Author's Note: I know, I know, I haven't updated since January. I could waste time apologizing, or I could get on with responding to your reviews, and, of course, the story. Longer author's note at the end.

To Those Who Reviewed:

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter 23 on July 8th,

I did not give up on this story; I just take a long time to update sometimes. And I know I left it on a cliffhanger. I am a romantic, so I love the romance, but I did sometimes feel that the show focused to much on the romance and ignored other aspects of the story that could've been made more prominent, like Zoe's relationship with the Wilkes, and Lemon's issues with her mother. Not to mention, after season one, they didn't spend a lot of time with interesting medical plots, which I thought was unfortunate. I enjoyed the romance, but I didn't like how everything else took something of a backseat. And I am exploring the romance in this story. Wade is beginning a relationship with Taylor, Zoe has a date with Jesse coming up, and George is trying to tell Lemon he loves her, but she won't let him. Plus, Zoe still has a little crush on George, and there is something between her and Wade. I am sorry if you are not enjoying the story, and feel that I have neglected the romance. There are parts of this chapter that I think are romantic, but if you disagree, feel free to review again and let me know your concerns. Maybe if you were a little more specific about what you is lacking, I could find a way to fix it, assuming that I agree with you about the problem. I appreciate you taking the time to voice your concerns. I hope you are still reading.

Thank you for reviewing. It did motivate me a little to get back to this story.

Have a nice day.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter 23 on May 4th,

I appreciate you telling me that. I do try to remain as accurate as possible.

As I have explained in previous author's notes, I screwed up a little with the ages, so they may not be completely accurate. Some of it was intentional changing as well. I believe Alice left when Lemon was fifteen or sixteen, but I wanted her to be fourteen, because I wanted to start them out younger. In some ways, that may have been a mistake, but in others, it was the right choice. Anyway, that being the case, Magnolia would be younger as well. Also, there isn't much I can really do about it at this point; Magnolia's age has sort of been established now in my story, and I cannot just age her up all of a sudden. However, I want you to know that I appreciate you letting me know. If there are things that I can improve on, in regards to accuracy, I always want to know, even if it is too late (which I'm finding it usually is.)

Thank you for reviewing.

Have a good day.

Guest Who Reviewed Chapter 23 on March 18th

Okay.

Thank you for reviewing.

Have a nice day.

Becky,

Wow's are always good (Excepting in that one episode.) I'm glad you were glad to see me back and that it brightened your day. I hope that it has the same effect this time around. I was setting some stuff up, and I do have ideas. I wouldn't say a set plan exactly. There are some things that I know I want to happen down the road, but for right now, I'm kind of just letting the story develop naturally as I write it. Of course, that means that sometimes it is a long time between updates, and I do apologize for that. I am trying to be better lately and update more of my stories, but I also have a lot of stories to update, so I don't know what is going to happen.

I really need to re-watch. I miss this show. (I have been watching Everwood though, which has some similarities. The tone is totally different though.)

Thank you. I love fleshing out characters. And one of the good things about Hart of Dixie was that it didn't just focus on Zoe. I tried to do the same.

It is so nice to know that someone loves Taylor. I love her too, but I wasn't sure how she'd be received by some of the readers, especially those who ship Zade.

In some ways she is filling that role, though they are very different, of course.

I actually didn't think of that until you mentioned it. Of course, I hadn't seen Dawson's Creek when I started this story back in 2012. I have now, and I love Andie. It was such a shame when they sent her off to Europe. I mean, I get that it was healthier for her, but she was awesome. Audrey was okay, but she never quite filled the shoes that Andie left. I think she should have stayed the whole series. I know that everybody thinks that Wade is like Pacey and Zoe is like Joey and George is like Dawson. I don't necessarily agree with that, but I can see where they are coming from. (I also know most people would probably hate me for my answer to the who Joey should have ended up with question, but, whatever. Agree to disagree, right.) This is all a long-winded way of responding to your thought that Taylor will fill the role for Wade that Andie did for Pacey. It's an interesting point that I wouldn't have thought of, and it might well turn out that way. I honestly don't know. I'm making this up as I go along (though fan-pressure does push for a Zade-ish kind of ending.)

AB and Jesse! In the library! I feel the same way. (Writers are still fans.)

You are not the first person to point out the age thing to me. I agree that some of the stuff is a little old for fourteen, but in this day and age, teenage television characters tend to act a little older sexually than they would in real life. And for the most part, I have been able to keep them age appropriate, I think. Wade is kind of an exception, but aging him down sexually was a little difficult for me, because I didn't know how to write him without the experience and reputation that makes him Wade. That's my fault, and I apologize for it. It's just such a big part of what defines his character. It is the second half of the school year though, so he could be fifteen, if a new fifteen. I try to picture him as that, because it makes it easier.

