I would like to thank everyone for your sweet words about my mom and for understanding. Never thought my words would lead to all the reactions I got, but they really were heartwarming.

And the reviews themselves were incredible as always. I have to admit that these chapters are mostly about Crane, but close readers will see the crumbs with the others for what they are: pieces of their own story line, things I've also been leading up to.

And another thank you to Sueturpen for helping me with the distances between Davis and Murphys. I think I gave her a headache, so I'm very grateful. Wherever the time frame is stretched beyond real life possibilities, the mistake is all mine.

Anyway…on with the story and an unhappy couple of McFaddens. I need to post this a little early, because I keep changing little things and I need to move on. The next chapter needs a lot of tweaking still.

Chapter 22

Crane stared at his bag. He'd been told to unpack, but most of it was laundry. Normally, he'd simply take it into the laundry room and start the first load, but he couldn't do that now. He was stuck in the room he shared with Daniel. Sent to his room. Boy, that hadn't happened in a long, long time. If it wasn't for the still enormous amount of guilt he was experiencing, he'd feel embarrassed, maybe even a little resentful. But as it was, he'd been glad for the escape. And he'd taken quite some time to calm himself down enough to be able to get his mind working again. Not that that helped. Because no matter how he looked at it, he'd nearly hurt the very man he'd tried to protect and in the process he'd broken promises, deceived, stolen and broken in, technicalities aside. And more importantly, he'd hurt Brian and Adam.

He was smart enough to see through the anger – although he wasn't used to that anger, certainly not directed at himself, and it was a humbling and scary thing to experience – and see it for what it was: fear and disappointment. Both his older brothers were hugely disappointed in him and he had no idea how to get past this. How on earth could he right this? He'd known they'd be disappointed, but he'd been convinced it had all been for a good cause. "Sometimes you have to do things to right a wrong" and all those things he'd said to June. He'd believed them, despite the occasional moment of doubt. And all of a sudden the rug had been pulled out from under him. Suddenly there was no right to justify all his wrongs. And what was left was hurt and anger and disappointment. He shuddered.

But stuck in his room meant he couldn't go to the laundry room. So how was he supposed to do as he was told? And he really wanted to avoid angering either of his brothers any further. In despair he looked at the laundry. Sure, he could go downstairs anyway. Crane's bedroom window looked out over de yard and so he knew Brian was in the barn. And the constant thud of the axe told him his other brother was working off his temper on the woodpile. Even if he hadn't known Brian's whereabouts, Crane would have known it was Adam who was cutting wood right now. Adam had spent many hours on that woodpile as a teenager. Adam at Daniel's age had had quite some trouble with his temper and dad seemed to have realized that having his firstborn spend an hour cutting wood was much better to get him to simmer down than any lecture or punishment the man could give. And they always had enough firewood this way. In fact, they often had more than they needed. Even after their parents' untimely deaths Adam had taken himself there at times when he was angry or upset. It often calmed him down. So Crane knew it was Adam down there. Part of him was wondering if the man was picturing Crane's head on the block every time he brought the axe down. Probably not, but Crane wasn't sure. Adam had been awfully mad and had looked pretty murderous.

But even knowing his brothers were both outside didn't mean Crane would simply go down to do his laundry. Adam had pretty much told him to stay in his room until he was called and so there was no way Crane was going to disobey the man. Not again. Not now. But that meant he was still disobeying, because he wasn't unpacking. In frustration he kicked the bag. What did the man want him to do? All of a sudden Crane's anger at himself had another object and he kicked the bag again. And again. He took his shoes off and tossed them against the bag in a display that could easily be described by critics as a temper tantrum. And all of a sudden, like a deflated balloon, he sunk down on his bed, realizing the stupidity of his action. Again. He sure was making a habit of doing stupid things.

Why on earth was he worrying over stupid laundry? He had more important things to worry about. And it was clear Adam wasn't going to yell at him over an unpacked bag. He had more than enough time to do laundry. He was certain he wasn't going back to Davis until the Christmas break was over.

