A/N: A special thank you to my two nice reviewers. And another thanks to those who alerted/favorite. Enjoy! Oh, I forgot: Disclaimer: I get no profit from writing this, I own nothing except Charlie, Claudia, Josh Jr. (aka Big Sleepy), and Josh III (Little Sleepy) and the plot. Review please.

Chapter 2

We got the apartment. Although I think the odds were turned a bit in our favor since Embry had talked to Ms. Call. We barely knew him and he was already trying to help us out. It was a pretty nice place. It was only one bedroom. Giggles would sleep there with the baby and I would sleep out in the living room on the couch. Apparently the previous owner had left us all there furniture, even there big screen TV. Which, was pretty awesome if I don't say so myself. Giggles and Little Sleepy had gone to bed already. That kid Embry didn't seem to want to leave. But finally did once Giggles had a private little chat with him. He left looked crushed but hopeful.

I was asleep then. Or I was trying to. I was dreaming. Dreaming a horrible dream.

It was dark, and I was in the alleyway I got shot in. it seemed a little too dark, something which I didn't like. It was the night I got shot. Except, Rascal wasn't there.

Where that that little Hijo de puta? We had only gone into business last month so I was cutting the little cabron some slack. He was late. And the buyer was coming.

The buyer was here. It had a hood on, and its hand was in its pocket, moving around, looking for something.

You the buyer. I asked.

It was silent. Not saying anything. Not even moving.

Rascal? Is that you? Why the hell you trying to scare me? I called down the alley. The mouth of the alley seemed so far away. Wasn't it just not more than a couple yards away. It looked long as miles. Too long.

Rascal? I called again.

It pulled out its hand. Something metallic caught the light. I saw a flash, and then I felt pressure in my chest. I fell to the floor of the alley. I felt the recently fallen rain soak through my hoodie.

The person pulled down its hood. Buts its face was still hidden by the shadows. I walked towards me. Its footsteps echoing loudly. So loudly it drove me crazy. I wanted to scream out. But I couldn't. It all seemed so real.

The person got to my side. Looking down. The light hit its face. It was Spooky. He was staring down at me, smiling a crazy smile his eyes growing brightly red.

The pain hit me all at once. And this time I screamed. I scream loud and I screamed long. I felt Spooky's hands on me. Holding me down, shaking me. Even smacking me. He yelled at me. Yelling my name over and over again. Charlie! Charlie wake up!

"Charlie, wake up!" it was Giggles. I was screaming. I ran out of air and I finally stopped. I was gasping for air. Hyperventilating. Giggles was holding me. And I was crying into her shoulder. She knew about my dreams.

It was recurring. Something I started dreaming after I got shot. It was pretty much the same dream every night. Only with the roles switching. Sometimes I was doing the one shooting, shooting someone I loved, those dreams were the worst. Always the worst. Especially since sometimes I dreamt that Little Sleepy had grown up and I was shooting him. I never had control over what happened in the dream. I always seemed to be watching from behind my eyes. Sometimes different people shot me. One time it was Giggles, I cried the worst that night. But it always ended the same, with me screaming. Whether it was because I was the one shot, or I saw someone I loved shot, or I was the one shooting.

But the dream was strange. They were always strange. This time Rascal was late, he didn't get shot, he didn't die. But in real life he did. He was on time. He was there, and he was dead. The person that shot me didn't wear a hood, didn't bother to conceal who he was at all. I pointed him out in court sometime later, only to have my testimony thrown out for being an 'unreliable witness'. Because of course it was my fault I got shot. I never felt rain soak through my sweater; it hadn't rained in two months. I didn't get shot in the chest; I got shot in the knee. The shooter hadn't looked down on me. He had shot then left.

After I had calmed down enough to stop crying I looked at Giggles. We were sitting next to each other on the couch/bed. I was still hugging her.

"That dream again?" she asked.

"Yeh-*hiccup* yeah." I choked out.

"Who was it this time?" she asked, we were just going through the motions now.

"It was Spooky this time, he got me. He got me" I said. "What are you doing up? I didn't wake the baby did I?" she shook her head.

"I was making Little Sleepy a bottle. He was fussing. I was in the kitchen when I heard you." She said.

"Heh, sorry. Is the baby okay?" she nodded. I smiled slightly.

"Hey, go to sleep chiflada. Don't you have school tomorrow?" she said roughing up my hair. I ran a hand through it, trying to fix it.

"Yeah, I guess. Thanks Mom" I said.

