Present Day….

Vince had tears running down his cheeks as he finished telling the story of how he lost his mom.

"Wow… I had no idea you went through all that." Myra said. "Is… is that also why you're afraid of water?"

"Yes." Vince sniffled. "I never learned to swim, and after losing my mom, getting in the water just brings back those horrible memories. Even with Derek at school most of the time, it didn't stop me from being stuck with other problems. After Mom died, Dad changed too."

"Grief has a way of doing that." Carousella said. "Our dad felt dead inside after our mom died too."

"He probably didn't end up like mine did though."

According to Vince, a lot of bad stuff went on after his mom died, and even more that day when Derek got himself expelled from Melody Academy on charges of possession of alcohol, drugs, and feeding both those things to several unsuspecting prom attendants. After that, it fell to Vince to someday be the heir to the Hall Fortune and his father's record company. A lot of pressure was put on Vince. In other words, Mr. Hall started controlling pretty much every aspect of Vince's life. He forced him to try out for football because he'd played football as a teenager and it got him scholarships to universities and helped him get into Melody Academy. But, Vince told his father he didn't even like football. Nevertheless, Mr. Hall made him practice every day until he started high school, but that wasn't even the worst part.

Mr. Hall figured the best way to ensure Vince had a good future was to make sure he had a good marriage someday too, so he began setting him up with girls his age.

"Hold up, your dad actually tried to make a kid start dating?" Boba said.

"Didn't you and Roya start dating when you were twelve?" Gabby pointed out.

"Not helping!"

"Short answer, yes." Vince said. "My dad set me up with every rich girl he could find, or any girl in school. There was only one problem. I didn't know anything about girls, I wasn't interested in marriage, and none of those girls saw…. Well, me."

"That sounds like three problems." Remix said.

"You don't get it! Every girl my dad set me up with was just a gold digger. They don't see me as a person. They just see my dad's money, or hope I'll talk them up so he'll sign them to a record deal or something. That was why freshman year, I covered my face with a football helmet. At least one good thing came out of that. When girls couldn't see my face, they didn't know I was from a rich family. Then I could just find a girl I liked and prove to my dad I can take care of myself. And I did find a girl I liked, but I never had the courage to talk to her, and she pretty much hates my guts now. Until that day I tripped and lost my helmet, then every girl came after me."

That sounded like a lot of guys' dreams, for every girl to want him, fighting for his affection. But not Vince. Soon, every girl wanted to go on a date with him. And Mr. Hall basically had them all sign up to be Vince's potential future fiance. It was a nightmare! Vince saw only one solution after that. If these girls wanted to cling to him, he decided to see just how badly they wanted his family's money.

At first, he just started having really bad manners on dates. Burping really loudly, blowing his nose into cloth napkins at restaurants and basically acting really obnoxious. And sometimes, coming onto the girls in a way he'd seen Derek do that scared women off. He never did anything too strenuous. Just words that made them uncomfortable enough and scared them off. And to his relief, it scared all those gold diggers away. None of them were desperate enough to be with someone so clingy and annoying.

"Wait, so that's why you hit on all the girls at school?" Omega said.

"Yeah. I figured, do it just a few times, and I'd be done. But then it became a habit and hard to stop. And then there was peer pressure from the other football players to just be a jerk and such. I forced myself to ignore the results, but to be honest…. I have a real problem!"

Vince started to cry again, and this time, Marigold nuzzled him.

"Good, Vince. Good. Just let it out." Marigold said.

No one could help feeling bad for Vince especially now. None of them had ever seen him cry before, and it seemed like he had a lot of emotions that he'd been bottling up for a long time. Gabby got up and went to hug Vince. So did Lamenta. Her truth power definitely told her Vince had way too many tragedies to count, not that she needed it to see Vince was hurt.

Seeing the bruise on Vince's face, however, Gabby decided she couldn't just sit and wait any longer, so she kissed his cheek, which not only healed the bruise on his cheek, but the other wounds too.

Vince couldn't believe it when he looked under his clothes and saw the bruises disappeared. He'd heard one of the royal family members had the power to literally kiss a wound and make it better, but he thought that was just a rumor.

"How did you do that?" Vince asked.

"I've been able to do that since I was two." Gabby shrugged.

"Um… thanks for healing me."

Vince was healed physically, but emotionally, not completely.

Vince wiped his eyes again. None of the kids could believe how much Vince had been through. They each thought they had it bad, but now they felt bad not knowing the whole story in this case. Vince missed out on so much growing up, and never got to just be a kid.

"I just wonder about one other thing. Your stepmom doesn't look much older than Aunt Kara. What's that all about?" Gabby said. "And that's coming from a seven-year-old."

"Well, that would have to be because of Jacob."

"Your little brother?" Lamenta said.

"Yup. The best way I can describe it in front of little ones, my dad came home drunk, and let's just say, he and my then future stepmother had a little grownup bonding time, and then they found out she was pregnant, and then my dad had to marry her."

"Like how my parents had me?" Gabby said.

"Oh, so you know about that stuff. Pretty much. Except, your parents love each other… I guess."

"We do." Anakin said. "So, your dad married her just because he got her pregnant?"

