"Fred, are you sure that Stoney's done his test by now?" Barney asked in a curious voice as he followed Fred down the hallway towards Stoney's hospital room. "Mrs. Frankenstone might still be there."

Fred grinned, the aroma of fried chicken wafting from the Rockin Chicken bag that he had picked up for Stoney on the way to the hospital, "Barn, Wilma and Betty are busy helping Chip and Roxy shop for clothes and the big barbecue that we're going to have once Stoney's home, so we need something to do since the quarry's still closed," he replied cheerfully. "Besides, Stoney needs some fattening up."

Barney chuckled and both Fred and Barney stopped outside of Stoney's hospital room, surprised to see Philo Quartz, one of Bedrock's most esteemed police officers sitting in a chair beside Stoney's wheelchair with his interview tools out, silently listening as Stoney talked about the accident.

Swallowing hard, Fred quickly pulled Barney out of sight, "I forgot that Philo was planning on coming by today," Fred muttered, recalling that Philo had mentioned it when they had talked the other day.

"What do we do now, Fred?" Barney whispered. "We can't interrupt Philo's work."

Fred shrugged just as there was silence and Philo came out of the room with his interview kit in a basket on the back of a small turtle, "Hi Fred, Hello Barney," Phlio said warmly, smiling at the two men.

"I forgot you were coming today, Philo, or I would have been here sooner," Fred replied sheepishly.

Phlio sighed patiently, "I just wanted Stoney's account of the accident since he hasn't been up to it before now," he explained in a reassuring voice. "I've had my hands full talking to Skip Ratrock."

"Is the quarry ever going to reopen?" Barney asked in a concerned voice, worried about his job.

Phlio nodded, "It will after the investigation's done," he replied calmly. "If I were you, Fred, I'd get Stoney to relax and not worry about it anymore. I know he's doing stuff for school, but other than that, he should be taking it easy and focusing on getting better. He's too young to be so stressed out."

While Barney and Philo continued to talk, Fred silently wandered into Stoney's room and saw that Stoney was asleep in his wheelchair with a distressed expression on his face while a copy of the Bedrock Gazette sat on the portable table next to several schoolbooks. Tears were also on his pale face.

Realizing that Philo was right, Fred silently set the bucket of chicken on the floor and quietly moved the paper and schoolbooks to another table in the room, "Stoney, wake up," he then said gently.

Stoney sighed sleepily and slowly opened his eyes, "Oh, Dad, sorry," he spoke in a tired voice.

"I brought you some lunch," Fred replied gently, picking up the bucket of chicken. "Hungry?"

Stoney nodded and slowly fished a drumstick out of the bucket, "Thanks," he said, keeping quiet as he slowly consumed the drumstick. "Officer Quartz showed up after Mrs. Frankenstone left and I…"

"I know," Fred replied patiently, frowning when Stoney didn't take any more chicken. "You look tired."

Stoney nodded and yawned, "Let's get you into bed, kiddo," Fred said in a calming voice, quickly setting the bucket of chicken on the portable table and grabbing the wheelchair handles. "You need rest."

"I'm just so tired from the tests and talking to Officer Quartz," Stoney mumbled sleepily, blinking and sighing as his chair was parked next to his hospital bed. "Mom's supposed to come in a bit."

Fred smiled as he carefully helped Stoney from the chair and into the bed, "Your mother's with Betty and they're out shopping with Chip and Roxy," he explained patiently, covering Stoney with a blanket.

Stoney nodded and sighed sleepily, "Dad, I didn't mean for the accident to happen," he spoke softly, his eyes closing with every word he uttered. "Skip wasn't watching and I didn't see until it was too late."

"Get some sleep," Fred replied anxiously as he lifted Stoney's leg on to its pillow. "I'll sit with you."

Stoney relaxed and drifted into a deep sleep, unaware that his father was drying the tears off his face and also unaware that Barney was out in the hallway, talking quietly with Pebbles and Bamm Bamm.

