Author's Note: I'm going to start putting the author's note after the chapter. It just seems like I can say stuff without worrying about if I'm giving away the chapter. So, yeah. Thank you.

Sonic and anyone related belongs to me. Chelsea and everyone else belongs to me.

Chapter 16: Skippdy Doo, What to do

They looked everywhere.

And when I say they looked everywhere…. I really don't mean everywhere.

But where would a hedgehog, who's only been truly out of the house once, go? Well, that's the same question the three in the car were trying to figure out. Yes, the three were in the car. At this point Chelsea could care less whether or not someone saw them and neither did the other hedgehogs. They would gladly do flips in the middle of the street if it meant getting a piece of their family back. Because without Shadow,

Are they really a whole?

Sonic kept his face plastered to the window. His hands were sweaty against the glass making marks. His green irises moved back and forth as they desperately searched for the slightest hints of crimson stripes and ebony fur. They had been doing this for hours. Ever since last night Sonic, Silver and Chelsea have been searching for Shadow. Of course, she dropped them off to let them sleep but, she had gone ahead and searched for the ebony hedgehog for the rest of the night. When she came back half of the morning was gone and she went straight back out with the other hedgehogs.

The azure hedgehog backed away from the glass and sighed heavily. The speed of which they were going wasn't going to help them find anything. If they wanted to search, correctly for Shadow it would help if they covered more ground. "Mom?"

Chelsea almost stopped in the middle of the road causing Sonic and Silver to jerk forward. She slowed down tremendously and shouted, "Did you find him!?"

Sonic shook his head quickly and averted his eyes. He felt the car shift back into its normal speed. The reason he looked away was because whenever someone said something Chelsea would automatically assume someone had found Shadow, as would any other mother. But, it always came out as no and her eyes would just dull out. They would sometimes look even dead and Sonic already saw this once.

He didn't feel like seeing it again.

"I-I'm sorry mom-"

"It's alright sweetie. There's no need to apologize. What did you need?" she croaked. Her voice was scratchy and raspy. It sounded well like someone who just woke up except, she hasn't slept in 24 hours.

"I was wondering," he mumbled, "maybe I should run. It'll help cover more ground and we may be able to find Shadow faster."

Silence.

Silence was all that he had gotten. The only sound that they really only heard was the sound of honking horns and the tires running on the hardened tar. Sonic peered over to Silver who in return looked at him worriedly. The azure hedgehog's eyebrows rose in question and the other only shook his head and shrugged. "Can you say something?" he whispered.

Silver widened his eyes and answered harshly whispering, "Are you crazy!? I'm not going to ask. If she didn't answer it's probably her way of saying no."

"Will you just ask!"

"No! I don't want to."

"Fine. Keep us from finding Shadow then," Sonic shut his eyes and crossed his arms, "That's fine by me. It's all on you."

The metallic colored furry silently gasped and then fumed, "Oh, that's cold. You can't pin that on me!"

Sonic smirked, teasingly, and tilted his head to each side with every word, "I believe I just did."

"Why you-"

They both stopped and looked towards the front window shield when the car suddenly stopped. Sonic looked towards Silver and who, again, only shrugged. Why were they at a park? They've been to one during their search but they've never taking the time to actually observe the area. The two hedgehogs looked around at the park which was decorated with swings, slides and many other things someone would find at one. It wasn't a particularly a large one but, it was decent sized. The sound of a car door opening diverted their eyes from the scenery and to their mother, who got out of the car.

"Where are you going mom?" Silver asked a bit confused.

Chelsea smiled, tiredly, but, looked towards the lake off to the side. She started to walk towards it and said, "We're going to sit on that bench for a little while."

Silver nodded and said, "Oh," he looked towards Sonic, "She said we're just going to sit on the bench over there and-wait!" Golden orbs widened when the silver hedgehog realized the contents of the sentence. He reached over for the car door and opened it but he didn't get out. "Wait mom!"

Chelsea, who was halfway to the blue bench stopped. She looked towards the white car and cocked a head to the side. "What is it, honey?"

He looked towards the ground hesitantly and then towards his mother. "You mean, you want us to come with you?"

"Yes," she bluntly said and waved them over. "Come on now. We don't have all day."