"Allegedly." Vince said. "I've seen things no child should ever see. My dad being away most of the time, it's given Tatiana many opportunities to bring other guys home. I wouldn't be surprised if Jacob were one of theirs. I mean… Myra, you've seen him and me together. We look nothing alike."

"It's true." Myra nodded.

Vince looked mainly like his father, but with his mom's eyes. Jacob, on the other hand, looked mostly like Tatiana. Dark hair, brown eyes, fair skin. Vince didn't have any of those features.

"No matter who Jacob's real dad is, Tatiana's only used him because she just wants my dad's money. Why else would a woman her age wanna marry someone old enough to be her father? I mean, not that my dad doesn't look great for his age. But, you know what I mean."

"And the bruises?" Anakin asked.

"Derek beats me all the time, and Tatiana does that too, and scratches me with her sharp nails. I tried to fight her back once, but then she acted like the victim, and I ended up grounded. I've tried to tell him, but he just won't listen. Mom always listened to me, though."

Vince hugged himself as he thought of his mom again.

"You know what the worst thing Tatiana ever really did was? On top of selling all my mom's stuff, it's because of her that I don't have Archie anymore."

"Who's Archie?" Carmine asked.

"My dalmatian. Well, my mother's dalmatian. Mom got him when I was born, and we grew up together. I loved Archie so much. He was my best friend. But then, Tatiana came along, and when Dad said she was moving in with us, she made us get rid of Archie because she was 'allergic.'"

Vince put air quotes on "Allergic"

"And I put air quotes on that because she came up to me and said, 'Let's be clear. I don't like your stupid dog, and I don't like you either. Your father's money is going to be mine, and there's nothing you can do about it.' Word for word. It burned in my brain forever."

"She actually said all those things?" Comedia said.

"And more. But without any proof, Dad's gonna stay married to her. I won't be surprised when he gives me up for adoption too."

"Okay, Vince. I'm gonna stop you right there. Your father isn't going to give you up for adoption."

"How would you know? You don't know him."

"You're right, I don't. But, when you were missing, I saw his reaction when we were hanging up missing person posters. He was worried. He couldn't stop thinking of what could've happened to you."

"Yeah. He was desperate to find you." Myra said. "My dad sat with him for coffee, and he kept going on and on about how worried he was about you. He rushed to every place people thought you might've been just to look for you. I'd say that's a clear sign he doesn't wanna give you up for adoption."

"What about the fact that he's controlling my life? I don't even want to take over the record company. Sure, I love music, but I don't want a career in it." Vince said.

"Well, what do you want a career in?"

"This might sound silly, but… I actually wanna be an animal doctor when I grow up. Like my mom was. That was why I worked in the shelter. And, to get away from Derek and Tatiana. At least the animals listen when I talk to them."

"Animals are easier to talk to." Garrett said. "When I was younger, I would often talk to the frogs and ducks I met at a pond in a local park."

"I used to talk about all my issues with my hamster Munch." Myra said.

"And I used to talk to my stuffed rabbit Fluffy whenever I needed to rant about something." Carmine said.

"Don't you still do that now?" Anakin said.

"Shh!"

Vince couldn't help stifling a laugh at that last remark.

"Sorry, shouldn't laugh."

"In other words, working at the shelter was therapeutic for you." Garrett said. "But with people, it seems you need a little work."

"Yeah."

"Admitting you have a problem is a great first step, Vince." Marigold said. "And now you have me. I'll be your emotional support horse."

"Hmm… I did hear about horses being good E.S.A's" Vince said.

Vince reached out his hand calmly, and Marigold allowed him to pet her muzzle. But then the boy got worried.

"But what if my stepmom tries to get rid of you too?"

"Then this time you'll have help to stand up to her. Unlike most dogs you know, I can speak for myself."

Vince was getting tired at this point. Marigold looked at the time and saw it was about time for dinner. So, everyone agreed to meet again soon.

For now, Master Luminara took Vince back to her apartment, and she had an idea of her own.

"Sit." Luminara said.

Vince sat criss-cross on a mat. His guardian told him she knew of a way to help him with his emotions. A little practice common among the Jedi… and yoga doers.

"What exactly are we doing?" Vince asked.

"This is something all of us in the Temple learned to practice patience and keep our emotional states in check. Meditation."

"I thought only Jedi and yoga instructors did that."

"Meditation is not limited to those people. You can do it as well if you have the patience to learn. Now, I want you to close your eyes, sit up straight, and just listen to my voice as I guide you."

Vince was unsure of this, but he did as Luminara instructed. He copied her position and closed his eyes. Luminara guided him through sessions of breathing and focusing his mind on something relaxing.

"Good. Now, breathe in." Luminara calmly instructed, but then her eyes shot open when she heard the sound of snoring. And then she looked to see Vince hunched forward, snoring. "Vince, wake up!"

"Huh?!" Vince woke up. "I wasn't sleeping! I was just resting my eyes."

"You're not the first person to fall asleep during meditation." Luminara said. "It is probably just as well. You do need to be rested for school tomorrow."

"Do I really have to go tomorrow? After what happened today?"

