Chapter Two Hundred Ninety

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Did you know that sleep has healing properties for the body? I knooooow, it shocked me, too! Next thing you know I'll be experimenting with a balanced diet. Also, you all have clearly been paying better attention to the word count than I have because not only are we touching close to two million words, but Rise or Fall is longer than Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings combined! Granted, I'm not into either of those series (though I totally see why others are- not to mention Becky, Joey, Cody and the like would totally be), but Harry Potter alone has enormous books so yeah, whoa, I need to process this. Please enjoy and review!

The heavily perturbed expression worn by the normally beaming girl matched her attire of white collared blouse and small green skirt not in the slightest. Maya's face did not improve as she made it into the kitchen, arms folding.

"Okay, gross."

The other two looked away from their morning duties.

"Hey," Angel spoke, stationed at the stove, "I didn't say a word about that tuna casserole thing you fixed for dinner last night."

"Not the food. I washed out the tub and mopped the floor before I went to bed." Maya then wanted to know, "Who couldn't be bothered to clean and unclog the sink this morning?"

Preparing lunches at the island while still in her robe, Cordelia raised defensive hands. "Hey, I haven't even showered yet."

Remembering who flew out of the house ahead of them all to catch her knight on shining scooter, Angel sighed with aggravation.

IIIIIII

Left fingers laced together due to Collin keeping that arm around her shoulders, Samantha had to slow contented chatter with him when they found themselves followed by an assortment of female classmates.

"Sam, is your mom still in San Francisco?"

The blonde thought and recalled, "She has meetings in Los Angeles until Friday."

"Wow," came multiple gasps.

"Is it true she's had to be in England and Spain in the same week?"

Samantha nodded. "She's had to make crazy trips like that in the same weekend before."

"Unbelievable." One girl let off a scoff. "And my mother acts like the world is ending when one of us doesn't do the dishes. Geez, she's the one who chose the life of servitude. We're only helping her fulfill her wish."

Collin held tighter to Samantha, partly to keep his building hysterical laughter at bay. He looked between their classmates, wondering which one's helium bloated head would float away first.

"Excuse me, lovelies." Angel breezed through in such a way that the freshmen practically scattered to allow her access. "I need to borrow my sister, please." She linked arms with and pulled the designated girl her way.

Samantha and Collin made a show of waving after each other in desperate sorrow.

"Angie, what's—"

Angel stopped them at a row of lockers, giving her a narrow look. "You couldn't be bothered to clean up after yourself in the bathroom?"

As if slapped with the realization, Samantha groaned. "I'm sorry. I was in too big a hurry today. I wasn't thinking."

Tight smile in place, Angel remarked, "A trend with you now, I see," and huffed off for her first class.

Samantha stood with jaw dropped until she felt Collin's comforting arm again.

IIIIIII

Inquisitive brown eyes locked in on the board for more than a minute, the tiny hand finally sent a rear red checker forward. When Charles only imitated the move with a black piece, suspicion built on Trav's face. He eyed the man closely, but the Professor only returned a cheerfully sly gaze. Trav noticed something then and succeeded in jumping and collecting three of Charles' checkers.

"Yes!" the small boy raised his hands.

"Drat!" Charles snapped his fingers. "Must you be so wickedly clever?"

Trav smirked, "Mommy says it's my gift."

"Among many, yes," Charles agreed. "Excited to return to school tomorrow?" Trav nodded eagerly. "I'm very happy you're feeling better, but I will miss my little Checkers Champ."

"I'm going to miss you, too, Uncle Charles," Trav told him. "I love school, especially seeing Max and Lily, but I miss your class, too."

"Really? Well, I might just be able to remedy that…" Coast currently clear, Charles slid open the drawer of his nightstand and retrieved a hardback from it.

Once in his hands, Trav read the title. "Treasure Island? Ooh, this sounds good."

"It is. Now, I realize we're both supposed to be resting our brains so to speak, but if you happen to skim through a little, maybe we can discuss it for a bit at bedtime."

Trav hugged the book, eyes glowing, "Thank you, Uncle Charles!"

"Uh oh, quickly now." Charles helped him stash the book underneath the pillows. "Your daddy's coming."

Stepping into the suite in seconds, Hank greeted, "How are my patients now? Oh, let me guess." He noticed the checkers board. "My cub taking the lead?"

