Kathryn woke with a start, the scream stuck in her throat. She could feel how the hair on her neck stuck because of the sweat, and the pain in her shoulder was more evident.

"Bad dream?" The voice made her look up and she saw Scott looking up from the chair in front of her bed. He had been using his jacket as a blanket. His brown hair was messy like he'd run his fingers through it multiple times. Scott looked tired, but he got up and walked over. "It'll get better," he told her, rubbing her back slowly. "The shooting dream, it'll go away eventually."

"How did you know that's what it was about?" Kathryn asked, scooting over for him. He took the invitation and sat down, putting an arm around her protectively.

"It comes with shooting someone," he told her softly. "It was about two years ago, I was heading home from a mission when I was shot down. Long story short, I ended up trapped in the Pyramid of Khamandides and ended up shooting a pair of Egyptians. They died."

"I'm sorry," Kathryn whispered, leaning against him. "How did you deal with it, Scott? Every time I close my eyes I can hear the gun going off in my hands. And in my dream, it was like I was there again. It was so surreal; everything was moving so slowly, I hadn't even realized I'd pulled the trigger until the gun was going off."

"It was like that for me too. Time had just seemed too slowly, only I remember pulling the trigger. It was either going to be me or them, and I chose them." Scott told her. "As for dealing with it, well I did the best I could. I probably could have done better. I couldn't calm down until I got back on the island. And then, I remember being so mad at Dad for putting me in a situation like that. At Virgil for leaving me there alone, and when I wasn't being angry, I was by myself trying to get a grip with it. I couldn't sleep for days because of the dreams."

"So basically it's going to suck," Kathryn sighed.

"Basically," Scott couldn't help but chuckle slightly. She'd just put it so forward, no cushioning or trying to see the bright side. He was glad to see something hadn't changed about her. "But I'm here for you sis if you ever need to talk about it. That helps a little. I talked to Brains about it. He might not be able to talk as smoothly as either of us, but the man can listen like the best of them."

"Thanks, Scott," Kathryn said drowsily. Her brother moved to get up when she stopped him. "Stay with me until I go back to sleep?" she asked quietly. And for a moment, it felt like they were back on their Kansas farm. And even though they were ten years apart, Scott laid down next to her, making sure she was comfortable and tucked away nicely.

And so the oldest Tracy and the youngest Tracy lay together in silence, both just comforted by the other's presence. Anyone else probably would have chosen that opportunity to talk about the other troubles in their relationship, but the two of them just seemed to understand that it wasn't the time. Maybe it would never be; maybe that would be the loose thread as they tried to move forward.

The second day was a happier day.

Ben had let himself be convinced to go back to Princeton and sleep in a real bed, especially since he too was recovering from a head wound. He'd asked Scott to take his place, assuring him that the nurse had gone home and he would be safe to stay the night at his sister's side.

"Benjamin Benedict," his mother started as they walked through the hospital halls together. "I cannot believe you left Kathryn all alone last night. You should have called us. Your father and I could have spent the night with the poor girl." Ben just sighed, already having heard this lecture more than once this morning. And he wasn't about to tell his mom that he'd left Kathryn with Scott. He did not need to be chided for leaving her with a stranger.

Wishing his father hadn't stayed in the lobby to talk to someone, Ben continued to take his lecture silently, nodding at the appropriate time. "Aww ma' I'm sorry," he said as they reached the wing where Kathryn was staying. "Next time, I promise I'll call."

"There better not be a next time Benjamin," she chided. "Now fix your shirt. You look like a hoodlum with it untucked."

"Yes ma'am," Ben responded and tucked his t-shirt into the waist of his pants, knowing very well he looked like a fool. The hospital didn't seem as chilling as it had yesterday, not that it seemed very welcoming either. Even though his mom was leading the way to Kathryn's room, Ben made sure to open the door and hold it open for her.

"Oh Kathryn, I am so glad to see you are alright," Mrs. Benedict said as she walked right in with Ben behind her. He gave her a knowing smile as Kathryn tried to tidy up her bed head hair, smoothing it down. "You gave us such a fright," she continued, sitting in the chair that Ben had brought up for her. Mrs. Benedict clasped Kathryn's hand in hers and smiled gently at the girl she considered another daughter. "I thank God that you are alright." There was the slightest waver in her voice and Kathryn smiled softly.

"It's good to see you again," Kathryn told her.

"William is coming up soon, he was so worried about you. He's already been in touch with the university and called up our lawyer, Jerry. You remember him from Christmas last year don't you honey? And don't worry about anything, William and I have everything under control. You just worry about resting up and getting better." She dabbed the corner of her eyes with the edge of her sleeve. "Are those pillows fluffed up enough for you? Should I get you another one? Or a blanket?"