As I write this, I really you may not have been talking about sexual maturity; perhaps I just inferred that because someone expressed the concern to me in the past. If your referring to them being too young to go through the stuff they're going through, they kind of are, but life doesn't always respect that. People lose parents and experience tragedies at all different ages. I chose to make them fourteen because while I wanted them to be old enough for dating and the like, I wanted them young enough where it's really a kid losing her parents and having to go live with a father she didn't know about, as opposed to a girl who was going off to college soon. I also wanted it to not be too long after Zoe's father found out the truth, because I didn't want there to have been as much time for him to become distant and for her family to fall apart. Basically, I wanted Zoe younger and more vulnerable. I do picture her as kind of mature for her age, at least in some way, but I really wanted to deal with these losses in the brutal way that they are when you're old enough to understand what you're losing, but to young to really know how to deal with it or how to ask for help. I know I got longwinded again, and I'm sorry. I hope this answers your question. (Was it a question?) If you have any more concerns, let me know. I'm happy to explain my perspective on things.

I am glad you were excited. I hope you still are, and I apologize again for taking so long.

Thank you for reviewing.

Have a nice day

Chapter Twenty-Three

When Wade was little, he had been scared of thunderstorms. It wasn't the most embarrassing thing in the world. He had been maybe three or four. Kids are scared of everything. Still, it wasn't something he would advertise now. He couldn't help but think of it though as he made his way through the storm.

Thinking back, Wade knew his parents had helped him get over his fear. It was the logical thing. He couldn't seem to remember how though. Had his mom held him and comforted him, or had they told him to buck up and be a man … ? He wished he could remember, because he needed it now. Wade was terrified. He wasn't a kid anymore, but he was terrified during a thunderstorm. It wasn't for himself though. He just kept thinking about his dad. Earl was sure to get himself into a scrape. Wade may have emptied the house of alcohol, but Earl would find a way. He was sure to.

In his mind, Wade knew his clothes were sogging and soaked, heavily clinging to him. He knew he was freezing. He didn't really feel it though. He couldn't see through the rain, but he knew this town like the back of his hand. And he was just running, ignoring his heavy wet clothes and his distorted vision. He heard his feet squish in the mud, and saw the lightning from the corner of his eye. He knew he had to hurry, for his dad's sake, and his own.

"I can't believe you two just let Wade run out like that!"

Zoe and George looked at each other, both their eyes wide. Zoe could tell they were thinking the same thing. Neither of them could have stopped him, and they knew that, but at the same time, how could they have? It was insane, and Lemon was one hundred percent right. They both knew it. There was just nothing either of them could do.

"He could get seriously hurt. You're supposed to be his friends!"

"We are his friends." Zoe said, "That's why we had to-"

"Let him get himself killed?"

"He's not going to die." George said.

Lemon turned on him, fuming, "Well, look who suddenly knows the future."

"Okay, we all need to just calm down."

"Oh, go calm yourself. This is -" Lemon was cut off by a clap of thunder that startled the three teens.

"Are we even safe here?" Zoe asked.

Lemon nodded, "This house is solid. But out there … Wade won't be okay. There's no way - "

"You're wrong. He'll be okay." Zoe said, trying to sound like she believed it, "He … he has to be." An image came inter her mind, unbidden. Wade, unconscious, lifeless on a road somewhere. She thought of her parents. It had been storming that night too. Zoe felt like something was breaking inside her. I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry. She repeated it over and over in her head.

"Zoe." She heard someone say. And there was buzzing. Again with the buzzing. She couldn't take the buzzing. Not again. Maybe if she went after Wade, the buzzing would stop. She bolted for the door, and collided with George. He had seen what she was going to do and had run to block her. She tried to move around him, but he grabbed her by the arms and held her in place. She tried to kick at him, but he stood firm. She felt her knees buckle as her head started to fall forward. Then everything went black.

"…Yes, good man! thought Emma - but what has all that to do with taking likenesses? You know nothing of drawing. Don't pretend to be in raptures about mine. Keep your raptures for Harriet's face."

"How much longer can this storm go?" Carrie Swaine asked, rolling her eyes.

Annabeth looked up from her book. She turned her eyes on Carrie, as did Jesse. "Why, you got somewhere to be, Carrie?" She asked, as politely as she could.

"As a matter of fact, I did, but as he's probably at home waitin' out the storm, all I can do is sit here, wishin' I was with 'im."

"All right, well if you don't mind." Annabeth said, taking to the book in her hands to continue.