Charles stroked Trav's hair. "For the third time today."

Hank touched Charles' hair and studied his eyes. "Anymore throbbing?"

"Not since early this morning," the Professor reported. "It was nothing, really."

"Mmhmm," responded Hank skeptically. "Still, I think some medicine for you and ginger ale for you," he tapped Trav's head, "would keep us on the safe side."

Trav insisted, "Ginger ale for Uncle Charles, too. And cookies."

Trying to hide his delight over his son's returning hunger, Hank determined, "Two each."

Charles tickled Trav's chin. "Your daddy drives a hard bargain, but we'll take it."

"I'll be right back then."

As soon the mutant medical professional took his leave, Trav fished out the book. He moved to relax against Charles and begin the first page.

IIIIIII

"I'm almost done with the collage from spring break. I'm thinking about using some of the photos for a picture book."

"I finally finished my book, all in acrylic. I still can't decide which—"

"Joey, Laci." Mrs. Andrews' disapproving tone brought the pair back to their less than desired present surroundings. "That will be enough whispering. Do not make me have to separate you two."

"Good luck with that," mumbled Cody, causing a near chorus of giggles from the other children.

Hands on hips, Mrs. Andrews eyed him rigidly. "What was that, Mr. Howlett?"

"Good luck." Cody held up the correct text in their reading book. "Jody said it to Peter."

Placated, Mrs. Andrews returned to lecturing at the chalkboard. Joey, Laci, Cody, and Fred shared a four-way smirk.

IIIIIII

Tall pile of grading in front of him, the young resident physician did not need to look up at who entered his lab.

"Hi, Lee."

"I should be more creeped out by that," stated Leon. "Clearly I've lived here too long."

"Preaching to the choir," Hank concurred with a little smile. "What do you need?"

"I have about half an hour before I have to grab the kids and I need something to supplement where my fifty dollar textbooks are lack tremendously."

"A university woe I know well." Hank waved a hand in the direction of his numerous readings. "Be my guest."

Going to one shelf, Leon mentioned, "I looked in on Trav. He seems back to his own brand of relative normalcy."

"He's been enjoying having today with Charles," Hank noted. "I think it makes him feel better that someone like his uncle can go overboard at times as well."

"You'd be astonished to learn the overwhelming effects of discovering Uncle Charles is also from this planet."

"Yes. Which reminds me," Hank gazed up then, "how is the new room coming along?"

Facing his way, Leon put forth, "Why does "new room" sound like "sin shack" coming from you?" When Hank only gave him an even look back, Leon insisted, "We're not doing anything, Hank. Be it "can't" or "won't", it's not happening. We still haven't kissed."

"It's not that I don't trust you, Lee," Hank said, "but I do worry. You've gone from expressing nerves to me over a first date to practically becoming roommates with this girl."

"Melissa."

"Melissa," Hank promptly corrected himself, standing to approach the younger male. "It's not that I don't feel for her, but I happen to love you."

Leon shyly toyed with the book in his grasp. "… I know. But hey, you're violating married relative law. You're supposed to push me full force into a cookie cutter relationship, entirely disregarding any possible consequences to my mental health."

"There isn't anything remotely cookie cutter about you, Lee and your mental health is of importance to me. If things do start to progress on a physical level, please," Hank brought a hand to his shoulder, "talk to me about it. I'm not trying to meddle, but you're a great kid."

Leon's eyes darted side to side. "I am?"

"And," Hank continued without a blink, "a heck of an instructor. It's my own selfish bias that you stay that way. Whatever the case, always remember I'm here for you."

"Right," Leon bobbed his head. "I will. Thanks, Hank." He indicated the book. "For lots of things."

Hank simply nodded and returned to his paper pile.

Leon selected another text and started for the nearest door, taking the time to peer at the older mutant again before leaving.

IIIIIII

In the middle of their individual activities, Miss Kendall moved around to address them from the front of her desk.

"Alright, everyone, while we still have a full week from today to submit portfolios, there is a chance for expedited consideration for anyone ready with them on Monday."

Uncertain murmurs and gripes resulted while Laci and Joey only shared a long look.

"Furthermore," Miss Kendall went on, "I will be here at ten in the morning this Saturday. Anyone who wishes to devote the day to their portfolios will have me as well as the room at their disposal. If you feel ready for submission afterwards? You'll have my full help and support."