"Callate! I'm too young to be your mom. Duermate!"

000

School. What is there to say about school? I had been going to the 'La Push Tribal School' for about a month now. I had just got to the diner from school. Me and Giggles were both working there to help pay for the apartment and other necessities. Like food, I've really just been starving all the time these days. I kept the scarf wrapped around my neck. I didn't want any people, especially any spoiled school kids asking any unwanted, and stupid questions. The wound was all healed up. But the scar was still there. It had healed up really quick. Something I was glad of. Now I just need to wait for the scar to fade. No one really seemed to question the scarf. There was still snow on the ground. I was beginning to get sick of it. I still haven't been able to roll around in the snow, make a snowball and throw it, or even try making a shody excuse of a snow man. I would one day. Maybe. Hopefully.

I took a seat behind a counter, placing my cane on one of the shelves. said I could stay behind the counter and just wait on the people who sat there. Which was good, less walking around for me. It's not like I could deliver a meal to a table of people while sporting a cane. Giggles had already started working as soon as they opened up. I think she liked this job. And so did I. It was legal. I was still thinking about starting another operation up here. But I'm now sure yet. Maybe getting away from Echo Park means that I also needed to get away from that life style. But I still had some connection up here. Just in case I did feel the need to start back up again.

I was resting on my stool behind the counter. Ms. Call sure was nice to us. She let me sit down as not to bother my knee. I remember when we first met she asked me what had happened to make me walk with a cane. And I told her. I told her the fake story I had made up specifically for this type of situation. That I was in a car accident. She didn't seem to question it. Something which I was glad for. If she knew that I had gotten shot she might not want us living here.

It was relatively slow in the diner. The kids that came in to get their after school snack had left about an hour ago. said that if business was slow I could do homework if I wanted to. So I did. I was halfway through my Pre-Calculus homework when I decided to take a little break and think about my first day of school

All at school that day I felt people staring at me. At the new kid, at the cane. I didn't talk to anyone. And if anyone tried talking to me I just either ignored them or insulted them until they left me alone. Something that worked pretty well. Except for one annoying little person. Paul, one of the giants. He enjoyed staring at me. Something that made me a teensy bit uncomfortable. Note the sarcasm there. At lunch I picked a table to myself. Making sure to glare at the table that overflowed with other giants, but of course I smiled at little Embry. But Paul, after punching Embry in the arm after he waved at me, had decided that I needed company.

He sat in front of me, he asked permission of course but I ignored him. Something any normal person would take as a um-hmm. Not this guy. To him it meant 'sure, why not? I would love your company!'. Which it most certainly did not. I ignored him. Focusing more on the food in front of me. I had the munchies so I ate whatever and whatever it was, it was delicious. He did that attention grabbing cough. I ignored him. He made a comment about how I could 'real pack it away'. I looked up. Glared at him. Stole his food then ran off to my next class. Well, limped off. During my class I could hear people talking about the crazy chick with a cane that stole food from one of the guys from the La Push 'Gang'. They thought those fools were a gang! Something which I found hilarious.

I finished my pre-calc homework just as I heard the bell on the front door do its ring that told us someone was coming or leaving. I looked up. It was Embry. I smiled and waved at him. He walked up to the counter and took a seat. He rested his elbows on the counter and placed his head in his hands. He was sitting next to Little Sleepy who was playing around with some crayons and one of those kids menus.

"Hey, pretty boy. Why you so down?" I said trying to sound like those waitress that worked in the old diners in the 60s, in the movies. He looked up at me. I smirked. He came in all the time. I was happy to say me and this kid were friends. He was crushing hard on Giggles. This wasn't really all that wrong. She was about the same age as him. She dropped out of school as soon as she found out she was preggers. She hadn't decided to go back to school. But I've heard her talk about getting her GED. Embry had dropped out of school too, but he had gone back a couple years later. We're both seniors. I leaned against the counter mirroring his stance. I made a funny face at him. He laughed then went back to looking sad.

"What's wrong mijo?" I asked. He looked hesitant. As if choosing his words carefully.

"Well, School Girl-" he started.

"Call me Charlie, I don't run with the Kings anymore." I told him. Because it was true, don't run with the Kings no more.

"Okay then, Well, Charlie, I wanna go out on a date with Giggles." He said. Poor kid. He had it bad, real bad.

"Then ask her out, menso!" gah! I wanted to smack him.

"I did! But she turned me down! She said, she couldn't go out with me knowing that she still loves Joshua" he said putting as much hate as I've ever heard into Sleepy's name. Then I smacked him in the side of the head.