"As a matter of fact, I do mind. We've been sittin' here what feels like forever, listenin' to you drone on in a fake accent usin' words that nobody understands. You may like those books, Annabeth, but nobody else does, so do us all a favor and shut up!"

Before Annabeth could come up with a response, Jesse spoke up, "Actually Carrie, I like those books. In fact, I was quite enjoyin' Annabeth's readin'. I'm guessin' Ms. Pitch does too," he paused, and Ms. Pitch nodded her confirmation, "And since it's just the four of us down here, that's a three against one ratio meanin' you lose."

Carrie let out a puff of air and rolled her eyes, "Fine. Whatever. I'll see if I can fall asleep to it." With the speed that implied a lot of practice, Carrie took off her shirt so she was in just her bra.

"Carrie!" Ms. Pitch said, scandalized.

"What? I'm just makin' a pillow. And this ain't a bra; it's a bikini top. I was plannin' on goin' swimmin' when I finished up here." She folded her top on the floor and laid her head on it, closing her eyes.

"Um, should I go on with my readin'?" Annabeth asked.

Jesse reluctantly tore his eyes away from Carrie's chest and turned back around to face Annabeth.

"Please do dear." Ms. Pitch said. Jesse nodded encouragingly, and Annabeth continued reading. He was having a good time. They had relocated to the lower level of the library, and Ms. Pitch had suggested that they all pick books to read, because it was going to be a long night. Annabeth, of course, had picked out a Jane Austen book, and when Jesse asked for a recommendation, she showed him what she was reading. He had tried reading over her shoulder, but it had been a little awkward. He was going to look for another copy, but Annabeth said she could always read it to him if he liked, joking that she did a great English accent. Ms. Pitch had heard and had pulled up a chair, ushering Carrie over as well. Carrie had come because she didn't know what she was getting into and she didn't want to get fired. Then Annabeth had started reading, and Jesse had found himself whisked away to another world. It was true, Annabeth did do a good English accent, and of course, he enjoyed the writing. It was a little harder to follow when he couldn't re-read parts that confused him, but Annabeth dramatized the thing pretty well. Jesse wasn't sure there'd ever been a better storm.

Wade wasn't sure how he did it. All he could do was thank god that Bluebell was so small, even if it had felt incredibly large to him the past few hours. Somehow, he had made it. He could see his house, and getting a second wind, he sped up to his front door.

"Dad!" he yelled, banging on the door. "Dad, open up! It's me!"

He heard the door being pulled open.

"Dad-" He started. It wasn't his dad opening the door for him. It was Taylor.

"Why are you bangin' on your own door? Don't you have a key?"

"I -" he did have a key; he had just been so frantic that he hadn't remembered. Now he felt like an idiot.

"You should come in," Taylor said, grabbing his hand, "It's not safe out there."

She gave his hand a gentle tug, and he followed her into his house. Then she closed the door firmly behind her.

Wade took the place in, trying to picture how she was seeing it and if she was judging it … and him. The power was out due to the storm, which made it harder to see what a mess the place truly was. That was good.

"You're dad's asleep on the couch." Taylor said.

Wade started. In his shock at seeing Taylor at his house, he had nearly forgotten the whole reason he had run here in the storm like a madman. Now, he rushed over to the couch. His dad looked fine. Normal even. He was sleeping peacefully. He could have been the Earl Kinsella of years gone by, as opposed to the one Wade feared would be a permanent fixture in his life.

"I've been checkin' on him, and he seems okay." Taylor said, taking a seat on the floor next to Wade, "His pulse and breathin' are normal at any rate."

"Is everyone I know a future doctor?" Wade muttered.

Taylor chuckled, "I'm not that, but I know first aid. I took a course before I started volunteerin' at the hospital in Mobile. You should come with me sometime. It's really rewardin'."

Wade gave her a weak smile.

"What are you doin' here?" He asked. He could hear how mystified he sounded, but he couldn't help it. It was so strange.

"I came by to talk to you. Normally I would've left when nobody answered, but the storm started, and was getting' bad fast, so I tried to the door, and it was unlocked. I didn't mean to lock you out, but I didn't want the wind to blow it off the hinges, and I figured if you weren't here, you'd be stayin' wherever you were until the storm lightened."

Wade nodded, "I know you probably think I'm a crazy person, comin' here, but my dad … I was worried about him."

"I understand," she said, "I know about you're dad, Wade."

Wade's headshot up, "What? How?"

"Jesse told me." She said. Wade let out a sigh of relief. "I wish you would have told me. This week must have been so hard for you."

Wade shrugged, "S'been okay."