Now staring forward with mutually taken aback gazes, Joey and Laci's hands managed to find each other in a tight lock beneath the table.

IIIIIII

After holding the door open for Raven upon their return home, Erik next hung up his hat and suit jacket. He made it to his den to discover the Eye Scream Team within. They both all but leapt from the sofa to stand straight at the man's entry.

"Excuse me, young men." Erik placed his caramel briefcase on top of his desk as he went around it. "We only did a half day at the facility, but ran into some disagreeable traffic on the way home. How did your sessions go over?"

Scott handed over the beige file containing their notes. "We were going to do some bigger drills, but we don't want to disturb Charles or the others with everyone so busy. We've been doing a lot in Alex's gym. Cordy can go more strenuously for longer out of her gold form, Sam's upper body strength is increasing, and I let Kiki fly a little. The rest is in there."

"I see." Erik flipped through the detailed pages. He then zeroed in on the far too unusually quiet older boy. "Frank, anything to add?"

"Not really," he shrugged.

With a tap to Frank's arm, Erik sat on the edge of his desk. "Boychick?"

"I don't know, Dad." Frank folded his arms. "Still feeling really lousy about what happened to Trav. I promised Raven I'd keep an eye on him and I blew it big time."

"You?" Scott immediately countered. "He walked right by me at school to throw up. I should have known something was off. This is just like when I let Joey overuse his powers. Yeah, some great leader I am."

"Let's not forget about me," Erik joined in. "I'm a failure as a headmaster, brother, father, and uncle."

Both boys reacted to that with, "What?"

Erik shrugged lightly. "You two are condemning yourselves, despite still being children. As an adult and elder mutant, I should have been able to prevent this, including Charles' telepathic turmoil before they got out of hand."

"But it's not your fault," Scott insisted.

Frank reasoned, "How were you supposed to know? You're busy with lots of stuff around here."

"And you two have your own schoolwork and activities, in addition to helping around the house," Erik pointed out, making them both go into pondering. Taking them by the wrists, he drew them close enough to wrap his arms around them. "There is but one omnipresent being in this life and it is not any one of us X-Men. No matter how grand our powers, there is only so much any of us can do. Raven and I didn't know Trav had this problem until he became too sick to hold it in with us present. I don't want you boys stoning yourselves over this. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," nodded Scott.

Frank leaned on Erik's shoulder and whispered, "Yes, Dad."

"I'm going to review your notes." Erik patted each of their backs and spoke to Frank. "Why don't you spend a little time helping Scott prep for this weekend's game?"

"Sure." Frank gestured at the other Eye Scream member. "Let's go, buddy."

Scott shared a one-arm hug with the Headmaster first. "Thanks, Erik."

The metal wielder kissed his head and patted his thigh to send him on his way. Sitting at his desk again, Erik pulled the file towards him while trying to block an invasion of negative thoughts with his own advice.

II

With his oldest child in his lap and secured to his front, Logan silently wished he possessed his brother's purring capability. Instead, he stuck to nuzzling Cody's cheek with his stubble. This produced faint purrs from his son, though the booming in his chest continued.

Syringe loaded with the proper dosage, Hank detected something. "Cody?" He sent a caressing hand down the little boy's back. "You're too tense. You can punch me out later if you like, but right now you're only going to break the needle."

"Sorry," Cody whispered, trying to ease himself.

Logan started in on a funny story from the day about Walter using a kitchen thermometer to measure soil moisture levels. When Cody's body calmed over the amusement, Hank applied the injection.

Cody blinked hard and released a breath. "Be glad when this is finally over."

Adding a bandage, Hank said, "Which may be sooner than you think. Your next dose won't be for a week from now."

Cody eyed him for even the slightest sign of jest. "What? You mean it?"

"I have observed how much stronger and more durable your claws have been during training. I think it is now time to reduce your treatment," Hank explained. "Though I would like to see some improvement in your blood work. You have been eating all of your additional vegetables, haven't you?"

"Every night at dinner," Cody reported.

Logan tapped his son knowingly. "At school, too?"

Growing sheepish, Cody formed an adorable smile. "I'll work on that, promise."

"Good. I would hate to have to ask Scott to monitor you," Hank said warningly. "I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt with your shots as well. If your claws give you any more problems, I'm trusting you to come to me. That way we can stop the problem before it worsens and you require three injections a week again. Or more."