Suddenly he realized the thudding sound of axe splitting logs had stopped. His heart started to race and he found his palms getting sweaty. Was Adam coming up now? He half got up and looked out the window. He watched Adam walk into the barn and a minute later both Adam and Brian exited the wooden structure and headed for the house. With baited breath Crane waited for the inevitable call of his name. Or maybe there'd be footsteps on the stairs. This was it. And he still didn't know what to tell them. What to say to try and make things right with them.

But nothing. Crane watched the minutes go by on his watch without a sign and he rubbed his hands against his pants to get them dry while forcing himself to take deep breaths in order to calm down. It only partially worked. If Brian wanted him to stew, he had achieved his goal. Crane was definitely stewing. Looking at the time had made him realize it should be time for the boys to come home. It made him wonder if Adam was purposely waiting for that. Or maybe he wouldn't be allowed downstairs at all and was Adam making him fret until tomorrow. He couldn't deny that he deserved that, but he sure didn't like it. Of course, he didn't know that the boys would be home late that day, not till around supper time.

His mind went back and forth between worrying over when Adam was going to start his expected yelling and feeling guilty. It was an excruciating wait, tossed from one emotion into the next, working himself up until he felt he couldn't take it anymore, without relief. He finally ended up in pretty much the same position he'd started out in when he first set foot in his room, only this time sitting on his bed and with his back against the wall instead of the door, praying for a solution. Praying he'd be forgiven, yet fearing he wouldn't be, because he was convinced this was the worst thing any of them had ever done, including the Thanksgiving fiasco.

He was so lost in his misery that he didn't even realize his door had opened until he heard someone scraping his throat. He raised his head to find both his older brothers looking down on him and scrambled to get to his feet. For some reason that felt more respectful. But Adam stopped him with his hand.

"Stay there, kiddo, we'll be here awhile, might as well be comfortable," And to prove his point Adam sat down on Daniel's bed. Brian followed his example.

The use of the familiar term of endearment nearly brought tears to Crane's eyes. He'd hated how he'd been addressed today, especially by Adam. The word 'boy' had hurt him more than if Adam had yelled or even slapped him. Not that Crane, or any of the McFaddens, knew what being slapped felt like. Crane settled himself back on his bed, the only difference now that his head didn't rest on his knees. He was still hugging them, though. Warily he looked from one brother to the other.

"Surprised to see both of us here?" Brian asked and Crane nodded. "You thought I'd be less mad than Adam?"

"Yeah…no…maybe…" Crane found his voice was hoarse and he tried to clear it.

"You shouldn't be."

"I know…"

"Do you, Crane?" Brian continued, "Do you really? Do you have any idea what I'm the most upset about?"

Crane thought about it, trying to list all the things he'd done wrong and shrugged. "The break in?"

Watching Crane shrug nearly caused Adam to explode again, but the man held his cool. Brian and he had discussed how they would handle this lecture and he needed to give the man the space to do this. Brian shook his head, "You thought wrong. I'm mad about that, or upset and disappointed, but what really hurts me is that you willingly promised me, in your own words, that you'd be careful. You said you would be careful. And I trusted you. Then you get caught because you lost your wallet. That's far from being careful. That's being careless! And that means you broke your promise to me."

"I was careful…just not careful enough." Crane didn't believe he was actually defending himself, despite his guilty conscience, but he was.

It didn't sit well with Brian though, "I can't believe you're actually trying to justify that, kid. You're such a meticulous and thoughtful person. You're the only kid I know that actually plans his homework. You make schedules. When you do something it's well thought out. And then you do this? Don't get me wrong, I'm very upset that you took such risks in the first place, but you were far from careful." Brian found his voice had risen in volume and he toned it down, "That really makes it hard to trust the next time you promise me something. The only reason I'm not calling it a lie, is that you don't plan on being careless, so I know you meant what you said."

"I have no such qualms. You had no intention of keeping your promise to me. That's lying."