They were quiet for a minute.

"Well, it's impressive that you found a way to get here in this storm. I wish I was brave enough to go out there. My mom's probably worried sick." She looked down at the floor, and Wade felt a tug in his heart. He reached out and brushed her face. She smiled at him, "Sorry. It's just, things with my mom are … complicated. It can be hard to deal with sometimes."

Wade nodded, "Parents are a handful." He was worried she would ask a follow-up question. Thankfully, she didn't.

"You think she'll be okay? I mean, should we call your dad-"

"He can't get here in the storm. Besides, she just fainted. It happens. We've made her nice and comfortable on the couch. That's the best we can do for her."

George nodded, "You're probably right."

Lemon shook her head, "All things considered, it would've probably been better if ya'll never came over."

George nodded, "Probably."

"Hey." Lemon said, slapping him on the arm.

"What? I was agreeing with you."

"You're supposed to say it was worth it to see me."

George grinned, "If I'd said that, you'd've called me a bad friend for not carin' about Zoe. But, for the record, it's always worth it to see you."

Lemon slapped him again, and he laughed.

"I'll go get her a bottle of water from the kitchen for when she wakes up."

George took a seat by Zoe. He did feel like he should be doing something, but he was no doctor. Mostly he was just relieved that Zoe hadn't hurt herself when she fainted.

"George?" Zoe croaked out, looking up at him.

He smiled down at her and put his hand on her shoulder, "Hey."

"What happened?"

"You fainted." Zoe winced, "It's okay. You were probably just worried about-"

"I've never fainted." Zoe said.

"What?"

"I've never fainted. I never faint. I'm not some girly, weak … I don't faint."

"Hey, nobody's sayin' you're weak or anythin' like that, all right. This is your first country storm, and you're worried about a friend."

Zoe gave him a weak smile and met his eyes, "You're a really good guy George."

He smiled back at her.

"Here we go. Straight from the tap." Lemon said, as she made her way back.

"She's up." George said, turning to face Lemon.

"That's good. Here, drink up."

Zoe took the water and took small sips. Lemon took a seat at the end of the couch. Luckily, Zoe was on the shorter side, giving Lemon a decent amount of room.

"I just wish there was some way to know that Wade was okay." Zoe said, George and Lemon exchanged a look, "Don't worry. I'm not going to try and bolt again. I've learned my lesson." She took another sip of water, "Still though."

"Wade's smart, and resourceful. He can handle himself in a storm." Lemon said, "It … wasn't smart of him to go rushin' out like that, but if anyone could make it from here to the Kinsella's in one piece, it would be Wade."

"How long is he supposed to sleep for, do you think?" Taylor asked, glancing at Mr. Kinsella.

"He'll be fine. Less trouble that way, that's for sure." Wade waited for her to ask a question, but she didn't. He couldn't help but feel relieved. "Look, you've been … you've always been, really nice to me. And … I was a jerk to you earlier."

"You were worried about your father. I understand."

Wade shook his head, "The thing is, Taylor, bein' a jerk, it's like a, like a reflex for me. It just comes natural. It's how I treat people."

Taylor shook her head, "I don't believe that. A jerk would'nt've braved the storm to make sure their dad was okay."

Wade shook his head, "You don't get it. You're just … just so nice, which is great. But it's why you can't see that I really am a jerk. I'm worse than a jerk. I'm an ass. And I'm not gonna stop bein' an ass to you. You'd be smarter to just get out now."

"Wade-"

"I'm serious. You and I … I'm not some Prince Charmin'. This isn't some fairytale. We don't get … we don't get that. You won't get that with me. You'll just get an ass. And you deserve better."

Taylor sighed, "Wade, let me tell you a story. It's about a girl from New York, who had big dreams of bein' a country music star."

"A country music star from New York? That's like, I don't know, that dumb stuff they call Christian Rock."

"Please don't interrupt." Wade sighed, but nodded, "Now, this girl, she grew up on country music, and she loved it. She had a powerful song in her heart, and she wanted to share it with the world. She didn't know how to get started in the music industry, so she begged her parents to help her out. They didn't have a clue either. She asked around town, tryin' to find somethin' to get her started. Finally, she heard about this karaoke competition at a local bar. She went to her parents, and they agreed to take her. She wouldn't be able to get in otherwise, 'cause she was only sixteen.

So she went to this bar with her parents, and they went off to get drinks, and she signed herself up to sing." Taylor stopped.

After a minute of so, Wade asked, "and then what?"