A moment later, Pebbles came into the room, "Daddy, I can relieve you," she said in a kind voice. "My meeting got pushed back, so I don't have to go back for a few more days. Go get something to eat."

"I might do that, Pebbly Poo," Fred replied in a grateful voice. "I'll go see if Barn wants to join me."

Pebbles nodded and took a seat at Stoney's bedside, frowning as she heard her father calling for Barney and Bamm Bamm. She knew that they had probably gone off to take care of his appointment.

"I don't know what your mother's gonna say about this, son," Barney said in a concerned voice as he helped Bamm Bamm fasten the hospital gown he needed to wear during the upcoming surgery.

Bamm Bamm sighed, wincing as he sat down on the bed and lifted his leg, "I hope I'm not going to lose my life over tiny little tumors and I couldn't believe it when the doctor in Hollyrock said they exist," he replied in a distressed voice. "It was bad enough when we were in that accident, but then to wake up and find out that I had these little tumors in my neck and under my arms. Pebbles about cried..."

Barney sighed and Bamm Bamm silently laid down, "It might be nothing and it might not, but as soon as I can travel, Pebbles and I are going back to Hollyrock," he explained calmly. "Chip and Roxy have too many bad influences out there, so they'll stay here for at least the school year and hopefully make better friends."

"Okay," Barney replied calmly, sensing Bamm Bamm was stopping the conversation out of fear.

Bamm Bamm looked at his father, "Pebbles is with Stoney right now, but since this is day surgery, she'll come pick me up in a few hours," he explained calmly as two nurses came in. "We'll stay overnight and if I'm feeling well enough, we'll probably go home tomorrow if Pebbles can book a flight quick enough."

"Your mother's going to know that something's wrong and Fred's going to be poking around," Barney stated in a concerned voice. "Why don't you just go ahead and I'll talk to your mother about this."

Bamm Bamm nodded and Barney squeezed his hand, sighing as the nurses rolled Bamm Bamm away.

"No…" Pebbles heard Stoney moan in an anxious voice. "No, please…I promise I'll do better."

Pebbles gently touched Stoney's shoulder and Stoney gasped as he opened his eyes, "Oh, sis, it's just you," he said in a relieved voice. "I dreamt I was working in the quarry and then rocks started falling from the sky. I saw Skip in his crane dumping rocks and trying to hit me and laughing at me…"

"It was just a dream, little brother," Pebbles replied gently. "How are you feeling?"

Stoney sighed, "Tired," he replied quietly. "And thinking about finding another job."

"I saw that college book in your room," Pebbles commented quietly. "Thinking about college?"

Stoney gave Pebbles a look, "Dad thinks I should work in the rock quarry forever and I know Mom and Aunt Betty would love help with their catering thing," he replied quietly. "I can't mention…"

"Daddy's a stubborn one," Pebbles agreed softly. "There wasn't really college available when he was young."

Stoney nodded and yawned, "I haven't heard anything about the whole accident since Officer Quartz stopped by and got my side of what happened," he said in a tired voice. "That test was exhausting."

"He only stopped by a few hours ago," Pebbles replied calmly. "Give it a little time. Maybe sleep?"

Stoney gave Pebbles a look, "What's wrong?" he asked softly. "Your eyes…they're sad."

Pebbles sighed softly, "All right," she replied in a quiet voice. "Bamm Bamm…might be sick."

Stoney frowned, but didn't say anything, "He has little tumors in his neck and arms and we found that out after the car accident I told you about," Pebbles explained softly, recalling when she had written Stoney about the car accident not long ago. "We were already planning to send the kids out here, but we decided to bring them ourselves and Bamm Bamm could get tested away from all the media."

"I promise not to tell Mom or Dad," Stoney spoke softly. "Is that where Bamm Bamm is now?"

Pebbles nodded silently, "Is there anything I can do?" Stoney asked worriedly.