Even though Crane had already in vain argued Brian on that very subject, he couldn't help looking up sharply, "I didn't lie."

"Oh you worded it very carefully, Crane, but you did lie. You promised you wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the man's future and you did jeopardize it, you know it now. But I'll give you that you didn't know that beforehand, even if a bit of communication could have told you. That falls under Brian's carelessness. But you also vowed me I didn't have to worry about your own future. And that was a lie if ever there was one!"

Crane swallowed. "I didn't mean to lie…" The irony that this was the second time he was in real trouble with his brothers and that both times he'd been careless, didn't escape his attention.

"No, you meant to lead me to believe you'd be okay, that you wouldn't do anything foolish or wrong. Can you honestly tell me you really thought what you were doing was legal or smart?"

"I thought it was the right thing, Adam."

"That's not an answer to my question."

"I knew it wasn't legal," Crane admitted softly, "But I really thought that sometimes what is right is more important than what is legal."

"I'm sure you did and I think that Brian and I agree there are such times." Crane couldn't hide his surprise.

"Of course we do," Brian took over, "this country was built on citizens going against the government. We were made of people that think for themselves. There are times when you have to do what's right. But you do that with all the facts. You don't act on gossip. And you don't do it sneaky. When you think it's right, you do it openly. And you don't deceive those who love you in order to do it."

"It's the dishonestly that bothers Brian most," Adam leaned forward on his knees to look at the disheveled and miserable teenager in front of them. "How can we trust you when you deceive us? When your word is not your bond? Does it mean I can't trust anything you say from now on?"

The tears that had only threatened earlier, now filled and stung Crane's eyes. He wiped at them, "I'm sorry."

"But are you? Or are you just saying that to make us think you are?" Adam knew he was being mean, but he had to drive this message home. Brian didn't even look shocked, he felt the same.

Crane was completely defenseless. He hugged his knees harder. "I am….I really, really am."

"I've already talked to you on the phone about that promise that you broke about calling me. And I accepted your apology."

"That time," Crane whispered, knowing where Adam was going to.

"Exactly. I never ever want you lying to us again. Or deceiving us." He held up his hand when Crane opened his mouth, "Don't promise me." Crane snapped his mouth shut, realizing that to his brothers a promise at that time wouldn't mean much anymore. He was trembling with emotion over that. "Just remember and don't do it again." Crane could only nod before burying his head on his knees.

Brian moved to sit on Crane's bed, next to him, and gently lifted Crane's head by his chin, "I know we're being quite hard on you over this, but there can't be anything between us, you know. I mean, you boys mean the world to us and the thought that I possibly can't trust one of you kills me. It really does." Crane couldn't lower his head, but blinked hard against the tears, only to find them spilling.

"I really am sorry…I know you can't believe me right now, but I am."

"I do believe you," Brian spoke softly as he released Crane's chin. "I can tell." Crane's relief was short-lived.

"There's another side to this too, Crane," Adam picked up where they'd left off earlier, "by deceiving us and doing this behind our backs, you didn't give us a chance to help you."

For the first time a little bit of resentment came through when Crane retorted, "You didn't want to listen. All you said was I had to stay out of it."

"When one of us isn't listening, you make us listen," Brian had expected this and had told Adam to expect it, "I know Adam jumped straight to the orders. But that doesn't give you the right to keep us out. We love you, kid, and you may be 18 and we may not really be your parents, but you're just as much our responsibility as your brothers are. And so we have to look out for you. We'll always want to protect you. It's our job to protect you. We can't do that if you don't tell us what's going on. If Adam is yelling, you let him go on for a bit and then you make him listen. Or you talk to me. And we'll talk to Adam together."

"I know I'm not always the easiest person to talk to, but once I'm done ranting, I am not that difficult either."

"I guess…" Crane didn't think Adam would have really listened to reason on this. But then, he wasn't sure what reason was in this case anymore. He'd made a lot of mistakes.

"I know," Brian said adamantly. "So talk to us, kiddo. Don't keep us out. Don't go behind our backs. And don't deceive us."