"And then nothin', or at least, nothin' she could remember well. She's pretty sure she sang, at some point, though she's not sure if she was on stage or not. She's also pretty sure she screamed, and cried, and yelled for her parents who were busy gettin' wasted. The one thing she knows she remembers was a man, an older face, the feel of a mustache. She remembers wakin' up in a backroom at the bar, not really knowin' how she got there. She came home, and found that her parents were home and fine, if a little hung-over. They had assumed she was asleep in her bed, and she didn't tell them what happened. She didn't tell them a few months later either, when she realized she was pregnant. She didn't tell them when they kicked her out with nothin' but a few hundred dollars. And her father, he was an ass. And the man that she met in the bar, he was something beyond that. So I do know what an ass is Wade. My parents have told me stories my whole life, and I know what an ass is. And I know that you are not one."

Wade felt like he'd been knocked over by something, "You're … you're parents told you that story? Why would -?"

"I wanted to know about my father … my real father."

"So, the man that your ma's married to -?"

"She met him on her way into Bluebell. He offered her a lift into town, but she refused to take it. She didn't trust him. He drove alongside her all the way to the welcome sign. She didn't have anywhere to stay, but lied and said she did, takin' up residence in the library basement most nights. Eventually, he figured out she didn't have a place to stay. It took a while to get her to trust him, but she gave in and came to stay with him. They fell in love. Got married. Classic story."

"Hardly."

"But it is Wade. I'm not a girl who believes in fairytales; I never have been. I've seen what life does to people. You think my mother was ever the same after that night? She wasn't. She's fragile. She has to take pills just to be halfway sane. But she's also a loving mother, and wife. I'm not some dumb girl who doesn't see how cruel the world can be. It's exactly the fact that I can see it is why I work so hard to make it better. Because I see the other parts. The bright spots." Taylor grabbed his hand, "Spendin' time with you, it's been a bright spot. And when I look at you, I don't see some jerk, I see a sweet guy, who is maybe a little scared of screwin' up because life's like that. But you have to look for the bright spots Wade. I've learned to. Let me … let me teach you. "

"Sorry I couldn't take over." Jesse said, as Annabeth sipped from the cup of water Ms. Pitch had gotten for her.

"That's okay. Not everybody's into performing."

"It's not that. I just can't do the accent."

Annabeth laughed. The truth is, when Annabeth's voice had started to fail her, Jesse had tried to take over. It had mostly been at the prompting of Ms. Pitch, but he had still made the effort. But he had sounded so robotic compared to Annabeth, and when he tried to sound British … well, that had just been sad.

Annabeth had had paper cup after paper cup of water, and her throat seemed to be feeling better, or so she said. Still, it was decided that they had heard enough of the book for now. Carrie probably would have been ecstatic if she weren't in the corner snoring.

"I've always loved it, performing and everything. Lemon and I used to put on plays all the time."

Jesse nodded, "I remember her in some of the Christmas pageants."

Annabeth nodded, "Yeah, we used to do those too."

"I wondered why I never noticed you?"

Annabeth reddened a little, "Well, I usually had a smaller role. Lemon was more of the lead." Jesse shot her a sympathetic look, "Oh, I didn't mind playin' back-up. Honestly. It was fun. I just liked to act."

"Well, maybe this year-"

"Oh, I don't think I could do it this year."

"Why not?"

Annabeth shook her head, "It's complicated." Jesse wasn't really sure what to say to that. He knew there was something he was missing, but he wasn't sure that he knew Annabeth well enough to pry. "So, where are you plannin' on goin' to school in the fall?" Annabeth asked. She was suddenly very chipper, and Jesse honestly couldn't tell whether it was fake or not.

"Uh, I've applied to a few places. I'm still waitin' to hear back."

"Well, where've you applied?"

"Some schools in California, some places in Boston, a couple in New York." Annabeth nodded, "Truth is, I don't really know what I want to study yet. I just want to get out of Bluebell, ya know, spread my wings a little."

Annabeth nodded, "I guess I get that, though I think I'd be scared to live anywhere but here. I mean, I can't really imagine it."

Jesse laughed, "Please, a reader like you, you could imagine anything. You're probably goin' to end up at some school in England, studyin' English or theater."

Annabeth smiled, "Well, actually, I kind of have to go to Auburn. I mean, I'm a legacy, so …"

"That sucks."

"I'm cool with it. You know, I've always been pretty happy to live the life my parents laid out for me."

"But what about the life you want?"

"I don't know what I want. I mean, I know I want to be a belle, and a wife, and a mother -"

"That's all you want from life?"

Annabeth looked mildly offended, and Jesse silently cursed himself, "That's a lot. It may not be the most glamorous or lucrative thing in the world, but a lot can be said for a mom who stays home and looks after her kids."