"Just don't tell Mom or Dad or the Rubbles til we know for sure," Pebbles spoke softly.

Stoney offered his hand, "I swear on our secret handshake, sis," he replied quietly.

Pebbles nodded and quickly did the secret handshake with her brother, finishing just as Stoney suddenly yawned, "Get some rest," she spoke in a gentle, but firm voice. "If anyone comes, I'll kick them out."

Sighing, Stoney went to sleep and Pebbles relaxed in her chair, "Mama?" a soft voice suddenly asked.

Pebbles turned and was surprised to see Roxy lingering at the door, "Roxy, I thought you and Chip were at Grandma Flintstone's?" she spoke in a concerned voice. "Does she know you're here?"

"Grandma Rubble took Chip to her house to get settled and Grandma Flintstone is busy on the phone with catering orders, so I thought I'd come visit Uncle Stoney," Roxy explained softly, her expression worried as she came into the room. "I saw Grandpa Rubble sitting alone in a waiting room…"

Pebbles sighed as she got up and walked over to her daughter, "Grandpa Flintstone isn't here and Grandpa Rubble looks sad," Roxy spoke anxiously, sighing. "Is Grandpa Flintstone sick, Mama?"

"No, all of your grandparents are healthy," Pebbles replied softly. "It's your father, Roxy…"

Roxy's eyes went wide, "Daddy?" she spoke softly. "Is…is that why were in Bedrock?"

"If your dad is sick, he wants you and your brother somewhere where you will be safe and well-cared for," Pebbles replied in a concerned voice, frowning when tears filled Roxy's eyes. "Roxy…"

Roxy whimpered and Pebbles sighed as she silently hugged her daughter and cried along with her.

The Boulder Creek Café wasn't far from the hospital, but it was a chance for him to relax and try some new food. It was also a chance for him to support a friend, as the café had been opened by his friend Philo Quartz's wife, Shelle, and Shelle was an accomplished chef who had worked only as much as she needed to while raising her miracle twins, Kelly and Tanker, and Philo had also worked to keep them afloat over the years. Fred had thought Shelle was good for Philo and was eager to support them.

"…I am NOT going to allow those freaks service, so you had better get over here and throw them out!" an infuriated voice suddenly filled the air as Fred walked inside. "I am the manager of this place!"

Fred froze as Boulder Ratrock suddenly came out of the kitchen sporting a fancy uniform and walked over to a table that was on the higher deck, "I'm not serving you freaks and I've called the police," Boulder snapped at people who were obscured from view because of plants. "You can…"

"Hey, what's the problem?!" Fred snapped as he walked up to the higher deck and froze when he saw Frank and Hidea Frankenstone and a brown-haired girl he didn't know being yelled at by Boulder. "You!"

Boulder scowled, "If it isn't Fred Flintstone, the fat slob who got my dad fired," he growled, glaring daggers at Fred before gesturing to the Frankenstones. "You and these other freaks can get out…"

"They're not freaks; they're friends!" Fred snapped, glaring at Boulder. "You're out of line!"

Boulder looked like he wanted to fight Fred, but loud sirens suddenly filled the air and Boulder scoffed, "Now the cops will come and get you and your freaky friends out of my restaurant!" Boulder hooted.

"What is going on here?!" an angry voice suddenly shouted. "Boulder Ratrock!"

Boulder turned to see Shelle Quartz, a very petite woman who wore a dark green outfit and her hair in braids, "I step out for lunch with my husband and I come back to see you berating customers!" Shelle spoke in an upset voice as she walked over to them with a uniformed Philo at her side.

Phlio crossed his arms and glared at Boulder, "We…we can just go," Hidea spoke nervously.

"You're valued customers!" Shelle replied anxiously. "Boulder, you're fired. Get out of my café!"

Scowling, Boulder stormed out without a word and Shelle turned to Fred and the Frankenstones, "I'm sincerely sorry about that," Shelle spoke in a kind voice. "Your lunch will be on the house today."