"I'll tell you if they so much as make me itch too much," Cody vowed. "Anything, I swear."

"Good." Going to his jar, Hank retrieved three wrapped suckers from it. "One for you and two to keep your siblings from waging war."

Cody grinned, immediately unwrapping and sticking his own in his mouth.

Logan hoisted his boy up, "Thanks, Hank," and started from the lab.

Situating Mira and Todd on their play mat, Kayla looked up to see her bigger males return to the suite. "Oh, look at my CoCo smiling."

Cody removed his sucker long enough to inform, "Mama, Mama! I only have to get one shot a week now!"

"Baby, that's wonderful. I was hoping that'd be the case."

Logan let him stand. "So long as you…"

"Keep up with my veggies and say so if my claws act screwy," Cody replied. "I know, Daddy, I know." He sat down to open and distribute Todd and Mira's suckers for them.

Linking hands with her husband, Kayla strolled across the room with him. "I'm glad he's progressing this way. He's gotten used to it, but I know what needles do to him."

"Believe me, I'm right there with you," Logan concurred. "Still, I'm glad he's had this treatment. It would've done me a world of good at his age. He's too young to understand, but that would have been the real agony."

Kayla caressed his jaw. "His real fortune is having you while he endures these growing pains."

Logan reacted to beseeching from Todd, who appeared ready to crawl his way. Giving off an amused shake of his head, Logan lowered to meet his pup halfway. Kayla watched them a while before her own work called her back to the desk.

IIIIIII

After retrieving an additional chair for the Xavier's circular table in the master suite, Emma and Becky carried up food from the dining table. The dinner consisted of cube steaks, cheddar baked potatoes, broccoli with cauliflower, and wheat rolls. Charles held Trav in his lap and Emma kept a hold on Brian. Becky poured milk for herself and the boys while the adults enjoyed red wine.

"Is it warm enough, Uncle Charles?" Becky asked.

"Everything's perfect, Princess," Charles assured her, gathering a forkful of the vegetables.

"Mmhmm," Trav concurred, dunking his cauliflower and broccoli into the cheese.

"This really is nice." Emma gave Brian his cup to sip out of. She touched Becky's hand. "Getting this time together with everything going on. Seems as if the world is passing us by too often."

"I know. I like this, too," the girl smiled. "Oh, Trav," Becky turned to him, "I saw Max today. He says group work is a pain without you there to take most of the questions."

Trav grinned haughtily and brought up, "Lily and some of the other kids made me a card. They sure are lost without me…"

Charles bounced him lightly. "Most of all your teachings on modesty."

Trav held onto the man's hand. "I wish you could get better fast, too."

Charles regarded him warmly. "I'll be back on my feet soon. I'm much happier to have you well again, my dear boy."

"Daddy," Brian addressed, holding out his own spoon, "eat."

"That won't be necessary, son, but thank you." Charles began cutting his meat. "This will suit Daddy just fine."

Sharing a look with Becky, Emma could hardly contain her delight at the males' rebuilding appetites.

IIIIIII

Drenched in head to toe sweat from his final workout of the night, Alex took a long shower in his bathroom. After dressing in an undershirt and soft pants, he walked into his office to see a trail of sketches leading from the desk, across the floor, and to the sofa. Joey laid there, at work on yet another.

"You still at it, Eel?" Alex's voice got his eyes up. "You should've been in the tub twenty minutes ago."

"Just a little while longer, Al, please," Joey pleaded. "I can take a quick shower and jump into my pajamas."

"Ten more minutes," Alex granted, "then Charles will expect you for your story. You know that helps him sleep at the end of the day."

"It does for me, too," Joey smiled. "Thanks, Al… sorry about all this stuff."

"Don't worry about it." Alex sat in his executive chair. "The more you draw, the more decorations I have for this place."

While Joey contentedly focused on charcoal pencil and paper, Alex noticed a handmade book on top of his desk. Picking it up, the first page consisted of a rich coloring of a golden grown dog shielding an equally yellow puppy while they hid in a cave from the rain. The second picture showed the puppy asleep while the older dog kept watch. In the third, they slept cuddled together. The fourth depicted the return of the sun, completely filling the sky with brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds radiating from it. The last coloring featured the dogs playing in a puddle together.