Jesse was quite for a moment. "I'm sorry," he said, "You're right. My mom was awesome. She was always everywhere, ya know? Like, I would be doin' somethin' stupid on one side of where we were, and Wade was doin' somethin' stupid all the way on the other side, and she'd find a way to stop us both, or catch us both. She did whatever needed doin'. It was pretty cool."

Annabeth nodded, "You must miss her a lot. I can't imagine what I would do if I lost my mom."

"It was hard at first. But things have settled down. I focused on school, ya know. I think that got me through. And it was right, 'cause that's what she would've wanted. She always wanted better for us."

Annabeth raised her paper cup, "Well, here's to better."

"They didn't want to turn back, so they just kept walkin'. And walkin'. And walkin'-"

"We get it, they're walking. What happened next?" Zoe asked impatiently.

George chuckled, "Well, the littlest one saw a light off in the distance. Looked to him like headlights. He pointed it out to the others, and they all started jumpin' up an' down, as this rusty old car came drivin' towards them. They figured they could hitch a ride, an' call the police of somethin'. Except the car didn't seem to be stoppin', an' when Annie got a closer look, she'd sworn that nobody was actually drivin' it. But it kept comin'-"

There was a wail behind them. Both Lemon and Zoe jumped, making George chuckle. "Well, I guess someone doesn't like my story." He said, glancing at Magnolia.

Lemon walked over to the crib that held her crying sister.

Zoe had stayed on the couch since her little fainting spell, so Lemon had placed Magnolia in the crib in the living room. It was best if they all stayed together.

"You look a little shaken." George said, putting his hand on Zoe's arm. "You okay?"

Zoe nodded.

"She needs changin'." Lemon said, after examining her sister.

"I got her." George said, getting up.

"You're volunteering to change a baby?" Zoe asked.

"I've done it before." George said, taking Magnolia into the other room to get her squared away. Lemon and Zoe watched him go. Both of their eyes had adjusted to the power-out by now, and they could both see George and Magnolia pretty well until he closed the bathroom door.

"He's really something." Zoe said. She hadn't really meant to say it out loud, but Lemon didn't seem bothered.

"Isn't he just?" Lemon asked with a sigh, "Sorry if his story shook you up. George's always been able to spin a good yarn. It's part of what'll make him such a good lawyer." Zoe smiled, "One time, when we were campin', he told this story about a man with a rake for a hand. Then, when we were all asleep, Wade went and grabbed a rake, got his shadow to shine on the tent, scared us out of our skins."

"That sounds like Wade."

"Well, I got him back of course. Started this rumor that I had a crush on him, and I was gonna try an' kiss him later that day. He was terrified the whole day, avoidin' me an' the like. Then, I cornered him by the lake, got up real close, and pushed him in."

Zoe laughed, "I hope he's okay."

"He'll be fine. I shouldn't have freaked out on all ya'll before. That boy was born lucky."

"Well, I wouldn't say lucky. I mean, he did lose his mom to cancer."

"You heard about that?"

"Yeah. He told me."

"He told you?" Lemon asked, sitting up straight, "I didn't think he talked about his ma with anyone. They were pretty close."

"That's the impression I got."

"Well, it's good that he can talk to you. I think we all need that sometimes … even Wade."

"Maybe. But sometimes, people are happier not talking about things. I know I wouldn't want to dwell on something like that, and have everybody feel sorry for me."

"Oh, agreed. It is nice though, to have someone."

"Lemon, is there … is there something you want to talk about?"

"All set." George said, bringing Magnolia back out. Lemon ran over, gave George a peck on the lips, and grabbed her sister.

George headed back over to Zoe and they both watched Lemon rock Magnolia, shushing her. "She's gonna make a great mother someday."

"You really love her, don't you?"

George turned to Zoe, surprised, "What makes you say, I mean … Lemon and I haven't said -"

"It's okay. I won't say anything. I can see it though, in the way you look at her. You're both very lucky."

"Well, someday, someone might look at you that way. Maybe someone with the last name Kinsella."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Jesse and I have only had one date."

"Right. Jesse." Zoe raised her eyebrow at George, but he didn't say anything else. He just smiled at her, before turning back to watch Lemon.

Jesse made his way back into the house. It was pretty early in the morning, but Ms. Pitch apparently rose with the cows, and now that the danger had passed, she was set on getting everybody home.

He had bid goodbye to Annabeth, and Carrie, who had given him her number. He couldn't say he wasn't tempted. She looked pretty good in her bikini top. But he was set on dating Zoe for now. Carrie was more Wade's type anyway.

