Here it is! I hope you enjoy it!

Later that night, just inside the Cameron County line...

Skye felt like her whole world was crumbling around her. The last time she had been in this situation she was seven. Looking back on it now, fourteen years later, she was surprised that she had survived that ordeal. She hadn't known that it was possible to feel this much dread and fear. Her father was the only parent she had left, and she didn't know what she would do if she lost him.

As she steered the car around the big, banking curve that led into Cameron, her hands started to shake on the steering wheel. She didn't know if she would be able to do this. To face her family who was so distraught, and to face her father who wasn't even even really there. Tightening her jaw against the onslaught of tears that were forming, she steered the car into Cameron.

Skye loved that town. To her, it represented her entire childhood, her entire life. As much as she adored Boston, it just never could compare to the small, sleepy town where she had grown up. Driving slowly through the streets that led to her house, she could recognize every building and every landmark. Gosh, she had some wonderful memories in this town. There was Antonio's Pizza, her father's favorite place in town. There was the school, where her father had attended every meeting and every performance, no matter how busy he was. And there was the University. Her father's home turf.

That was it for Skye. Try as hard as she might, she could no longer hold back the flash flood of tears that had built up behind her eyes. Sighing softly, Jeffrey, who had been silent for the past hour or so, leaned over and put his arm around her shoulders, holding her as the tears poured down her cheeks. Rubbing her back gently, he rested his head on her shoulder, offering her the silent comfort she needed.

Skye hated to cry. It was one of her least favorite activities in the world. She hated the way that her nose got stuffed up. She hated the way that her eyes got so puffy. She hated the way that her whole face felt sticky afterwards. But what she hated worst was the feeling of suffocating that always accompanied tears. And this sort of crying was the worst. It was the silent kind. The sort where hot saltwater poured down you face in tidal waves and you were just too heartbroken to make any noise. And that was what Skye was experiencing right now.

Pulling slowly into the driveway, she took a deep breath and turned off the car. Blowing her nose and wiping her eyes, she prepared to get out of the car. Jeffrey, however, stopped her first.

"Skye." He gently placed his hands on either side of her face, and leaned in close. "You can do this. You are the bravest person I know." And with that, he closed the gap between them, kissing her slowly and softly. As they pulled away, Skye gave him a quavery smile and squeezed his hand.

"Thanks." And with that, she opened the car door. She was home.

Well, it's a little short, but I hit a bought of writer's block for a while. I hope this is not too depressing for people, but grief is one of the best ways to bond, so I thought it would be good. I promise that winery thing will turn out fine. :-) Just give me a bit of time... As usual: thanks for all the wonderful reviews! You are all awesome!

Guest I: That is one of the best reviews I have ever gotten. I'm sorry if I've been causing you too much emotional distress. I'm afraid this chapter isn't much better on that front. I will get cheerful again, I promise. :-) Regarding the Alec vs Alex situation, thank you for catching that! I have this really nutty autocorrect system on my computer, and, for some strange reason, they don't recognize Alec as a word, and so they keep changing it to Alex without permission! Thanks for your eagle eyes. I really appreciate it!

Guest II: Thanks! I will!

I know I've said this before, but I really want to drive home that I heed every review I get, so please keep them coming! :-)