It was awkward at first. Neither party was used to having a family like this. Cori really wasn't used to having a family at all, let alone parents who were not even 20 years older than she was. Danny and Lindsay were just getting used to having any kids at all, so naturally having a 15-year-old girl with raging hormones who was getting over her parents brutal murder was quite the challenge.

"Do I have to go?" Cori and Lindsay stood outside Cori's new high school.

"Yep," Lindsay said bluntly.

"I don't want to." Cori replied.

"I know. I wouldn't want to go if I were you."

Cori sighed. "I've gone to school with the same kids since pre-school."

"I thought you said none of them were really your friends," Lindsay said, referring to the first conversation they ever had.

"They're not. But at least I know them and they know me."

"Cori, honey, you'll be fine," Lindsay assured her, "You're cute and charming and funny and people will love you. You'll make friends in no time, I promise."

"You sure?"

"Definitely."

Cori hugged Lindsay hard. "Thank you so much for everything. You and Danny are the best."

Lindsay did her best to imitate her husband's cocky grin, "I know." She paused, "Do you want me to come in with you?"

"No, I think I need to do this by myself. Thanks though."

"Ok."

Cori straightened her shoulders and marched right into that public high school with a sense of determination that made Lindsay proud to call Cori her daughter. She turned when she got to the door, flashed a smile and waved, and entered the building.

"Linds, you ok?" Danny asked with concern.

"Hmm?" It was obvious that Lindsay wasn't paying much attention to anything her husband was saying.

Danny crossed the office to where she was sitting at her desk, filling out paperwork. He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed the side of her neck. "Are you ok?" he asked again.

Lindsay spun her chair around so that she was facing him and sighed. "I'm worried about Cori."

"Why? She's perfectly safe at school."

Lindsay rolled her eyes. "School's the problem."

"What do ya mean?"

"Danny… you remember high school don't you? It's brutal. Teenagers are horrible sometimes. And after all the mess she's gone through, she doesn't need any more drama."

"Lindsay, baby, Cori's strong. She can hold her own. She reminds me of you in that way." He kissed her gently on the lips.

Lindsay smiled. "You're right. I'm being stupid."

"Nope," Danny kissed her again, "You're bein' a mom."

A/N Short, I know…I'm having trouble connecting my ideas…. like I can see the big picture… I know what I want to happen; I'm just having trouble with the filler stuff. Any ideas?

xoxo

Lia