The door was actually locked for once, but Jesse had a key. The place looked like a mess, but it kind of always did, so there probably wasn't any real damage. His dad was asleep on the couch, and Wade and Taylor were asleep in front of the couch.

"Well, isn't this adorable." Wade and Taylor started to stir, "Cutest sight I ever saw. Guess the storm worked out well for you, huh Wade?"

Wade opened his eyes. He looked down to see that his arm had been around Taylor, and she had been kind of curled into his side.

"Well, I should probably leave you lovebirds be."

"That'd be nice." Wade said.

"Let you enjoy this nice little cuddle you're in."

"Shut up." Wade said, looking for something to throw at his brother.

Taylor got up and stretched, "Hi Jesse. You fair okay durin' the storm?"

"Yeah, I was stuck in the …" he caught himself before he said library. Right now he had a prime teasing opportunity, and he would not give Wade the chance to turn the tables, "some old building."

"That's good. We kept a good eye on your dad."

"And cuddled, apparently." Wade threw something at Jesse's head, but Jesse tucked. "Wade, if you get this embarrassed now, what will you do when dad wakes up?"

Wade rolled his eyes, standing up too, "You want me to walk you back to your place?"

Taylor shook her head, "That's okay, but thanks."

"What, afraid to be seen with me?" Wade teased.

"Just not ready to spring the whole boyfriend thing on my mom just yet."

"Boyfriend?"

"Okay, this is the part where you two make me throw up." Jesse said, heading for his room, "Nice seein' you Taylor." He called over his shoulder.

"You too." She called after him. Then she turned back to Wade. "Was the boyfriend thing not okay?"

"I don't know. I guess I just didn't … it's okay."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Great." She leaned up and kissed him, "Hate to kiss and run, but my mom's sure to be worried enough as it is. I'll call you, okay."

Wade nodded. Once Taylor was gone, Jesse came back out of his room, "So, you got a girlfriend. My little brother is growin' up so fast. I think I might cry."

"I got heavier things to throw at you, ya know?"

Zoe woke up to someone practically picking her up and hugging her tightly to them.

"I'm so glad you're al right." She heard Harley say. A little to her left, she heard something similar pass between Lemon and Dr. Breeland.

After a minute of so, Zoe started to squirm. Harley finally let her go.

"We're so sorry for leavin' you kids durin' a storm." Dr. Breeland said.

"It's cool. We were here." George said, eyeing his dad. Zoe guessed he had been with them when they came in, but as far as she could tell, he hadn't taken George in a big hug the way Harley and Dr. Breeland had with her and Lemon. "No damage done."

Zoe and Lemon nodded as Dr. Breeland rushed over to Magnolia's crib.

"She's fine daddy. Honestly, she was probably safer with me than if it had been just you."

"Well," Mr. Tucker said, after clearing his throat, "Everyone is gatherin' in the town square for a big clean-up. George?"

"Yeah." George said. He gave Lemon a peck on the cheek and followed his father out.

"Should we go?" Zoe asked.

Harley nodded, "Dr. Breeland and I need to be around in case anyone was hurt. I'll walk you down."

"We'll meet you there." Dr. Breeland said, as he lifted his young daughter and counted her fingers and toes.

Harley and Zoe headed into town together. "I'm sorry if that was too much," Harley said, "I was just … so worried. I don't think I've ever felt like that. I mean, I've always thought I loved my patients like they were my own children, but when I thought about you bein' hurt in the storm-"

Zoe put her hand on his arm, stopping him, "It's okay. It was … nice, that you were worried about me."

"Yeah?"

Zoe nodded, "And, for what it's worth, I'm glad that you're okay too."

By the time Earl woke up, Jesse had gone to help with the clean up. Wade was still kind of flying from his new boyfriend status, and a little terrified by it too.

"What happened? Looks like a storm blew through."

"Strom blew through all of Bluebell, pop. But, uh, as for this place, it's just messy 'cause, well, isn't it always." Earl nodded, "But, if you think it could do with some cleanin', we could always do that."

Earl shook his head, "Not quite up for that son. Hey, hand me a brew, will ya?"

Wade shook his head, "I cleared out the house. And you're takin' medicine for your head. You can't be drinkin'."

"It's my body. I can do what I want to with it."

"Dad, this's gotta stop, okay. I mean, I'm coverin' for you at your job, an' workin' at The Butterstick and … and I got a girlfriend now. I can't just … you can't just … you gotta-"

"You got a girlfriend, huh?"

Wade put his hand to his forehead, "Dad, please, listen to me. You hurt yourself. And if you keep goin' at this rate, you're gonna keep doin' it. And I can't take care of you forever. You've gotta quit it with all the drinkin'. I'm serious."