"It will be fine, Vince. As long as you do your best to stay out of trouble."

Vince looked at his Cookie Monster plush. That was what started the whole fight. The only reason he carried it around was because he was worried Derek or Tatiana might destroy it or sell it, that doll being the last thing he had of his mom, other than pictures. The last thing he wanted was to lose that. For once, it felt good to not have to hide that he still treasured his monster.

"Would it be bad if I left Cookie Monster here?"

"No, of course not. Your toy will be safe here." Luminara said

"Can I go to bed now? Please?"

"Of course. Sleep well, Vince."

So, Vince did go to bed. But, he couldn't sleep. Vince looked at another picture from his childhood. Back when he was happy. He didn't think it seemed likely that he would have that same happiness he used to. But… deep down, he missed his father.

"I can't believe you actually let those CPS freaks into my house!" Tatiana complained.

"First of all, this is my house." Mr. Hall said. "Second, that inspection was mandatory. If Vince or Jacob are to come home, the police need to see that this place is safe. I already nearly lost Vince the same day I lost his mother. As a mother yourself, you should understand why I need to get him back home, and how important this is to me."

"Why do you care about that spoiled brat? He ran away from all this." Tatiana said. "Just cut your losses now. Lots of kids go through the system."

Mr. Hall looked appalled by that.

"How dare you even suggest that?! That is my son you're talking about!"

"He lives with a Jedi now. What do you care?" Derek said, downing a drink. "One of them adopted a horse. One of them will adopt him too... maybe. Nah, they won't."

"No on is adopting anyone, and I care about Vince because unlike you, your brother has a chance at a brighter future. With your drinking problem and clear mental illness, I can't believe I ever left Vince with you!" He looked at his wife again. "And you, while I was looking for my son, you only cared about shopping."

"Well, excuse me for having priorities besides a kid that isn't even mine."

Armando felt really stupid at that moment. For years, Vince had said Tatiana was a gold digger. His own parents said she was a gold digger. Ever since he married her, the signs were clear. Every birthday and holiday, she demanded designer bags, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and expensive vacations. It wasn't even just special occasions she demanded those things. Sometimes, she took Armando's credit card without his permission and did some shopping for herself on an ordinary day. Then he thought about how Vince begged him not to get rid of Archie all those years ago. If Tatiana was allergic to dogs, why didn't she go into a sneezing fit whenever Vince came home from working at the animal shelter? What else had she lied to him about?

"You know, I can't believe I didn't see it before. Maybe Vince was right about you."

Mr. Hall then made a call on his phone, and then threw a couple of suitcases by Derek and Tatiana.

"What are these?" Tatiana said.

"Your belongings. I'm kicking both of you out of this house."

"What?! You can't be serious. Baby…"

"Don't 'Baby' me! As of now, you and I are getting divorced. My attorney will be in touch very soon, and just so you know, you're getting nothing, and that includes my children."

"What about me?" Derek said.

"I'm kicking you out too, like I should've done the moment you turned eighteen." Mr. Hall said, practically throwing the suitcase into Derek's hands. "Maybe some time in the real world will teach you to have some self-control, and for once in your life get a job."

And with that, Mr. Hall kicked his son and soon to be ex-wife out.

"Honey, wait! You know how much I love-"

"My money and not me. I should've never married you just because you got pregnant. My parents, my son, they all told me you were a gold digger, but did I listen? No! Well now, for once, I'm making a smart decision. And just so you know, I've already had you removed from the accounts. So, I hope you didn't spend all your cash on makeup again. You'll receive the address to your hotel room in a text. And, it won't be a five-star. Enjoy the real world."

Mr. Hall shut the door and breathed heavily. That was probably the hardest thing he'd done in a long time. Maybe it was his anger talking, but if it was the only way to get Vince and Jacob back, he was going to do whatever it took to bring his family home.

"Dad! You don't know what you're doing!" Derek shouted from outside the window.

Mr. Hall responded by putting the blinds down. For once in his life, he knew exactly what he was doing.

Mr. Hall went to his room and opened a safe he had hidden in the closet. In it was a little box that held some special items. A wedding ring, an old veterinarian ID card, and some pictures from the day Vince was born, and his wedding day to his beautiful Lydia.

"Oh, Lydia," sighed Armando. "What have I become? You always knew how to make people feel better as well as you did animals."

Finally, Armando Hall had to admit it to himself. Nothing was the same since his second wife passed away. His first wife abandoned him and their firstborn son, his second wife died in a tragic accident, and his third wife only married him for his money, and because she was pregnant. Now, he was beginning to wonder just how much about that pregnancy was what he thought. He decided to make an appointment with his doctor, and then he was going to make things right with Vince and hopefully bring him home.

The Next Day…

The doctor ran some tests, and showed Mr. Hall the results, and he couldn't believe what he saw.

"Are you sure this is correct?"

"I'm afraid so, Mr. Hall. I'm so sorry." said the doctor.

Mr. Hall sighed. He was close to crying at the revelation he just faced. But, he knew he needed to make things right. He decided to make another call.

"Hey, it's me. Do you think we can arrange something when the kids get out of school tomorrow?"