Kathryn couldn't help but laugh. "I'm alright ma," she said kindly. It had taken her a while to getting past calling her Mrs. Benedict, and gotten to calling her ma. Because that's kind of who she was in her life. Her mom. Sure, she had grandma growing up, but she was never a mom figure in her life. She was a grandma. Mrs. Benedict was a mom, but Kathryn knew she was going to have to watch herself while her brothers and dad were around. She didn't need another fight trying to explain how she didn't really consider Lucille Tracy her mom, but her mother. "Sorry for causing you to worry."

Ben sat by Kathryn, his hand holding hers. "I've already been scorned for leaving you here all by yourself last night," he told her.

"So you're wearing your t-shirt like that because of punishment?" Kathryn teased. Ben glared at her a little before turning back to his mom.

"See mom? See how she mocks me," Ben sighed dramatically. "My own girlfriend mocks me."

Kathryn shoved Ben as her cheeks turned pink and was at a loss for words. Ben just laughed and held onto her hand tighter. Both of them looked to see how Alice Benedict would react. Confused before a knowing smile settled on her lips. "You're father and I always knew this day would come," she told them before she started wagging her finger at Ben and going over what it what to meant to be a gentlemen, how to treat a girl properly and the importance of protection.

"Do you understand me mister?" Alice asked her bashful looking son. "I do not need you making me a grandmother before Julia does."

"Yes ma'am," Ben nodded. "I understand."

"Good. Now, I'll be right back you two," she gave both of them a knowing glance. "Don't do anything you wouldn't do if your grandmother was sitting here."

"Yes ma'am."

Ben waited until he couldn't hear his mother's footsteps before turning to Kathryn. "I could have done without the lecture but I think that went pretty well," he laughed as she pushed him.

"Benjamin Benedict," she started "Why'd you have to go telling you ma right in front of me? I could have done without the lecture."

"Aw Kat, don't tell me that wasn't interesting to listen to. I bet you never had the birds and the bees talk from a Southern mom before."

"Actually I have and I didn't need to hear it again. And anyway –" Kathryn was cut off as Ben leaned down towards her, capturing her lips.

"Please stop before I punch you," Gordon's voice separated the two.

"Good morning to you too," Ben said with a goofy smile on his face. Gordon straddled the chair Alice Benedict had been sitting in and narrowed his eyes at Ben before turning to Kathryn.

"How's it going to this morning sis?"

Amused Kathryn smiled at her copper headed brother. "Fine, why?"

"Why? Why?" Gordon asked melodramatically. "You're in the hospital, that's why."

"Harassing her already Gordon?" Alan asked as he walked in. "Morning Ben, Kat."

"Did Virgil kick you out again?"

"Such little faith you have in us," Alan grinned as he stood beside Gordon. Even though she hadn't seen them in about six years, Kathryn still knew of the trouble this twosome could cause. "Anyway, how are you doing this morning?"

Kathryn rolled her eyes as Ben chuckled. "Please stop asking that. I'm fine, really."

"Don't you be sassing people young lady," Alice reprimanded as she walked back into the room. "They're just asking out of concern." Kathryn looked at Ben; neither of them had gotten a chance to talk about what they were going to say to his parents pertaining to the whole Tracy situation. She was upset they'd be upset with her for lying for so long.

"Hey ma, why don't we go find dad?"

"No need, I'm right here," William Benedict strode into the room with that aura that commanded attention and attracted respect. The two Tracy boys were flabbergasted as he walked over to Kathryn's other side and kissed her forehead. "How are you doing Kathryn? Are they treating you well here? Has the doctor come in to see you this morning?"

"I'm doing fine sir," Kathryn smiled. "And they're treating me just fine. He came in earlier this morning, before visiting hours started. Sorry for causing you to leave work, I'm sure your office is filled with papers you need to sign."

William Benedict chuckled. "It is not a trouble, they've already been piling up for days. It's actually a relief; you know how nasty my secretary gets when I put off signing all those things. Besides, I'm just glad to see you are okay. I'm sorry something like that had to happen to you." Kathryn's smiled fell slightly. She tried to avoid thinking of the reason why she was in a hospital, and why her older, middle brother was down the hall from her. Alice Benedict, seeing how upset she looked, cleared her throat and nodded to the two young gentle.

"Oh right, sorry," Kathryn apologized as she turned towards her brothers. "Alan, Gordon, let me introduce you to Ben's parents: Governor William Benedict and his wife Alice Benedict."

"Alan Tracy. It's a pleasure to meet you sir," Alan said shaking the governor's hand. "My brother Scott spent a month being upset when you didn't run for president last term."

"Him and whole lot of other people," William chuckled as he shook the young man's hand.

"Gordon Tracy ma'am," Gordon introduced. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is all mine," Alice smiled. "Your brothers are such well mannered Kathryn. But I suppose you can't expect anything less than Jeff Tracy's boys." Her words left everyone stunned.

"What? How?" Ben finally managed to ask.

"Full sentences Benjamin," Alice told him. "And we've always known, haven't we William?"

"We actually knew before you did son."