Not wanting to make another promise Crane tried to answer as respectfully as he could, "Yes, sir."

"Ugh," Brian pulled a face, hating being called 'sir', but Adam thought it was very fitting here. "Anyway, it's not just us you shut out, is isn't it?"

Crane shook his head, "The dean said I should have just come to him and talk to him about it. Or talk to John himself. They would have told me what was going on." He groaned, "I've been so stupid."

"Not stupid," Adam disagreed, "You're never stupid. If you were stupid I wouldn't be this angry or disappointed. You didn't use the brains God and our parents gave you. You didn't think things through. I don't understand that, Crane, I really don't."

"Neither do I," Crane sighed. "It's not like me."

"No, it's not," Brian put his hand over Crane's, "You're our scholar. You're the one who always studies and plans. Why didn't you talk to your teacher or your dean to find the facts? Why didn't you listen when Adam said you couldn't know for sure what was going on?"

Crane shrugged, "I don't know."

"I think you got mad," Brian kept his voice soft, but there was strength in it, "You may come across as the most level-headed of us all, but even you couldn't escape the famous McFadden temper. I think you got mad that the school you admired so much was giving into blackmail and fired a teacher you like."

"And I also think," Adam added, "that the guy who told you about the dismissal, this…Alex…that he got you mad too. And when you're mad, you don't listen to your own voice of reason."

"I don't lose my temper the way you guys do….sorry," Crane stopped and looked down again. Who was he to accuse his brothers of anything, today of all days?

But neither brother was offended. They knew themselves well. Brian actually laughed a little, "Oh I know you don't. You don't get mad and start fighting. I know that's me. And Adam will start yelling and jumping to conclusions…sometimes he fights, but he hasn't done that in a while. You, on the other hand, get mad and dig yourself in. You get stubborn. Not often, but when it happens…."

"Yeah…" Crane had to admit it. Sometimes he got stubborn and then it was nearly impossible to change his mind.

"Which is why you should be open to us. Had you come to us when you'd heard the news we might have been able to help you sort things out. Use that stubborn streak to make us listen instead of do things you shouldn't."

"I know, I should have," Crane still couldn't believe he'd let things get this out of control, "And because I didn't, John almost got hurt, very hurt, I could have damaged the school, I hurt you two…"

"YOU nearly got hurt!" Adam practically yelled and Brian felt Crane cringe. But although part of him felt bad for the boy, he knew this message had to come across.

"I thought I was doing the right thing," Crane's words made Adam even more upset.

"I don't care if you thought it was the right thing. Even if it had been the right thing to do, even if you'd saved that man's job, I'd still be mad and worried. Because you took risks with your own future."

"I thought it was worth it." As soon as he spoke them, Crane regretted the words. Not because he didn't think them, but because he knew they'd upset his brothers. He wasn't disappointed.

"Going to jail was worth it? Being excluded from college was worth it?" Adam was more upset than Brian about this. Brian had known all along how Crane's mind worked, Adam had not believed it. Not wanted to believe it.

Crane wanted to say 'no', because that was the answer Adam was hoping for, but he knew he couldn't. He might have broken promises and he might have tried to deceive the man, but he had never lied to him. "Yes," he quickly continued, "I know you think it's not, but I really thought it was worth going to jail for. I just never thought that others could get hurt in the process. I don't mind getting hurt when the cause is right. I really don't."

Brian nodded, "Adam and I don't fully agree on this point, but I think if it was him in your shoes, he'd feel the same. I really admire that in you. You have a great moral compass. You stick up for what you believe in. You'd take on the world for what you believe in. I really think that is one of your best character traits. More important than being smart, that's for sure. And I can imagine situations where you do something illegal for the right cause, where I'd support you. Hell, I'd be next to you."

"I wouldn't."

"Maybe not," although Brian wasn't sure about that, "But you would be proud."

"Maybe," Adam grudgingly admitted, "But that wasn't the case here." He looked at Crane, "Don't get me wrong, I'm proud you wanted to stand up for what is right. But I'm not proud of the way you went about it."