"What the-! Ow! What was that for? That hurt…" he yelled, rubbing his head. Ouchie. My hand hurts now. He looked surprised. What? Surprised you got hit by a girl?

"For being such a pussy!" I yelled. I looked around quickly. One of the people in the diner was now staring at me. "Sorry, I'm sorry. I'm just helping my friend with some girl troubles" I called back at him. And smiled innocently. He signaled that he understood. "Okay, so here's what you. Tomorrow, okay? Understand? Tomorrow! At about, let's say, at about 4. Explain that you understand, etc, etc, whatever, all that jazz, ask her out again, and let's say to dinner. Okay? Do that." I explained to him.

"But what makes you think she'll say yes this time?" he asked sounding hopeless. So I smacked him again.

"Ow, again?"

"Yes, again. Don't doubt me. Do it, and all shall be well. Comprendes?" he nodded. Glad to know someone has been paying attention in Spanish. "Now, I need to go. See you around, okay? Now go on, get out of here." I said. I patted the side of his head lightly, apologizing for hitting him earlier. He walked out and I waved at him as he left.

"Hey, Giggles. Can you cover for me up front, I need to get off early." I yelled through the order window. She was on the other side of the kitchen, doing some dishes. She couldn't hear me talking to Embry, I hope.

"Sure, why?" she asked while wiping the suds of her hands and walking through the doors to the kitchen to join me in the front of the diner. I thought up something quick.

"I need to go to the library and research this paper for my History class. I'll be back later, no worries" I told her.

"Sure, I guess. Don't be too late. Okay?" she told me.

"No, worries." I said. I grabbed my cane and limped my way out the back door. First I needed to call and ask her for a favor. I snickered. Call Ms. Call. Then I needed to head to the hardware store.

000

Ms. Call said yes to my favor. Now I was in the hardware store staring at the selection of spray paints. I already knew what colors I need but this is a small town so I knew there wouldn't be that much. I was growing impatient with staring at the display so I grabbed what I needed, tossed them in a cart and leaned up against it as I walked to the check out. I already had the picture forming in my head.

The picture I had formed in my head earlier now paled in comparison to what I now had spray painted to the side to the diner. I had made sure Giggles was asleep before I had come down her to start my work. I had always been good with a can of spray-paint and an empty wall. But give me a piece of paper and a pencil and whatever it was, would be very horrible. I even had my old art teacher say she gives up when she tried to teach me to draw. Little did she know my true talent was on colorful section of buildings and walls all over the greater Los Angeles area.

I leaned back against a light post that kept flickering and admired my work. My knee was throbbing painfully but for now that would have to wait. Other parts of my body were burning to, I think its maybe because of the cold. Yeah, had to be that. But I had more important things to do. I scrutinized my work. Did the sides match up? How about the people smiling faces? Did I make those as close to the real thing as I could with the limited time I had? I squinted my eyes and focused on one tiny detail. I needed to fix that. I grabbed up the paint stained piece of card board and used it to keep the lines nice edged. I backed up, slowly as not to trip over something stupid and fall. I could feel eyes on me. I glanced to the forest that was not too far away. I knew something, someone, was just beyond the flickering shadows up the streetlamp, watching me.

It was perfect. Giggles would love it. And hopefully it was finally convince her to give poor little Embry a chance. Little Sleepy already got along with him well. He'd started talking a while back and has even gone so far as to actually call Embry 'Daddy'. Embry always looked overjoyed. While Giggles would always look so very sad. No doubt thinking about his real daddy. Poor kid.

"Okay, no peeking, okay?" I said as I was trying to lead Giggles down the stairs. She took them pulled the blindfold off that had struggled so hard to put on her.

"Okay, I understand that this is important, but can I please walk down the stairs with the ability to see? It's not that I don't trust you it's just I don't want to fall don't the stairs and break my neck." She begged. I flung the hand that I had on her shoulder away. In mock anger.

"Chinga! Whatever, esa, do whatever you have to do to not die. Just meet me out back, okay?" I said and slid down the banister with my cane in my lap. I righted myself on the ground floor and limped my way through the back door. The kitchen was empty because it was still early and we don't have to start getting ready for another hour. It was chilly outside. I leaned against the wall next to the door and wrapped the thin coat I had tighter around me. God winter sucks. I still haven't had the chance to play in the snow. Giggles opened the door outside and looked at me. She was questioning me. I knew it. She hadn't seen the wall yet; I put myself beside her and turned her shoulders so she faced the woods, with her back to the wall.

