Sorry about the technical difficulties earlier!

Madelyn smirked into her wine the next night at her family's Sunday dinner. Nikki had announced that she had a boyfriend, and Madelyn was enjoying the expected responses from her family members. Danny had said "no way in hell," before promptly being kicked under the table by Linda. Jamie offered a supportive comment. Sean had asked "what guy in their right mind would date you?" Erin was angry that Nikki had not mentioned Raven before.

Of course his name was Raven,Madelyn posed, typical badboy that Nikki had obviously kept a secret from her mother. I love good television, especially when it's happening at my own dinner table.

"Aunt Maddie, was it this bad when you had boyfriends at my age?"

Madelyn threw her head back and laughed at that. How do you say "um..fuck yeah to your niece when her mom is intent on not having her use curse words?"

Instead, Madelyn answered, "Kid, just be grateful they aren't sneaking around following you on dates…or telling the guy that the family gave you up for adoption and you had to move away."

Danny and Jamie snickered. "I forgot about the adoption one. That was kind of genius," Danny said.

"Sometimes I wish I had been adopted away from you fools," Madelyn bit back.

"And how old is this Raven fellow?" Frank interrupted, his casual tone not relaying the displeasure Madelyn knew he felt at his fourteen year old granddaughter having a boyfriend.

"He's 15, Grandpa. I promise, he's a nice guy. He's so sweet that my friend even called him Prince Charming."

At that, Madelyn couldn't help but snort. "You know, that's the second time this weekend I've heard something about Prince Charmings and fairytales," she said, clear skepticism lacing her voice.

"Says the girl that had a princess dress for everyday of the week," Danny pointed out.

While her family chuckled at the image of 7 year-old Madelyn twirling around the house in a princess costume, Madelyn's mind flashed to the fairytale she had once, what now felt like a lifetime ago.

I'll be your Prince Charming, Maddie –girl; just don't expect me to wear that whole royal get up. I don't think I can pull off white overcoat.

When Nikki had become obsessed with the High School Musical soundtrack a few month's ago, one song lyric in particular punched Madelyn square in the chest and spoke to exactly how she felt about fantastical dreams: 'Now I know you're not my fairytale, and dreams are meant for sleeping; and wishes on a star just don't come true.'

Fairytales weren't real – they couldn't be; real life always got in the way.

I had a fairytale; if that picture perfect, storybook romance couldn't work out, there is just no hope.

As this swirled in her head, all Madelyn did was stow her pain, lightly chuckle, and remind her eldest brother that she had pictures of him dressed as Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Sweet move as an older brother, perfect blackmail for the younger sister.After that, Danny promptly shut up.

. .

Loving one's job is a luxury, one Madelyn had observed in her family throughout her life. When it came to deciding upon a career path, she was encouraged to follow her heart and make wise financial decisions. Being a Social Worker didn't pay as much as Madelyn would've liked to make, but she earned enough to afford a small one bedroom apartment and order dinner in once a week. It was worth it to have days at work when she left feeling accomplished and fulfilled; that her life meant something.

This day was one of those days. Madelyn was reuniting with Chaz for the first time since had been removed from his home. He had been working with other Social Workers since, and Madelyn was thrilled that she could check in on one of her favorite kids...but she didn't have favorites, of course.

Armed with a new pack of Spiderman stickers, Madelyn opened the kid-friendly (IE toy-filled) observation room. Chaz paused, a block in hand, and stared at her. Often when removed from their homes, children remained angry with Madelyn despite being safer and happier in their new living arrangements. Given how much she cared for Chaz, she hoped that this wasn't the case this time.

Chaz's shock instantly changed to joy as he smiled widely and ran towards her, as she kneeled down to his height to greet him.

"Madelyn! You came! I'm playing with blocks, see?" He thrust the bright blue block into her face as proof.

"Hey buddy! Looks awesome – are you building something?"

"Mhm! Castle for me and Ms. Tori, and I'll protect her from the dragon." Did someone put a curse on me to be bombarded with fairytale tropes? Did I walk under a ladder or break a mirror? This crap is ridiculous.

But, Madelyn could only smile at the adorable child in front of her. "A dragon, huh? You must be a really brave knight."

"Yup. I got a sword too and a horse, but I had to give the horse away because its poop smelled too stinky," Chaz replied, clearly giggling at the word 'poop.'

Madelyn grinned back at him, beyond pleased that Chaz was in such high spirits. It makes it all worth it.

"Buddy, do you think you could take a break from this for a few minutes while I ask you some questions? I promise no one will touch your castle."

Chaz's eyebrows furrowed seriously, and Madelyn's face hurt as she tried her hardest to not even quirk a grin at him.

"I guess so," He said, shrugging his shoulders.

Madelyn spent the next 25 minutes talking with Chaz, assessing his new situation, his feelings about it, and his overall mental health and physical safety. The questions were necessary but tedious, though Chaz had the special ability to make Madelyn laugh at every answer he provided.

"What's your favorite part about staying with Ms. Tori?"

"The Cheetos!"

"Do you feel safe where you're living?"

"Duh, there aren't any dragons there, silly."

"Are you happy at Pre-school?"

"Mhm, I got a girlfriend named Milly. We're getting married next week."

When Madelyn reached the end of her questions, she told Chad he could resume his playing. Instead of running back to his blocks, he ran towards Madelyn instead, hugging her tightly.

"Thanks for helpin' me, Madelyn. You're the best." And then, he took off, completely unaware that he nearly drew Madelyn to tears with his kind words.