Mike took Jessica and Justin home. When they arrived at Jessica's real home, she was nervous and didn't want to go in. Justin entwined his fingers in hers and did his best to comfort.

"Look, your mom is worried about you," Mike said.

"Just my mom huh," Jessica mumbled.

"Your mom is alone now," Mike told her.

"What? Why?" Jessica's eyes watered and her heart leapt into her throat. Had her father died while she was gone?

"I don't know," Mike shrugged, "but when I took the report it was from your mother. She said she was the only one in the home."

"It's not like my dad was a catch anyway," Jessica said dryly.

"Nevertheless, let's go see your mother," Mike took her arm and pushed her gently toward the house.

"Jessica," Justin turned her to face him and took her hands in his, "I agree, come on, I'll go with you."

Jessica nodded, wiped her tears with the back of her hand and linked her other hand in Justin's before making her way to the door. She started to knock then decided to open the door and walk in.

"Mom?" she called out and peered into the dark house, "Mom? Are you here?"

Jessica's mom walked slowly into the living room, "Jessica? Is…is that really you? Am I imagining it again?"

Jessica choked back a sob and answered, "Yes, I'm really here mom."

Jessica's mom gasped and covered her mouth, "Praise God!"

Jessica ran to her mother's open arms and both women broke into sobs.

Stroking her daughter's hair, she whispered over and over, "You came home, my baby came home."

Mike sighed and shook his head, a wry smile crept over his face and he sighed with contentment. Justin watched and wished he had that kind of love at home but for the life of him couldn't understand why Jessica left this.

"Mom," Jessica pulled away and sniffed, "this is Justin and this is Detective Celluci, he.." she paused, "found me. I've been safe, don't worry and Justin is very special."

"Thank you, both of you. I've missed her terribly, I had nothing to live for really," her mother stepped forward and shook Justin's hand then Mike's. Mike held her hand a little longer than necessary and stroked the back of her hand with his free hand.

Jessica's mom tilted her head and relaxed, "You seem so nice. Would like something to drink?"

Mike told her no, "I need to get back. You guys, catch up." Mike smiled again and left. Jessica's mother seemed more relaxed and her eyes were sparkling rather than dull. Jessica ran after Mike when he was still on the sidewalk.

"Wait!"

Mike stopped, turned and said, "Yes?"

"Whatever you did back there, thanks," Jessica thumbed over her shoulder.

Mike feigned knowledge, "What are you talking about?"

"Your touch, it's healing," Jessica told him. Mike was shocked, how did she know?

"I um...sense things and I saw you touch the private investigator the same way," Jessica said in a low whisper, "but please don't tell anyone. I hate being different."

Mike patted her arm and said, "No worries, me too." He winked at her, turned and left.

Once inside, Jessica told her mother everything leaving only the strange happenings. Her mother would never understand and it wasn't something that was necessary for her to know.

"I should probably be getting home, "Justin finally stood to leave.

Jessica stood as well, "Why? Mom, can he stay here?"

"Of course he can, he can use the room downstairs," her mother said.

"I don't want to impose," Justin put his hands up and smiled slightly.

"It's no trouble, Jessica is happier than I've ever seen her, you're staying. Do you need to call your parents?"

Justin shook his head no," They won't notice."

"Oh, okay, well then, let's get you settled."

Finally, all were settled and things were right. Jessica discovered the next day that her father left soon after she disappeared. She was upset and apologized to her mother.

"It was not your fault honey; our marriage had been over for many years. Besides, "her mother became serious and dark, "I believe he was cheating."

"Why?"

"Jessica, I.." she hesitated then continued, "I know things. I've never told you because I was afraid it would frighten you."

Jessica hugged her mother tightly around the neck,"Mom, we have so much to discuss."

**

Vicki's pregnancy was uneventful but filled with interesting things. The first time they felt the baby kick, Vicki was lying next to Henry watching a television show on vampires, fact or fiction? They laughed at the irony of the situation and from that point on, from the time Henry awoke for the evening, he couldn't resist talking to her expanding stomach and touching her several times a night.

"Henry, the baby will know you, stop worrying. I feel as though you'll have a special connection," Vicki told him one day. She had three weeks to go, Coreen threw her obscene baby shower much to her chagrin and her mother was thrilled she was going to be a grandmother, finally! she had yelled into the phone.

"I just want to make sure, I'll not be there during the day, he will be sleeping at night," Henry noted.

"He? And how so? You've not been around a lot of babies have you? Night time doesn't guarantee sleep with these creatures. Honestly, I think babies are more strange and foreign than creatures of the night," she sighed.

"Hmm..that's a novel thought," Henry told her. He kissed her lips softly then pulled away.

Desire pooled in her eyes. Even in her late term she was beautiful. Her stomach was perfect, no stretch marks and just the right size. She stayed fit throughout and even if she'd gotten huge, Henry wouldn't have cared. He thought she was the epitome of beauty.

"Henry, why did you say he?"

"I'm just using a generic term," he shrugged and kissed her again.

"What if it's a girl? She asked as she pushed him away.

Henry noticed she was serious, "Do you know something I don't?"

Vicki shook her head, "No, I told you I didn't want to know. I want to be surprised. You skirted my question."

Henry smiled that crooked sexy smile, "I have no preference, I told you that. Girl, boy, vampire, human, matters not to me."

Vicki smiled and took him in her arms, "Well then, we'd better get some alone time in before he or she gets here."

Henry growled, "Sounds like a plan.."