

"I know you were worried the other night when he didn't call you." Dad said. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine. He really likes his new job. I guess he's been really busy." I said.

"He know when he'll get to visit yet?" dad asked.

"No, but I am hoping it's soon. I really miss him." I said. "What are you doing in the barn?"

"Checking a few things on the old tractor. Trying to get it ready for spring planting." Dad said.

"I was out to the coop a few times since I got home. I can't believe that old rooster is still living." I laughed.

"That thing is gonna live forever to annoy me by crowing every morning." Dad laughed. "I thought he'd die while you were in Minneapolis; I mean he is 9 years old or so. You've had him since junior high. But he's still out there squawking."

"I read somewhere that a chicken who isn't killed for food, and is well cared for can live up to twelve years." I chuckled.

"I'm gonna be taking that thing to a nursing home with me someday." Dad sighed.

"Where is today's newspaper? I wanna read how the boys are doing. Jimmy Craig had the game of a lifetime last week with the Flames." I said.

"I think I left it in the kitchen." Dad said. "Kylah, you feeling okay? You look a little peaked."

"I'm fine. I think it's just all catching up with me. The Olympics, leaving the boys and Craig behind, moving back home and now missing Craig. I'm probably just tired." I said.

Dad nodded as I walked inside to look for the newspaper. I found it and opened to the sports section, but the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Kylah, you're home. I was wondering when you'd get back." Debbie, Jake's prom date was on the other end of the line.

"Oh hi Debbie. Yeah, I got home on the 1st. Took the week to relax and settle back in." I said. "How are you?"

"I'm good. I was hoping to catch you because I wanted to hear all about the Olympics. I saw your mom in town a few months ago and she told me you were dating one of the coaches." Debbie said.

"Yeah, I am dating Craig Patrick; he was the US assistant coach." I explained.

"I saw him on the games…he's not who I pictured you with." Debbie said.

"Why?"

"Well he's older, and I dunno. It's not my place to say anything as long as you're happy." She said.

"Oh I am very happy. He has been the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Craig and the other boys on the team really helped me get over Jake's death. And Craig has just been so wonderful. I love him so much." I said.

"Well I am happy for you. So when do I get to meet this guy?" she asked.

"I'm not sure. He just started a new job with the New York Rangers. It's actually driving me crazy being away from him. And he seems a little different since we left Minnesota too." I said.

"Different how?"

"Its little things that are hard to explain. Like he sounds different, almost sad when he talks to me. And he doesn't talk to me for long, and the other night he didn't even call me. I mean I know he is busy and all. Maybe this is just an adjustment period." I said.

"You think he is cooling off about you?" she asked.

"No…I hope not. I mean when I was driving home I called him every night and we talked. But the past few days, he seems a bit distant." I said. "I am sure it's nothing and I am just overreacting. I really miss him."

"Well when he does get into town, I want to meet him." She said.

"Well he promised we'd get together by Easter and that is the 6th of next month, so less than a month now." I said.

"Well I have someone I'd like you to meet as well. While you were off with the Olympics, I got engaged." She said.

"Oh that is wonderful. Do I know him?" I asked.

"He's the new gym teacher at the high school. We've been dating since the 4th of July town picnic." Debbie said.

"I am very happy for you." I said.

"Thank you. And I am glad you're home. The whole town has been talking about you." She said. "Well listen I have to run. But call me next week and we'll get together."

"I will. Bye Debbie." I said and hung up.

"That Debbie on the phone?" Mom walked in the kitchen with grocery bags in her hands.

"Yeah, she's getting married." I said and went to help mom with the groceries.

"That is wonderful. And how's my little girl today?" Mom asked.

"I'm good. Just taking it easy." I said.

"I heard you on the phone with Craig late last night. Is everything okay?" mom asked.

"Yeah, I guess. I just hate this being away from each other. And his new job is keeping him so busy. And I miss him so much." I said. "I guess I just need to be patient until we get used to being apart."

"Well you glow every time you hear his name, so he must be pretty special." Mom smiled. "And hearing the way he treated you and things he did for you….I like him already."

"He is really wonderful. I never had any doubts about him from our first date." I said.

"Well I admit I was a bit skeptical when I heard about the age difference. I was afraid he would use you, but that has not been the case at all." She said.

I smiled. "Yeah, I think a lot of people were skeptical and we proved them all wrong."

The phone rang again. I reached over and picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Kylah." Craig said on the other end.

"Craig, you're calling kind of early." I said.

"I….I….just wanted to talk to you while I had some free time." Craig said.

"You okay? You sound tired." I said.

"I haven't been able to sleep well the last few nights." Craig said.

"What's wrong? You sick." I asked.

"No, I think its just adjusting to everything." Craig said. "How's home?"

"Everybody is really anxious to meet you. Any news on when you can sneak down here yet?" I asked.

There was a long pause. "No, I haven't heard anything new."

"How are things in New York? Been walking around Central Park?" I asked.

"No, I started to the other night but……how's your parents?" Craig said.

"They're good. Dad is working in the barn and mom has been to town." I said. "Anything new going on?"

"Just work. I better go I have a meeting in a few minutes." Craig said.

"Oh, okay. Well I guess I'll talk to you next time you're free." I said. "I miss you."

"I'll call you tomorrow." Craig said.

I sighed. "Okay. Talk to you then. I love you."

"Love you too." Craig hung up.

I looked at the phone then put it back on the wall.

"Everything okay?" mom asked.

"Yeah…I guess." I said. "I'm gonna go lay down for a bit. I'm not feeling up to par today."

I picked up Smokey and walked towards my bedroom.