"Thank you for standing up for us, Mister Flintstone," the brown-haired girl spoke nervously.

Fred frowned, "How did you know my name?" he asked in a confused voice. "Do I know you?"

The girl looked amused, "I'm Atrocia," she explained calmly. "My family and I moved away several years ago when my brother and I got accepted to a special school, but we're back now for my dad's work."

"I just gave the quarry the job of preparing land for some new condos I want to build," Frank explained in a pleased voice, surprised that Fred defended them. "Mister Slate should be calling you soon…"

Fred's eyes widened, "Even after the Ratrocks caused an accident?" he replied in a stunned voice.

"Join us for lunch, Fred, and Frank can tell you all about it," Hidea spoke up in a warm voice.

Philo cleared his throat, "I think I'll join you too to keep an eye on things," he spoke firmly.

Nodding, Fred joined them at the table and Philo sat as Shelle went off to get some menus.

Barney had eventually come back to Stoney's hospital room saying that Bamm Bamm was now out of surgery and resting, so he was now free to sit with Stoney for a bit. Pebbles had decided to take Roxy back to her parents' home so they could discuss what they needed to get for Roxy's new room.

When they got home, however, they were surprised to see a brown-haired woman another red-headed woman talking with Wilma and Pearl Slaghoople in the kitchen, "Grandma Slaghoople!" Pebbles explained in a surprised voice. "What are you doing here with Aunt Mickey and Aunt Mica?"

"Stoney's graduation isn't that far off and we're going to have a bit of a party for our family and friends to celebrate it," Wilma explained in a kind voice. "It's not for another few weeks but we're planning something special. I meant to get Roxy's room ready, but then everyone showed up all at once…"

Pearl scoffed, "I don't know why you want to cater it instead of hiring someone," she snapped irritably. "And don't give me any of that spiel about your business. We all know that Fred's a cheapskate…"

"Mother, Fred doesn't want to hire outside caterers…" Wilma spoke firmly, seemingly irritated.

Pebbles and Roxy took the opportunity to slip away to the guest bedroom, which only had a bed, dresser, empty closet, and a couple of suitcases in it, "I think staying here will be good for you," Pebbles spoke in a quiet voice. "Your dad and I will go home and be back to visit in time for the graduation…"

"I don't think Chip is happy about staying over with Grandpa and Grandma Rubble," Roxy spoke softly as she sat down on the bed. "He used to hang around the skateboard parks with some rough people…"

Pebbles nodded, "And you hung out at the library or at the pools," she spoke quietly. "Right?"

"I, uh, actually did a lot of bowling," Roxy admitted sheepishly, smiling. "The boys at school wouldn't leave me alone and Chip called me a sissy for being at the library, so I needed to work out a bit…"

Pebbles smiled, "Maybe you should ask your grandfathers to take you bowling sometime," she replied in a pleased voice as she sighed. "You're a very smart girl, Roxy, but you're not making the best choices."

"I almost don't want to stay here now," Roxy spoke worriedly. "What if Dad's sick? You'll need us."

Pebbles sighed, "I'll be there for your dad, but the best thing you and your brother to do is be here," she explained in a concerned voice. "Your and your brother need this change of pace and your dad agrees…"

The noise of a lawn being mowed suddenly filled the air and Pebbles and Roxy looked outside, deeply surprised when they saw Chip mowing the Rubble lawn while Betty watched from a lawn chair. They could see that Betty looked concerned and tired while Chip looked very shaken, yet determined.

"I guess Betty told Chip," Pebbles spoke quietly, sighing. "It seems like he's settling in nicely."

Roxy didn't respond, as her twin instinct told her that Chip was merely pretending to accept living in Bedrock and would find some dangerous way to cope with their troubles once their parents went back to Hollyrock. She hoped she could either find a way to help him or figure out a way to get their grandparents to help him behave himself.

Completely unaware what Roxy was thinking, Pebbles couldn't help but smile as she watched Chip work.

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