"Neither am I," Crane wished the floor would open and just swallow him. Even the lecture over the joint hadn't been this bad. Of course, that had only been Adam. This time, they were tag-teaming him. He'd never been on the receiving end of a two-person lecture and he never wanted to be there again. And the voice inside kept agreeing with them, making it even worse. Even if it felt good to hear Brian speak of his admiration for Crane's morals. "I wish I'd done things differently. I really do."

"So do I, kiddo," Adam sighed, "So do I. But you didn't. And it worries me that you didn't. It worries me that you take risks with your own future. That you seem to have no concept of self-preservation. That you're careless with your own life. We talked about that same thing at Thanksgiving. You worried about Daniel then, and about me, even about others you could have hurt while high, but not about yourself. And the same happened this time. Despite that talk. What do I have to do to get it through to you that YOU matter. That YOU matter to US?"

"I know that, Adam…" there was power behind Adam's words. It blew Crane away. His breath hitched in his throat.

"Then show us by not risking your future!"

"Crane," Seeing the emotion on Adam's face Brian knew he'd have to take over now, "I know you're 18, but we didn't stop worrying and caring OR being responsible the day of your birthday. And although you may think you're past the age where you're accountable to us, we simply cannot stand by and let you make mistakes like this without taking action. We have to try and convey the importance of your own life to you. And of honesty. And we have to teach you to continue to use your brain."

"I…" But Crane had a hard time voicing his thoughts. He was one big mess of emotions.

"I need to hear you understand that, kiddo," Adam insisted, "I need to know."

"I do, Adam," Crane's voice was strained, already fighting a losing battle against the tears. Every now and then one slipped down his cheeks. "And I don't think I'm past that age. You eh..made that clear last Thanksgiving, if there was any doubt to begin with."

"Well…." Adam glanced at Brian, "this does bring us to the nasty part of this discussion."

"Consequences," Crane was almost relieved, "I'm just glad you're talking to me again…and I've been feeling so guilty, all that time I was up here alone I was kicking myself. Well, mostly…I kicked my bag too."

"Your bag?" Brian looked at Crane's bag puzzled.

Crane couldn't help the small blush, "Adam told me to stay up here, but also to unpack. I didn't know how to do both without disobeying and so…well…I ended up kicking it in frustration. Felt good too."

"Oh geesh," Adam groaned, "Of all the things….I didn't mean it that literally. Well, about unpacking anyway. I definitely wanted you in your room, yes."

"I figured that was the most important part," Now Crane felt even more silly having worried about his laundry.

"And I'm sorry I didn't talk to you much," Adam apologized. "Usually I don't need this much time to calm down, but this just scared and angered me too much. I felt like the floor was disappearing underneath me. When I heard what you'd done, I thought there was nothing I could do to protect you. Nothing to save you. Thankfully, that wasn't the case, but I'd just been too scared."

"You don't do scared well," Crane sniffed hard. He hated that he could feel his chin tremble, but he couldn't stop it. Tears were spilling. "And I know that…it was just very…nerve-wrecking. I'd never seen you this angry. …"

Brian had. A few weeks after their parents had been killed Adam had completely lost it. He'd found his oldest brother kicking hay bales and throwing things in the semi-privacy of the barn. A full rage. He'd been so angry. Angry that he couldn't just be a normal 18 year old. Angry that he had to take care of his brothers instead of going to graduation parties and even college. Angry at meddling neighbors. Angry that he didn't know what to do half the time. But mostly, angry that his parents had left him. Brian hadn't known what to do and just watched the raging young adult. Finally, after a long time his brother had suddenly slumped down in the hay and had started crying uncontrollably. Brian had sat next to him and for the first time since they were little they had sobbed in each other's arms. Afterwards they had both known that Adam wasn't in this alone. They had each other.

Of course, this was not the time to bring up that moment in their history.