"You let me lie to you for six years?" Kathryn asked quietly. She'd been afraid of the day they would find out she had been lying about who she was for six years. Kathryn loved them like parents and didn't want to disappoint them. But it turned out they knew all along. And they hadn't even told her. She'd been carrying around this secret, thinking she was hurting people she loved, and there was no need for her to do so.

"Oh sweetie," Alice said stroking her cheek. "We are sorry about that. We knew it was your secret to keep, and that if the time was ever right you would tell us."

"We would have loved you just the same," William added as he hugged her.

"How did you know she was a Tracy?" Ben asked, still confused. He hadn't figured it out, Kathryn had told him. And he wanted to know how his parents found out before him.

"That would be because of me," Jeff Tracy was at the door. "Hi baby girl. Alan and Gordon driving you insane yet?"

"As soon as she cleared to go home to the island," Gordon promised. Kathryn's head was still spinning as she grasped Ben's hands tightly. The idea of being stuck on an island, with no quick way to escape in case of an emergency, surrounded by only undrinkable water and dangerous island creatures was horrifying. Especially when it was with people she didn't really know. Especially when she would have to be there without Ben.

The silence was awkward, no one knowing how to respond to Gordon. Alan seemed to share his brother's cheerfulness at the idea, and Alice had that polite smile on her face. "How do you know Mr. Tracy, dad?" Ben finally asked as he switched hands with Kathryn, putting one around her waist to keep her close to him.

"We were in the Air Force together," Jeff told them as he stood by the senator. "Worked side by side until I transferred to Space Agency and he went to pursue a political career."

"I used to visit the farm in Kansas with my former wife, Meredith," William added. "Right around the age when Scott was three," he smiled fondly at the memory.

"Though I think he was four the last time you visited. Julia was on the way and Meredith finally had the excuse she needed not to fly down." Jeff's dislike for his former wife was obvious. Any woman who ran out on her husband and child, for another man, was not on his good side; especially when it happened to a great man like William. "How is Julia by the way?"

"Oh she's doing really well. A private detective in Connecticut after going to Columbia. She's actually in Paris right now on her honeymoon." Alice added, always ready to gush about her adopted step-daughter. "She sent me pictures the other day. You know Jeff, you really should bring the boys and come visit our farm."

"Ma makes the most amazing peach pie," Ben added. "And her peach jam is to die for."

"The Benedicts own a peach tree farm," Kathryn explained to her brothers, trying to pull her mind together and continue with the conversation. "And Alice's jam is to die for."

"Oh hush up you two," Alice said bashfully. "Let your fathers finish talkin'. Go on William, finish tellin' the boys the story so we can let Kathryn get some shut eye."

"I just woke up like an hour ago," Kathryn mumbled quietly, earning herself a look from Alice that hushed her up. She scooted down the bed, further under the covers and closer to Ben. What was freaking her out was the idea of being left alone in the room. Things can happen when left alone in a room. Hadn't she been alone with Austin Jacks when she shot him?

"So you've basically been in on this since the beginning?" Alan asked the Governor.

"When Jeff told me he wanted his daughter closer to home, but still at a boarding school, I told him right away he should send her to Lake Forest. Ben was in his first year and Julia had just graduated so I knew it was a perfect place. I helped him pull at the ties to get her in and smoothed out all the details with the school. Only I hadn't known she wasn't enrolling as a Tracy until I was asked to be her sponsor."

"And I made him promise that he wouldn't reveal our connection. Which was easy enough; we both understood what it meant to have you kids out of the spotlight." Jeff added. "And if you had known, other people would have known about the connection too and still used you to get to me."

Kathryn let this all sink in. "You've always been hiding in the background, haven't you?" she asked her dad. It made sense; there were all these small details that were handled by him. He'd been there, but he hadn't been there and this was making it all very confusing. It was actually making her head hurt.

"I'm always going to wish I hadn't been in the background," Jeff told her as he patted her leg. "And I hope that you'll be able to forgive me one day."

"Of course she will. Right Kat?" Gordon asked and turned to look expectantly at his sister, waiting for her to agree with him. He was surprised to see her look down from him and Ben pull her in closer. And just a tiny burst of anger passed through him and not for the first time that day, he wished there was a pool in the hospital.

It was a relief to many when Jeff and William's phone went off and they had to excuse themselves. Alice smiled slightly. "Men," she started "Always working." Alice took Kathryn's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'll be back later dear. I need to give Emily a call. She's upset we left her at home with the neighbor." And with that, she excused herself to the Tracy brothers.

"Come on Gordon," Alan said. Thanks to Tin-Tin, he was learning to pick up the girl signal of wanting to be left alone. He grabbed his brother by the arm and started pulling him away. "Talk to you later Kathryn," he said even though she hadn't looked at them. Somewhere in the back of his mind he was beginning to figure out this wasn't going to be as easy as he and Gordon had believed.

A/N: Sorry for the delay everyone! I'm so glad you're liking the story. Only a couple more chapters to go!