"Oh, I don't drink so much -"

"Dad?"

"And anyway, it's medicinal. Helps me keep goin'. If I didn't drink, I'd be goin' off somewhere, tryin' to off myself. You wouldn't want that would ya. Now, help your old man out to the car so he can buy himself somethin' to dull the ache, huh?"

Wade sighed. Maybe his dad would never listen. But he would be damned if he was going to help him get to the liquor store.

"I need the car. Gotta pick up your prescription."

"Don't need no prescription. Just a good shot of somethin'."

"Dad-"

"That's right. Dad. I'm the dad. That's what I am. Means I make the rules. Now give me the damn keys."

Wade shook his head, "I'll see you when I get back pop, and for the love of god, don't go hurtin' yourself again."

Wade was out the door before his dad could stop him. He counted to ten to see if his dad would follow, but he didn't. When he looked through the window, he saw his dad slumped back on the couch. Letting out a sigh of relief, he got in the car and headed into town.

Zoe had worked alongside the other townspeople, picking up debris, for over an hour. It wasn't really her thing, getting all sweaty with the manual labor, but she had to admit, there was something about it. It felt good to be a part of something. Harley and Dr. Breeland had gone off to help people who were hurt in the storm, and though Zoe had wanted to help with that, she was okay helping in the square. That didn't mean she didn't jump at the chance to make a coffee run. She was on her way to the Butterstick when she saw Wade's car. Her heart clenched as she watched him get out. He looked the same. Well, he had changed his clothes, but other than that, he looked the same. Nothing was broken. He didn't even look bruised.

Without even thinking about it, Zoe ran, hurling herself at him. She heard him make a little "oomph" sound as she made contact, wrapping her arms around him.

"Hey there." He said. She squeezed him as hard as she could, making sure he was real. "Uh, Zoe?"

She stepped back from him. And then started hitting him and slapping at his arms and chest.

"Whoa. Hey. What the-?"

"Jerk," Slap, "Running off like that," Slap, "Not letting us know you were okay."

Wade caught her wrists, "Hey, slow down, okay. You know I didn't have a choice."

"Well, you could've let us know after. The storm's been over for hours."

"I fell asleep, and then I was with my dad-"

"You should've found a way. You could've been seriously hurt. Dying. We were all scared for you."

"I'm sorry." Zoe looked at him skeptically, "I am. Really. I didn't want to worry you, or Lemon, or Tucker. But you of all people know why I had to go."

Zoe nodded, "Yeah, I just … I'm glad you didn't die."

Wade laughed, "Well hey, back at'cha."

Zoe slapped him again, but this time it wasn't as hard, "So why aren't you with your dad now."

"Pickin' up his meds. And makin' sure he can't get any farther than his legs can carry him, which I don't think is far. I do worry about leavin' him alone too long though."

"Well, I mean, you do that when you're at school, or working."

"Yeah, but that was before he hurt himself. I gotta keep a closer eye, ya know."

Zoe nodded, "I guess I'll see you at school."

Wade nodded, waving at her before heading off and turning the corner. Zoe thought about his situation, and she couldn't help but wonder if things wouldn't be better if he told someone about his dad. He couldn't handle it all on his own. But he was stubborn, probably would never tell, and she promised she wouldn't either. That being the case, there wasn't really anything she could do. It did feel like it would all blow up eventually, though. All Zoe could do was hope that they all came out of that storm as unscathed as they had this one.

Author's Note: I know, I could have made some big disaster happen, or someone get hurt, but I decided to go a little lighter for this chapter. Obviously, there was some concern for Wade, and for Earl, but mostly, this chapter was a little less heavy, and I think I'm okay with that decision on my part. If you think it should have been more drama heavy, feel free to let me know.

I know it feels like Zoe kind of lost her thunder after she passed out. I think she just sort of realized it was for the best. She knows she freaked out because of all the loss she's had, but she also knows she couldn't really help Wade, and in the end, it just didn't make sense for her to go after her.

The book Annabeth was reading was Emma by Jane Austen.

I wasn't sure about who to have in the library with them. In the end, a librarian, and Carrie Swain, who also works there after school, seemed like the right choice. If you disagree, let me know.

Speaking of girls who were with Wade, does anybody want to see Lily Ann again in future chapters, or was her cameo a few chapters back enough? Just curious.

I apologize if the scary story did not sound scary. Horror is not my thing.

We finally know Taylor's story, or most of it anyway. Thoughts? I considered spacing it out for a reveal later, but this seemed like the right time.

I hope you guys like this chapter, and I'll try to update sooner. Please review. It means a lot when you do.