Hey guys, sorry it's been taking so long. I've had a lot going on with me. But I'm back!

I'm settling into highschool right now, but I'll try and update at least one story each week. Other than that, I mean, jeez, I'm surprised I even found time for this one!

So I've started a website. It's for pagans, specifically Wiccans, though anyone is welcome, and anyone curious about Wicca, the Craft, or any other pagan religions.

http:/ teenwiccanwitchoftheeast. webs. com/ (no spaces)

I'm strictly against anyone coming in an preaching though, so there needs to be respect. Got it?

Anyways, I'll just update this real quick before I have to go finish my homework. I'm waiting for my dad to bring home some supplies right now. And milk. I need milk. But that's just because I want cereal. That has nothing to do with my homework. But he's getting milk! :D

Oh, and I thought I'd mention this: The girl in the previous chapter with the name "Shai" is pronounced Shy.

MAX

"That's impossible," I sputtered. "My mother has paid hundreds of dollars to have multiple doctors tell her she'd never have another child."

"Well then your mother is a very lucky woman."

"How could this be possible? She didn't even look pregnant!"

"Oh believe me, your mother was indeed very pregnant. We're lucky that the child survived this. If she makes it through the night, she should be fine."

"What about mom?"

"Your mother should be alright as well."

I nodded. "Can we see her?"

"Which one?"

"My mother?" I snapped.

He frowned. "Your mother isn't in good condition. I don't think the sight is…acceptable for…" his eyes flicked to the younger kids.

"They've seen worse, I'm sure. They're foster kids. Let. Us. See. Our. Mother."

He sighed and led us to the room. "Be very gentle and whatever you do, you cannot cry."

We nodded solemnly.

Mom was hooked up to about a dozen machines. She had breathing tubes, an IV, and several machines I couldn't identify. "Mom," I whispered.

Her eyes met mine. I oculd see her trying to mask the pain in hers.

We approached the bed and I took her hand. "Why didn't you tell us you were pregnant?"

Of course, she couldn't speak to answer, but she squeezed my hand reassuringly.

"The baby is doing okay, Mom. Do you have a name for her?"

She couldn't nod or shake her head though, I realized. "Sqeeze my hand once for yes, twice for no."

She squeezed my hand twice.

"Any ideas?"

Her eyes went to Fang. She gave me an intent look, then looked back at him.

"You want Fang to name her?"

She squeezed my hand once.

"Okay, Mom." I kissed her forehead.

I let the others talk to her for a while. Fang waited until the end and glanced at me. "Can you give us a moment?" he asked quietly.

I herded the other kids out. "Bye Mom. Love you."

She tried to smile.

FANG

I took Valencia's hand. "Why? Why me?"

She smiled kindly, her eyes filled with the same warmth that she always had when she looked at us kids.

"I don't…I mean…it's your kid," I mumbled, struggling to find the words.

She squeezed my hand.

"All I did was call the cops."

She squeezed my hand twice and her eyes went to where Max was waiting outside. She looked back at me with a knowing look. God, does she know?

"I can't-I mean-I just…" I trailed off. The right words just wouldn't come to mind. They did that sometimes.

She gave my hand a small, understanding squeeze and her eyes showed encouragement. I tried again. "I haven't exactly been good to her lately. We're just starting to patch things up."

Her hand gripped mine.

"I understand. I'll try." I kissed her cheek and left the room. Max turned to me.

"You okay?" She mouthed. I nodded almost imperceptibly.

"So, Fang, what are you going to name the baby?" Nudge asked. She started rambling about good names and I tuned her out. I already knew exactly what to name her.

MAX
"Jamie Shay?" I raised my eyebrows at him.

He nodded.

"That's pretty. What's the inspiration?"

"James."

My heart stuck in my throat. "You want to name her after James?"

He nodded. "He tried to save you."

I blinked back tears. "And the Shay part?"

"My little sister. Her name is Shaia (Shy-uh), but her nickname, Shai,(shy) is spelt like almost like Shay."

"Where is she?"

He turned pale. "I'm not sure…but I think I know. And…well…" he swallowed hard. "I have to find them. I think they're…but I need….would you…?" he growled in frustration.

I waited patiently.

"Would you come…"

"Help you look?" I finished.

He nodded.

I took his hand. "Sure. But you have to promise me something."

"Yeah?"

"You'll explain everything to me."

He hesitated. "I…okay."