"When did you put this together, Joe?"

Glancing over, Joey said, "Oh, that's just a draft to test the colors. The real one is way longer 'cause it's supposed to tell a story without words. Sort of like cave paintings."

"A draft?" Alex echoed in disbelief. "Mind if I hold onto this one?"

"Nope," Joey replied, focused on his current creation, "go ahead, Al."

Opening his top drawer, Alex enclosed the book inside.

IIIIIII

Every article of his ROTC uniform in immaculate condition and arrangement, Scott performed one more overview in his mirror before grabbing his school bag. He slipped on the backpack and walked out to see the tiny body scuttling down the hall.

"Freeze." Scott halted her. "Let's see those little mitts." He scanned her tiny hands and nodded positively. "Air Force Approved."

Kiki giggled as he lifted her to carry.

They caught up with another and far more crestfallen girl at the stairs.

"Sam?" Scott looked closely at her. "You okay?"

Samantha fiddled with the strap of her bag. "… I guess."

"What's the matter? You can tell me," Scott encouraged gently.

"It just feels like…" Samantha slowly looked at him. "Every time I turn around lately I'm doing something wrong. Like I don't care about everyone else."

"That's a load of hog wash." The older mutant was not sure if she should find delight in how quickly he disagreed or laugh at his elderly word choice. Scott only went on. "Sam, I've seen you. You don't just pull your weight, you go over and above during training. Frank told me all about what you did to protect him and Collin from those sick creeps. You're totally essential around here."

Samantha immediately smiled. "So, you don't think I'm spending too much time with Collin?"

"No more than the other girls with their boyfriends," Scott dismissed. "Besides, we all have our outside thing, you know? I need my baseball and to be honest… I think Collin needs you."

The sentiment made her lay a hand over her swelling chest. "Thank you, Scott."

"Come on." Putting Kiki on her feet Scott took her hand now. "We better grab breakfast."

As they headed down, Kiki raised her right hand to hang onto Samantha and walk between both teens.

IIIIIII

After receiving a homemade donut from the box Lily had to share, Max noticed his male best friend's face nearly disappear between pages.

"Aw, come on, Trav, you just got back," Max moaned. "Don't tell me you're back on that studying mumbo jumbo."

"Nope." Still involved in Treasure Island, Trav bit off half his donut. "My Uncle Charles gave me this for us to talk about together. It's a real kick; pirates and everything."

"You're going to play at recess, right?" Lily asked him. "It's been really warm and everyone brought their water pistols."

Trav looked up despondently. "I don't have one. My mom and dad don't really like gun stuff."

"Don't worry," Max assured. "I brought two of mine. You can use the spare."

"Thanks," Trav accepted eagerly.

Over at the table containing the older children, Cody picked at his garden salad. "Ugh, I can't take much more lettuce. I don't know why Bounty's so wild for it. Tastes like crunchy air."

"Try putting more ranch on it," Becky suggested.

"Just cram most of it in your mouth like a big dry pill," advised Fred. "with an extra one of these to wash it down." He placed an additional donut on Cody's tray. "Beats water any day."

"Alright! You're far out, Fred," Cody grinned, making a shovel of his fork to load the vegetation into his mouth.

IIIIIII

No sooner did the pre-treated second load enter the washer did the dryer sound with a ding.

"Careful, sweetheart." Emma gently nudged Kiki away from the clear door. "It might be too hot for you."

"Kay, Auntie." Kiki stepped away a few paces.

Getting the door open, Emma managed to remove all the linens at once. She piled everything onto one of the tables. Taking the end of a sheet, Kiki helped her with the folding.

Mum? Where are you?

Laundry room, Treasure, Emma answered her son's mental bellow.

Joey quickly made it to the lower level and mentioned space. "Mum, can Laci stay over tomorrow? Please, please? We're working on a huge school project together."

"That's fine, Treasure, but I need you children to keep the ruckus down this weekend," Emma emphasized. "Your father is still recuperating and the others have their own studies."

"We won't be loud, Mummy. Promise," Joey guaranteed. "We'll be too busy, anyway."

"Alright then," Emma nodded. "Now, please help your cousin while I get Julie on the phone."

"Sure, Mum."

Emma headed out and Joey resumed things with Kiki. They folded two sheets together, but dragged a little on the third by making a parachute out of it for Kiki to run under. Joey soon got them back on track, wanting the bed things arranged neatly before his mother came back.