"If I'd spoken I would have said things I'd regret. Or even punished you in full anger. And that I'll never do." Adam waited a moment before continuing, "Which really brings me to the consequences now. There are quite a few things to deal with. There's the broken promises, deceit and disobedience, endangering your future, and other people's future. And there's breaking the law. It's a long list and nothing on it is insignificant."

Crane felt his stomach clench, "I know…." This sounded like it was going to be a real whopper. He remembered what Adam had said about the strap, but maybe he would use it after all? It may not be a repeat of smoking a joint, but it was still a repeat of illegal behavior. Right? The 18-year-old shuddered, but he'd welcome it, if it meant he could put this all behind him. The guilt was killing him. "I just really would like it over with."

"Well," Brian had known that Crane would have preferred a trip to the barn, "Considering the fact that this could have long-lasting effects, we feel you need a consequence that lasts a while too."

"I figured I'd be grounded this break," Crane nodded knowingly.

"Oh not just this break, kiddo," Adam said grimly, "you're grounded indefinitely."

Crane stared from one brother to the other, uncomprehendingly. "But…" It wasn't that he wanted to protest the fairness of the punishment, he just didn't understand it. "The dean said I'd be back after Christmas. Are you…I mean…Adam, I love college!" He couldn't keep the panic out of his voice.

"Oh you bet your life you're going back. If it kills me," Adam shook his head.

"But then…I don't mean any disrespect, honest, but I don't understand."

Brian felt it was time to explain how this was going to work, "You're grounded until you have to go back to school. And then every week, after your last class of the week, you'll get on the bus home. We'll pick you up in Stockton. And we'll take you back on Sunday night."

There was silence while Crane digested this. Finally, he looked up again, "But that takes hours out of your day. And…I thought I couldn't come home that often because of the money."

Adam nodded, "That's true, but this is more important. You are more important. We've relied on you too much with the kids and you never learned to rely on us for advice. I know you felt we had enough on our plate already and so you didn't want to bother us. You solved things on your own. And that was fine when it was little stuff. But now, you're dealing with bigger things and the consequences and risks are bigger. But you never learned to ask for our help. You didn't learn to lean on me as your guardian. And so you felt you didn't matter, that there was no one to look out for you. But you do and there is. And so you're coming home every weekend. And much as I know you'd like to help out knowing there's always work to be done, you will not do it. At least not in the beginning. It's not your job. Your job is being a student. So you'll study."

"And losing some freedom when the real world adult consequence of what you've done would have meant losing your freedom completely, seems fitting," Brian added.

Crane swallowed hard. He wasn't a party-animal, but most college parties took place on the weekend and so his social life was seriously impacted by this. "Indefinitely?"

"Until we feel we can trust you again." Adam watched that information sink in. He and Brian had already decided on some kind of time line. The first weekend Crane would not leave the house, but as time went by, he'd be allowed to work alongside them or even go on an errand or two. All to show his brothers he could be trusted again. It had been Adam's punishment at 17 and it had been a hard-learned lesson. But Brian had pointed out another benefit: it would allow Crane to be a kid for a while and trust them to be the 'parents'. It also allowed them somewhat of a second chance with 'their oldest'. Adam had liked that idea.

"Oh…" was Crane's intelligent response after a few moments of silence. Suddenly, his future looked grim and he didn't even have the satisfaction of a successful mission. The tears that had fallen when he admitted how scared Adam's silence had made him had long stopped, he was too shocked to even cry.

The two oldests exchanged a look. Both could tell their younger brother was feeling very punished right now, but they knew they weren't done yet. Finally, Adam spoke up again.

"That covers the breaking the law part of this," It gave Adam no satisfaction to watch Crane's eyes grow wide. "The rest we'll deal with in a more physical manner."

Realization set in and Crane slowly nodded, "I know…I knew I'd end up in the barn again."

"Not exactly," Adam intently looked at the 'overgrown teenage delinquent' as Brian had called him.

"But this was worse than the joint….wasn't it? And you…well…" for some reason it wasn't easy to say the words, but Crane managed, "you took your belt to me for that. I mean…I figured it'd be worse this time. Not less."