"Okay, stay there." I limped over and leaned against the same lamppost as last night. "Okay, now turn around" I watched her face, looking for a reaction. When she first turned around she looked annoyed. No doubt with me. When she got a look at the wall though…her face kinda just froze that way. The annoyed look melted away. She looked at the picture with a blank face.

It was a picture of Sleepy, looking just the way he had when I last saw him, with his army uniform, black beret, and tan combat boots. Cradled in his arms was Little Joshua as he looked today. I remembered back when we first heard the news of Joshua's death, Giggles had gone into labor. Claudia had gone into labor. I was there when she first held the baby. She was crying and repeating over and over that 'daddy never got to hold you, baby'. So I had decided to make it happen. Well as best as I could without resurrecting the dead. And possible starting the end of the world as we know it be ushering in the zombie apocalypse.

Claudia started to sob hysterically. I heard a rustle from the woods behind me. I glanced at it. It rustled again and then nothing. I went over to her and hugged her. Crap, I didn't mean to make her cry.

"I'm sorry, I didn't- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. I thought it would make you happy." I said. Damn, I messed up bad. She continued crying and I held her. We leaned against each other. My cane fell to the ground and we sank to the ground with it. We sat against each other. She continued to cry. Her sobbed slowed down and now she was just sniffling ever now and then. She was still staring at the picture.

"I'm sorry, really, really sorry. I thought you'd be happy. I didn't mean to make you sad" I said guiltily. I hung my head and stared at my crossed legs.

"Ay, mija I'm not crying because I'm sad. I'm crying because- oh Charlie! I love you, chiflada!" she said. I looked at her surprised.

"So, you like it?" she nodded. I smiled. "See? Now Joshua's holding the kid. You 'member? When Little Sleepy was born, you said 'Daddy never got to hold you'. And mira now he gets to hold him forever." I said smiling my shit eater smile.

"Y'know, I know someone who really likes you" I told her reverting back to the school yard. She looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

"Embry?"

"Ye-what? How'd you know?" I asked.

"It's pretty obvious, but, y'know I loved Joshua" she said. I noticed the fact that she used 'loved'. Past tense. Please let that be the truth and not and accidental slip.

"I know. And I know you know that Embry really has it bad for you. And I know you know that Sleepy would want you to be happy. And he knows you love him. But, you know that you need to move on. All of us loved him. Not as much as you. It looked like you guys would be forever. But apparently fate's a bitch and changed things. But that doesn't mean you still don't deserve the same happiness you had with him." I said. She looked like she would start crying again. I hugged her tightly. We leaned against each other some more. We both gazed at the picture again.

"But wait. Why is there so much empty space around Sleepy?" she questioned. I had the answer.

"Simple, because Joshua and the kid are the 'could have been'. The space around it, it's for the future. The 'will be's. It's empty because it's the future, I don't know what'll happen. But when it does, it'll go up on the wall. But until then, I guess we just have to deal with the fact that we don't know what'll happen."I heard footsteps and I looked over to where they were coming from. I looked and saw two giants. Focused more and saw it was Embry and Paul. Embry I was okay with but Paul. I dunno something about him; it just gave me this vibe. They walked up to us and just kinda looked down at us.

"Way to ruin a moment, pendejo." I said glaring only at Paul. He glared right back, but I saw something else in those eyes. Why? He held out his hand to help me up from the ground. I took it and was actually kinda thankful. It's hard to get up all the way from the ground. I leaned against my cane and watched as Embry helped Giggles up. I watched the exchange they shared. They were blushing. I smiled. I felt Paul put an overheated arm around. I shrugged it off and walked side by side with Giggles back into the store.

I watched the reflection in one of the windows as Paul slowly felt his arm drop to his side then see him start shaking. Embry said a couple things, that I couldn't hear but I could see his lips move. He stopped his shaking a little bit then they followed us inside. It was time to open up the diner. I felt kinda bad for the guy. I just, didn't want to get close to someone in that way. Not since Spooky. But Paul did ruin a perfect moment.

Translations:

Hijo de puta – son of a bitch

Cabron- bastard

Chiflada – brat

Duermate – Sleep

Mijo- my son

Menso- stupid

Comprenes?- You understand?

Chinga- fuck

Ese/esa- dude.

Mira- look

Pendejo- jackass

And just so you know, sorry if my translations aren't correct. But this is the Spanish we use in my household so it might not be the same if you googled it.