IIIIIII

"Castano, rojizo, moreno, y rubio."

Glancing at her notes, Samantha informed excitedly, "You haven't missed one yet, Collin."

"I'm a regular linguist," Collin faux boasted. "That and Fabian spent two hours going over descriptions with me last night."

"Collin, that's terrif-"

"Okay, seriously?" Angel's cutting tone made Samantha glance towards the lounge's doorway. "It's your turn to help in the kitchen. Or did that slip your mind, too?"

Trying to keep her frustration out of her voice, Samantha spoke into the receiver again, "I have to call you back," and hung up. "What's your problem, Angel?" She moved her notebook as she stood and started for her sister. "We were just going over homework."

"My problem is I'm sick of cleaning up after you every time you want to glue yourself to that boy."

"His name is Collin," Samantha corrected with great annunciation. "He's the one who helped pass out buttons and fliers for your campaign in case you forgot."

"Forgetting is your specialty lately," Angel retorted.

"I didn't mean to!" Samantha near growled. "You're picking on me, but you and Ben get to do whatever you want all the time!"

"Yeah, it's called we're actually responsible! Try it once in a while!"

Snarling, Samantha pushed past her.

"Sam?" Victor stopped at the top of the steps as the irate teenager only charged by him. He turned to the remaining girl. "Heard you two all the way downstairs. What's going on here?"

Angel crossed her arms and leaned against the doorjamb.
Continuing straight through the back of the house, Samantha did not slow down until she reached the barn. Instead of going in, she stilled against one board for several seconds before she kicked it hard enough to crack the wood.

At the commotion, the metal wielder stepped out of the barn. "Samantha?"

She gazed up. "Uncle Erik."

"You frightened the horses."

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

Walking her way, Erik brought arms around her. "What happened? Are you alright?" Hiding her face in his shirt, she shook her head hard. Erik stroked her back through her long hair. "Having these animals here reminds me so much of living back in Poland. I can't tell you how many times I ended up in the stables whenever I was unsure or upset."

Samantha raised brown eyes to him. "You did?"

He gave her a special look. "Horses make for great confidants."

She pushed some hair behind her ear. "Yeah, they do."

"Uncles are rather good for that as well." Erik squeezed her chin. "Care to go on a ride with me? Xander will appreciate the attention. Joey's hardly been out here since the weekend."

Samantha smiled a little. "Okay."

They went in together and prepped the horses.

At her saddle selection, Erik said, "I thought Hank spoke with you about that hymen business."

"He did," Samantha recalled with a slight laugh. "I just like this way better." She climbed up to Hazelnut, settling into the side saddle.

Erik nodded and led Xander out before mounting him. They started off in a steady trot that grew into rapid galloping. Hazelnut and Xander remained nose to nose for the most part.

When the females picked up speed, Erik pointed and goaded, "After them, Xander!"

Big smile on her face, Samantha urged, "Floor it, Hazelnut!"

They finished at the stream with Hazelnut taking a slight lead. Samantha laughed heartily as the steeds calmed and peered over at her uncle chuckling in equal enjoyment.

Lowering, Erik went around to her. "My little lady."

Samantha accepted his hand and help getting to ground level. While the horses enjoyed drinking the water, the mutants relaxed against a boulder with Samantha in Erik's lap.

The setting sun making a colorful blanket of the sky over them, Erik hugged her to himself and asked, "What was it that upset you so?"

"I had a fight with Angel." The words left a clear sour taste in her mouth as she spoke them. "She keeps nitpicking me. I know I messed up on a few chores, but I feel like I can't do anything right lately."

Erik listened in full, placing his chin on her shoulder. "I can understand that. These last couple weeks have been a big strain on all of us. And speaking from very guilty experience, sometimes older siblings forget the impact our words have on the younger ones. You and your sister don't argue very much, do you?"

Samantha shook her head. "I hate it. It makes me sick inside."

"I know what you mean. Having it out with Raven or Charles always makes me want to put my fist through a wall to distract from the heartache. What you feel is only an indication of the love between the two of you." Erik then suggested, "Why don't you talk to Becky about staying over with her tonight? It will give you and Angel time to cool down."

She nodded. "Good idea."

