The first thing that Jeffrey noticed as he and Skye burst through the front door of the Penderwick's house, was the complete darkness of it. He didn't really know what else he had expected, after all, it was four in the morning, but it just looked so desolate. But there was one light on. The kitchen light.

The minute she saw it, Skye rushed in that direction, Jeffery right on he heels. The sight that greeted them was a sad one. The lone light, over the kitchen table, shone down on a loan girl, seated at the table, crying into her hands. Batty. A small moan escaped Skye's lip as she moved forward to comfort her sister. Feeling Skye approaching, Batty stood up and threw herself into Skye's arms, sobbing.

Sensing that the sisters might appreciate some time alone, Jeffrey decided to go get their luggage. As he closed the front door behind him, he took a deep breath. There was a sliver of a moon, preparing to sink down over the horizon, and it cast a silvery shadow over the snow.

Why? He silently asked whatever being might be listening. Why does this have to happen to this family? The are the nicest people on this planet. They don't deserve this. Not receiving an answer, he turned back to the task at hand. Slowly pulling the bags out of the car, he sighed. Taking one last glance at the moon, he turned back to the house, and slowly walked inside, bags in hand. As he entered the front foyer, he could hear his fiancé and soon-to-be-sister-in-law talking softly in the kitchen. As soon as he placed the bags in their respective rooms, he head back to the kitchen. Pulling out a chair at the table he smiled sadly at the two girls.

"So, where are we?"

"Well, Iantha, Rosy, Jane, and Ben are at the hospital. There have been there all night. I stayed here to watch the twins. They were already asleep when we got the news, and we didn't see any point in waking them."

"I'll tell you what. Skye, you and Batty should drive over there now. I'll stay here with the girls."

"Alright. Batty, do you want to grab a coat?"

"Sure. I'll be right back." As she ran up the stairs, Skye stood up and walked over to Jeffrey's side of the table. He slowly stood up and pulled her into his arms, resting his head on hers.

"Thank you, Jeffery. That was very nice of you. I really appreciate it."

"Please, Skye, it was the least I could do. Look, I don't know how this is going to turn out, but I do know that, whatever happens, it will be okay. Lousy, but it will be okay again. I promise."

Slowly, she leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips. Moaning softly, he moved into it, enjoying the way that she tasted. Strong and lively, with a faint trace of tears. The noise of Batty clearing her throat softly brought him back to the real world, and Skye gently pulled away.

"We'll call you later. When the girls wake up, just give them the basics."

"Bye, Jeffery. Come on, Skye!"

"Bye, honey."

"Bye!"

As the door shut behind them, Jeffery turned out the light and slowly walked up stairs, determined to get some rest before his babysitting duties began.

The red cross lit up the early morning sky, as the two sisters pulled up the hospital. Neither of them had been here since the twins were born, six years ago. Te time before that had been when their mother died. As they walked into the big, white, entryway, a wave of air-conditioned, sanitized air hit them. Skye disliked hospitals. The white always seemed oppressive. Batty right behind her, she walked up to the front desk.

"Hi. I'm looking for Mr Penderwick's room. We're his daughters."

"Yes, of course. Go up to the 2nd floor and it will be the 5th door on your right. Room 247."

"Thanks."

As the two walked out of the elevator, Skye felt her heart begin to flutter. How was she going to do this? What would he look like? 242. 243. 244. There it was. 247. Taking a deep breath, Skye put her hand on the doorknob and glanced at Batty. The younger girl was staring straight ahead, composing her thoughts. Closing her eyes for a brief second, Skye turned her hand and pushed.

Setting her jaw, she walked into yet another white room. There were two beds in the room, and both we occupied. One by her Aunt Claire, and one by her father. Surrounding the two beds were four chairs, filled with members of their family.

"Hi."

"Oh, Skye. Thank goodness you're here." Rosalind hopped up out of her chair and moved over to hug the girls. "Batty?! How did you get away?"

"Jeffrey said he'd watch the twins."

"Did he come back too, Skye?"

"Yes, and I have to say I'm glad. We need another hand around here."

By this time everyone was out of their chairs, and were greeting the girls with hugs and tears. Their chatter was interrupted however, by a soft groaning from one of the beds. Aunt Claire was waking up.

Please keep up the the reviews. They mean a lot to me! You are all wonderful!

Guest I - Thanks! I can't wait to see where it goes either. :-)

Mahogany night - I'm glad you liked it. That is a very nice complement. :-)

Guest II - This one's a bit longer, I think. :-) Thank you for the kind words. I think I will be trying to explore the other kids more. Thanks for the suggestions.

Thank you all for your suggestions. They are amazing!