Author's note: Well, I've told you I had one more trick up my sleeve.

Almost at the end, brace yourselves I can't warn you enough (I have another sleeve ^_^).

Thank you enormously, to each and everyone.

Kaze-Chan

Chapter 13

Billy 32, Tim 23

The sun was high in the sky, announcing another warm record breaking day. Billy whipped the sweat from his brow as he finished an oil change. Business was booming and Billy was relieved to finally have something in his life to be proud of. He glanced up at the clock, anticipation mounting; he couldn't wait to get home to see Mindy and their son. To be honest, Billy had been scared to death at the thought of being a father but Tim had been the one to offer reassurance; stating that Billy had had more than enough practice.

Tim could defiantly surprise you sometimes. Billy smiled as he read the framed diploma hanging in his office;

This degree and all privileges associated, is discerned to Timothy William Riggins in accordance to the completion of all requirements demanded by the program of automotive repair at San Antonio State University.

He never got tired of reading that. Between the two brothers, Billy considered this to be their greatest achievement. Both their parents dropped out of high school and Billy had barely graduated. But despite everything, Tim had managed to graduate from high school and then from San Antonio State. Checking the clock on the wall a second time, he figured Tim should be back soon with the new parts for Mrs Putnam's car, which left him a few minutes to cool off in front of the fan and drink a beer.

The echoing sound of footsteps in the shop alerted him to someone else's presence and unless Tim had taken to wearing women's shoes with heels, it wasn't his little brother. "Umm, excuse me." Billy froze as he instantly recognised the voice. "I'm looking for Billy Riggins." After a few moments hesitation, Billy stood to his full height, his eyes narrowing in resentment.

"What do you want?" His voice was far from friendly and it didn't take long for the older women to realise it. Momentarily shock by the answer, she took the opportunity to examine the man before her. Though much older, the face and the eyes had not really changed. Her heart jumped to her throat as her eyes widened in recognition.

She took a step forward. "Billy, honey I didn…" Billy stepped back to keep the distance between the two, his expression remaining cold and hostile; he had never really forgiven her for what she had done to Tim and time had done little to make him forget.

"I don't care." His voice was low, barely above a whisper. "How dare you show your face here," It was Billy's turn to take a step forward, her sudden fear fuelling his anger, "you, after everything you did. You didn't give a crap about us before, why start now." He gestured angrily with his arm as his voice steadily grew louder; the memory of each time he had had to lie to Tim about their mother's activities, each time she failed as a mother. He surprised himself. Over the year he hadn't given much thought to how he would react should his mother suddenly reappear. The day he drove away from Rosembalm Institute he was leaving his mother behind; effectively cutter her out of his and Tim's lives.

She took a deep breath. "Look," her eyes searched pleadingly for her eldest son's understanding, "I'm not asking your forgiveness, I don't deserve it." Billy remained silent, his anger always growing. "I know I did wrong by my children but I was young, scared and stupid. All I ask is to be able to apologize to you and your brother."

"No." Billy answered without hesitation. "Say what you have to say to me but you have no right to talk to my brother." Irene didn't miss the emphasis on the word brother. She had spent months, years working up the courage to return to Dillon but she was not ready for this. She hadn't had high expectations for either son, assuming they had grown up like their drunken abusive father. But imagine her surprise when she discovered they owned a reputable automotive repair garage and that Billy had raised Tim on his own. She searched the room for a distraction, her eyes falling on the university degree hanging proudly above the desk.

As an uncomfortable silence settled between the two, Tim's black Silverado pulled up the driveway. Tim hadn't noticed the tense situation as he entered the shop, balancing heavy car parts in his arms. "Hey, sorry it took so …" He stopped in his tracks when he finally noticed both pairs of eyes on him. The brothers didn't need to exchange words, Tim was instantly aware that something was wrong. He had rarely ever seen his older brother this angry or this upset.

He glanced over at the woman standing facing his brother. Though it had been 12 years, her features hadn't been erased from Tim's memories. Suddenly he felt like a child again, seeking safety and protection behind his older brother. Billy moved to place himself between his brother and their mother, sensing his brother's anxiety. He hadn't wanted his little bother to have to go through this all over again, but this time was different. He was here.

Irene was overwhelmed. Though she'd only known them for minutes, it was enough for her to see her children had grown up to be better men than she could ever have thought possible. She suddenly realized that maybe the best thing she ever did was take herself out of the equation. "I'm sorry." Her voice was barely audible as she worked to fight back her tears.

"Don't." Billy took a deep breath, eyeing her sternly. "You had your chance and now get out." He spoke slowly, articulating each word. Tim remained silent, more than happy to let his brother handle this. Reluctantly, she made her way back to her car, doing nothing to stop the tears that streamed down her cheeks. She took one last look at her children before getting in her car and leaving them again; she had never been a brave woman.