"And for the record," the man tacked on, taking her chin to get her to face him, "I never want you left feeling as if you can do nothing right. You have your moments, just as the others do, but never believe yourself lesser even for a second. Alright?"

Samantha hugged him around the neck. "Thanks, Uncle Erik." She next remembered, "I better go help in the kitchen."

"Yes, you should. And we'd best get these mighty steeds back." Erik let her up.

They gently coaxed the horses away from the water to remount them and start for their individual dwellings.

II

Sprawled on the loft's sofa, Angel stared blankly out of the window. Victor finished arranging and locking up the cabinet containing the numerous firearms.

Going over, he flicked a few strands of the girl's dark hair. "Ready to tell me what that blowup with your little sis was all about?"

Still facing away, Angel replied a sharp, "No." At the resulting growl, she quickly sat up. "Okay, now I'm ready." Victor sat on the opposite arm of the sofa, waiting for her to begin. "I've had to clean up after Sam more than once lately. That on top of homework, studying, trying to spend time with Ben, and going insane over Prom… I guess I just snapped. Took everything out on her."

"I get that," Victor said sincerely. "All that pressure buildin', you had to burst at some point." His expression grew firmer. "But that's not excuse enough to bite your little sister's head off, Ang. You know how much Sammie looks up to you and last I checked, she's been your biggest support with this whole Prom thing."

"I know," the girl sighed. "You're right."

"Here's what else I can't figure," Victor brought up. "I know this crown is a big deal for most girls, but with all the good you've got goin' for you, why are you lettin' this prom queen thing make you crazy?"

A wry, distant smile came to Angel's face. "Because this isn't supposed to be my life. Family, friends, boyfriend, school, no. A couple years ago, I knew exactly how my life would end. A washed out junky whore, dead in the gutter from syphilis. I have more now than I ever let myself dream. If this is really a second chance, I want it all, including prom queen. I don't know if you can understand that…"

"More than a lot of folks," Victor said to the contrary. "I know what it means to go without for so long, watching other kids take for granted what you'd give your right hand to have. But," he reached out, tapping her knee, "doesn't mean you get to take your sister for granted. Because when the cameras go away and the lights fade, Sammie's still your biggest fan."

Angel drew her knees in towards her chest. "You're right, Daddy Cat."

Victor went over to send fingers through her hair. "Comes with bein' old, Angel food. Oh, and the off chance you don't win the crown? Me and Dri are fully prepared to slash that other little girl's tires."

Angel dipped her head in laughter.

IIIIIII

When he double-checked his answer against the one in the back of the book, Joey made furious work of erasing his fourth error. With an intense groan, he banged both fists on the table.

At the library's lights twinkling, Cody advised, "Whoa, take it easy, Joey or Alex will make your hands really miserable."

"I can't help it. Mrs. Andrews gave us too much to do," the blonde insisted. "I need to concentrate on my portfolio, but this junk keeps getting in the way. Ugh, Cody, there's no way I'm passing this test tomorrow…"

"Hey, hey, come on." Cody leaned over to pat his back between the shoulder blades. "Don't talk like that. You're just nervous. Once this is over and you and Laci get the chance to finish up your portfolios, you'll feel loads better."

"Cody…" Joey released a heavy sigh. "If me and Laci get in, but my grades stink, no way will my parents let me go to Jones-Broderick. And I really don't want to be in trouble with my dad right now. Or Mum, Alex, Uncle Erik…"

"And you're not gonna be. Breathe, Joey," Cody coached. "Just take it easy. I'm pretty worried about the test, too. You know, my ma and all. Let's keep reviewing until our brains get it together or get sick of us."

A still forlorn Joey picked up his pencil. "Okay."

While Joey placed attention back on the troublesome equations, Cody quietly entertained other notions.

IIIIIII

Going into her son's quarters, Raven looked on in amusement at the pair of boys rummaging through the closet.

"Found 'em, Frankie!" Trav proudly held up his plastic shovel and pail.

"Alright, now we're all set." Frank went to pick up the toy swords.

Raven guessed, "I take it Captain Hook is on the loose again."

"We're playing Treasure Island, Mommy," Trav informed importantly.

"Yep, the Big Bath Time Buccaneers." Frank knelt to one knee. "Climb aboard, little guy."

With the pail handle dangling from his arm, Trav attached himself to the older boy's back. "All set, matey."