"There's a difference between Thanksgiving and now," Adam kept his eyes on the boy as he spoke, "Although you risked your future and freedom, the content of your life, so to speak, you didn't technically risk your life. And so that part and the dishonesty won't have to be dealt with in the barn."

"But you said there were physical consequences," Crane was relieved, but still confused.

"Those don't have to necessarily take place in the barn," Brian got to his feet. "But I'll leave that to you and Adam to sort out. I have to go and get supper in the oven before I pick up the boys."

"Well now, I get low and I get high

And if I can't get either, I really try

Got the wings of heavens on my shoes

I'm a dancing man and I can't lose

You know it's all right, it's okay

I'll live to see another day…."

Evan and Daniel were at the elementary school waiting for Guthrie. His school was the last one out. Ford was still over at his school on the other side of the road, talking to a friend while the two oldest boys waited. Daniel was sitting on the low wall around the school yard and Evan was doing some dance moves he'd seen one of the seniors do to Daniel's beautiful voice singing the famous lyrics. They were still full of excitement over their rehearsal. The seniors had played this song again during the break. The teacher had been only happy to let them cut loose a little. The Christmas show was full of classical music and Christmas carols, and the likes, not too much pop music. She was young herself and personally, she would have chosen a more diverse and contemporary line up so she could only imagine how the older kids felt.

"Wish we did THIS tomorrow!" Evan said longingly. "I'm starting to dislike "White Christmas" and I've never liked that…what's his name?"

"Händel," Daniel answered, "He's amazing though. But I can see why you wouldn't like him. Maybe when you're older."

Evan snorted, "And you're sooooooo much older than me."

"Maybe not, but definitely more mature," Daniel grinned smugly as he swung his legs in a very immature way.

"Right. Sure…." It was a good thing that at that moment the school door swung open and children started pouring out, or the friendly banter might have turned into a fight. It easily happened between those two.

"Daniel! Ev!" Guthrie yelled as he ran their way. "Guess what we did? Guess! Guess!"

"Hmmm," Daniel pretended to think hard, lifting his brother up in the air to swing him around. "You did….spelling."

"No silly!" Guthrie waited until Daniel had put him down again, "Really guess."

"You learned you get to be the donkey in the Christmas pageant," Evan guessed.

Guthrie pulled a face and was ready to punch Evan. If it wasn't for the fact that Daniel had seen it coming and was holding him back, he might have. "I'm not a donkey!"

"Angel then? In a dress." Evan now was in full teasing mode.

"Stop teasing him, Ev," Daniel admonished, "I would say you got to prepare the class room for your Christmas breakfast tomorrow."

Guthrie looked disappointed, "I wanted to tell! You weren't supposed to guess."

"Sorry, Guth, honest," Daniel tried to play the part of peacemaker, "but it's all you've talked about for the past week and we have been in the same school, remember, so it's an easy guess."

"Oh…"

"Guess what?!" Another voice joined in and Ford looked like he was about to burst as much as Guthrie had.

"You get to be the donkey in the Christmas pageant," Evan grinned, liking his new-found joke.

"Huh? Why?..Never mind," Ford couldn't hold it in any longer, "My greenhouse project is going to a regional exhibition!"

"Wow!" Daniel was suitably impressed, "that's really amazing, Ford."

"I bet you'll win," Guthrie was almost as excited as Ford was, "Can we go get Adam's and Brian's gift now?"

"Too bad Crane can't be here right now to do this together with us," Evan sighed and Ford looked down.

"I'd been hoping he could come see the exhibition...but now maybe he gets to see the big one," Ford was hopeful again.

"Don't get your hopes up too much, okay," Daniel didn't want to see his younger brother hurt, "He has classes and things to do. So he may not be able to see even that one."

"I know…but I can hope, can't I?"

"That you can," Daniel admitted. "Let's get going, guys, or there won't be a Christmas present for Brian and Adam."