A/N: The story you're about to read is a revised version of my original story, Two Against Two. This chapter is based on the original chapter I wrote back in 2015, with expanded content.

Two Against Two: Chapter 1

MCCallister House.

December 21, 1990-9:30 P.M.

(Kate's POV:)

I walk away from the attic door, frustrated and hurt from the fight I just had with my youngest son, Kevin. He was sent there after starting a fight with his older brother, Buzz, and for causing a huge mess in the kitchen.

'I don't know what we're going to do with that kid.' I think to myself. My heart is still reeling from the pain and shock at hearing Kevin say he would rather spend Christmas alone than with our family. Those words triggered several painful flashbacks that involved my oldest daughter, Christine.

Christine was such an adorable child when she was Kevin's age. The way she always wore her hair in a ponytail, her cute freckles, and always getting into mischief of some kind. Just like her godmother, my sister, Miranda and I did at that age. Looking at Christine was like seeing a carbon copy of myself in the mirror, particularly the red hair that she inherited from me.

My heart becomes heavy, and tears fall from my eyes, upon thinking about my first-born. I will never forget that awful spring day when Christine left. Kevin was just a baby at the time, when a big fight had occurred between Christine, her Father, and I, over her sneaking out to attend an out-of-state concert.

Some harsh words were exchanged out of anger that night. Luckily all of Christine siblings were already in bed asleep, when the fight occurred. Peter and I hope that by morning, Christine would have calmed down, and that we could've discussed what had happened more peacefully.

It wasn't meant to be; as I went to her bedroom the next morning and, to my horror, discovered that she was gone. Her clothes were gone, her bed was neat, and her bedroom window was opened. I had screamed for Peter.

He rushed to Christine's room and was just as shocked as I was to see that Christine had run away. Sobbing, I watched him call the police.

The Winnetka Police asked us the usual questions about Christine, some questions; why would our daughter run away, where would she go, did she have friends out of town, and a few recent pictures of Christine.

Our pain and heartache were only beginning. Two weeks later, a letter arrived. It was from Christine. In it, our daughter spat her venom at us, stating that she hated her Father and me so much she had decided to disown us and vowed never to see us again. There was no return address on the envelope.

Peter was beyond hurt, and I wouldn't stop crying. I felt like such a failure as a mother after reading that letter. I was also hurt that she didn't even mention her siblings, but it left a little hope in my heart that it was her way of saying that she still cared about them. The letter of course was given to the police, but after months of searching, they never found her.

I'm suddenly jolted out of my thoughts. "Mrs. McCallister, are you okay?," I heard someone speak.

I notice how cold I am and that I am standing at the edge of the driveway. I must have gone outside for some air without realizing it. I also realize that my neighbor, Thomas Marley was the one who had spoken.

"Mr. Marley, I'm sorry, I must have gotten caught up in my thoughts," I said, while approving the good job that Mr. Marley had done shoveling and salting the sidewalks.

Mr. Marley has always been a kind neighbor. Despite some nasty rumors spread by our other neighbors, Peter and I had always got along with him. I was astonished by the outrageous lies that were circulating about such a nice man.

Mr. Marley went always went out of his way to help others, such as when he shovelled and salted the sidewalks, and never asked for anything in return. Peter and I had often offered him money for his trouble, which he had always politely refused.

"It's okay, Mrs. McCallister. Is there something wrong?" Mr. Marley asks, sounding concerned.

"I'm fine, thanks," I say to him, kindly , not wanting to go into detail about what happened with Kevin.

"I just wanted to make sure. You were preoccupied there for a moment. Not to change the subject, but did you get a visit from a police officer about making sure your house was safe? I know he paid a visit to my house and asked me a lot of funny questions.".

"Did he have a gold Tooth?" I asked suddenly, remembering the strange police officer with the gold tooth and funny accent. I know he had asked my husband many questions, regarding the security measures we installed over the holidays, which I found to be a unsettling, even coming from a police officer.

Mr. Marley nod, before speaking again. "I noticed your house is crowded," he states, referring to my brother in law, Frank, and his family, who had arrived from Ohio two days ago.

Smiling, I reply, "Yes, the family is going to Paris to spend Christmas with my brother in law."

Peter's older brother, Rob had invited the entire McCallister clan to Paris for the holidays. Sadly, some members would not be going, including Christine. How sad, I reflected; my daughter would've loved to see Paris at Christmas.

"That's nice of your husband's brother. You know I think we should be getting indoors. It's getting chilly out here. I hope you have a safe trip and Merry Christmas, Mrs. McCallister. I'll be sure to keep an eye on the house, while you're away", he smiled, shaking my hand.

"Thanks, Mr. Marley; Merry Christmas to you as well," I smiled back, feeling at ease knowing the house will be looked after.

I wave goodbye to Mr. Marley, and head back inside. Hours passed, as I helped clean up the kitchen, went over some final minute details for the trip, and helped set up everybody for the night with their sleeping arrangements.

I become depressed again, as I started to think about Christine. Peter was thankfully not asleep and was watching the evening news in our bed. At the back of my mind, Kevin's punishment was also still nagging me.

Peter observes me, as I get ready for bed. The entire family has a long day ahead of them tomorrow, with the airport vans arriving at daybreak.

"All right, Katie let it all out. What's bothering you? Did something happen between you and Kevin ? I can see something is wrong in your eyes." He says.

I climb into bed and lie up against my husband. I don't want to cry, but the tears come as I tell him all about the horrible things Kevin had said.

I see his expression change and I know how much our son's behavior is reminding him of Christine. We never wanted to go through that again with another of our children.

Anger crosses Peter's face at the mention of Christine. We had both been hurt by her running away, but Peter had never accepted it.

I remember how close Christine and Peter used to be, they were like two peas in pod! Always up to some kind of mischief, or spending time together playing basketball, building tree houses or playing catch.

The kids, except for Kevin, were all sad when she left home, since they loved her and got along well with her. Kevin however does not even know about Christine, since he was just a baby at the time when she left home.

On the night after Christine left home, Peter and I, as well as the rest of the children, came to an agreement to not mention any word about Christine to Kevin, when he became older. It was done to spare him from any unnecessary pain, thinking about a sibling, who wasn't no longer around.

If there is a happy memory about Christine, I can remember, is the way she adored Kevin.

Peter embraced me in his arms, while trying to reassure me everything will be better in the morning. It didn't do anything good, as I fall asleep, crying, as the wind outside starts blowing very hard...

END