Frank started them off in a chorus of, "Fifteen men on a dead man's chest…"

"Yo ho, ho," Trav continued, "and a bottle of rum!"

Raven wore a delighted smile as they charged by on route for the bathroom.

IIIIIII

Unique brown eyes granting him greater vision than most, Cody crept into the sought-after bedroom. Inside, he found Joey slumbering against his pillows with a lap load of school aides before him. Coming closer, Cody saw the six problems for which he had yet to find solutions. Picking up the dropped pencil from the floor, he made quick work of solving the remaining equations. Then, as delicately and quietly as he could, he transferred the books over to the night table. With a gentle ruffle to his friend's hair, Cody switched off the lamp and tipped out again.

IIIIIII

Napkins in hand, Samantha arranged them at the place setting of everyone participating in formal breakfast. Glasses wiped free of spots from the dishwasher, Becky put them in place after her cousin. At the older girl's entrance, the dining room grew immensely quieter.

Peering between the pair, Becky excused herself with, "I better get Uncle Charles' tea service ready," and walked out by Angel.

Ending the silent stare-off, Angel asked casually, "What happened to you last night?"

"Midnight and I slept in Becky's room," Samantha told her. "I thought you'd be happy to have ours to yourself. But don't worry. Our bathroom's all clean."

"Sammie…" Beginning to walk, Angel did not slow until she had arms around the younger girl. "I am so sorry, Gorge. I didn't mean to be a total witch to you."

Samantha instantly hugged her back. "I'm sorry I made you mad."

"I made too big a deal out of it and I didn't mean anything against Collin. I am stressed, but I shouldn't have let it get to me like that." She pulled away to establish eye contact with her. "You know you're more important to me than anything, right?"

Eye glossing, Samantha nodded, "Yeah. And I promise to help out better around here."

"Good," Angel replied. "Because another thing is that I don't want to see you land in trouble over any of this, babe."

"Me, either," Samantha concurred entirely. "I really will do better."

Angel finger combed at her hair. "Come on. Let's help Maya and Frank get this food on the table."

Coiling arms, they made a path for the kitchen together.

IIIIIII

From where he played catch with Gary and some of their other teammates, Scott looked on in approval at Trav rampaging across the jungle gym with Lily and Max. The three first-graders reacted to Mike signaling them over to where he along with Fred, Joey, Laci, Becky, Anne, and the Braunstein siblings gathered a spacious distance down the playground.

At the one who attempted to depart, Fred called, "Cody, where ya goin'?"

"We haven't even picked dodgeball captains yet," Josh reminded.

"Start without me," Cody yelled back. "I'll fill in for somebody after I shoot a whiz."

Rachel put a hand to her small hip. "That isn't very gentlemanly."

Cody amended, "After I relieve a whiz, m'lady," and added a bow before hurrying for the doors.

Passing the energetic body of his nephew, Victor cautioned, "Speed limit unless you want a ticket, Mite."

"Sorry, Uncle Vic." The boy managed to slow down as he continued through the halls.

Peeping in through the window of the teachers' lounge entrance, Cody found Mrs. Andrews thoroughly engaged in the three C's- cigarettes, coffee, and chatter- with her co-workers. Zipping away, he made it outside their classroom door. Due to the inner contents, it surprised Cody not at all to discover it locked. Summoning out a single claw, he jimmied it open. Once inside, he kept the door shut and the lights off.

The boy did receive one surprise in the form of the fat file left on the desk. Using a combination of wishes and prayers, Cody opened it and beneath the extra copies, he located the ungraded test papers. Shuffling through them, he retrieved Joey's from the pile. Reviewing it, Cody saw that he missed eleven out of the forty problems. Doing the percentages in his head, Cody figured Joey would walk away with a low C. Still, to appease the adults even more, he decided to correct four of them at random, mimicking Joey's writing right down to the slightest pencil stroke. After double checking the test, Cody knew his friend would now receive a solid B. To be on the safe side, he also took a look at Laci's paper, pleased to see she only got six answers wrong.

Cody returned the materials in neat order and clean eraser marks off the wide desk as well as the floor. Before he slipped out, he made certain to push in the metal button made into the knob. In the hallway, he yanked on the door, seeing it successfully locked again. With a self-satisfied smile on his face, Cody proceeded back to recess with zeal in his every step.