Hurriedly, the two brothers exited the car and speedily walked towards the bench Chelsea walked towards. The three got to the blue bench soon after. It was apparent it was a bit old but not old as if it were ready to break if a feather landed on it. It was a nice simple bench that swung. Its chains connected to a long blue pole that sat, sturdy, in the ground.

The three beings sat on the bench in silence. In front of them was a small lake filled with fish and ducks. There were even little turtles poking their heads out of the water once in awhile. Grass blades swayed back and forth as the wind blew calmly.

Sonic and Silver observed the scenery with awe. Everything was just beautiful. There wasn't much here but it was enough to get them woah-ing every five seconds. It was so breathtaking how nature could create such beauty on its own. It was almost magical.

Chelsea exhaled heavily as she closed her eyes and leaned back. If only you could see. Sure, she seemed peaceful right now but, every living fiber in her body was screaming at her. How could she sit down when she should be looking for her child? One of her children just ran away and she wants to take the time to relax. It's only obvious she should be nominated for the best mother of the year award. But, as awful as it may sound, she really did need to relax. How would she be able to find one of the most precious things in her life if she could barely think straight? As hard as it was, Chelsea needed to rest. At least for an hour. The brain can't function if it doesn't have time to rest.

She was only human ya'know.

The young woman opened her ears. Yes, she opened ears. She listened for the calming sounds of the breeze. She heard the little chirps the tiny birds made. She noted the bucolic waters of the lake, gently lapping over each other. She breathed in the soft and light air that surrounded them. It was really a beauty.

"Mom?"

The young voice snapped her back from her deep meditation. She revealed her chocolate eyes and looked to her right to set her gaze towards the blue teenager. She sat up and said softly, "Just to think and relax. We haven't gotten much of it so I thought if we just sit here for a little bit we'll be a little bit more rested."

Sonic nodded and faced forward and the three plunged into silence again. Well, until the same hedgehog said something again.

"Oh, I just remembered, so about my question earlier. Is it alright with you if I search by running? I promise I won't let anyone see me. I'll run so fast all they'll think a storm is coming," Sonic exclaimed. The thought of running up to speeds unknown spiked his adrenaline.

Chelsea chuckled at the hedgehog's giddiness. "Well honey," she patted his head and ruffled his quills, "at least, try not to scare the people." She winced suddenly but hid it. She forgot quills were sharp.

Emerald orbs widened. "So does that mean…" he trailed off.

The young mother's nod was all she needed for him to get up and run off. Chelsea stood up and called out, "Be careful Sonic!" Three second later she heard a faint, "I will." She smiled and sat back down. She closed her eyes once more and Silver put his head on her lap. She gently massaged his quills carefully, as to not get poked again.

"I really do hope we find him," Silver stated.

"I know me too. I'm terrified. He's out there, all alone. I don't know if he's hurt or sick or if there's anything life threatening happening to him. I can't call anyone else to help and even if I did they wouldn't believe me. I'm so worried about him and it's all my fault we're even in this mess."

"No it's not."

"Yes it is. I should've been more patient with him, no matter what. I shouldn't have blown up. And it was his birthday of all days too!" Chelsea sighed heavily. She looked down at the silver hedgehog whom, also, gave her a stern but worried look. She chuckled sadly and whispered, "I just hope the Lord will forgive me."

Right there Silver took in her face. It was obvious, even to a blind person, that she hadn't gotten a lot of sleep. Her eyelids were lazily, half-covering, red tinted eyes. She had dark circles under them and bags that even had bags. Her hair was in a frizzy bun and the pieces un-tucked were pointing in every direction. Her face looked lighter than the rest of her body, and he knew she hadn't eaten in awhile.

Silver casted his gaze over to the lake and studied the different birds that floated around. Even if you're not sure of something, sometimes, you just got to say it to make the ones you love happy.

"I think He already has mom. And I think Shadow will be alright. I knoe he can handle himself. I just know it."

The last day had been another failure. The trio had searched all day and up until one in the morning. Sonic and Silver had finally gotten their mother to get some real shut eye before continuing any longer. After nine hours the three had awoken from their heavy slumber. Chelsea had asked if any complication had occurred during the azure hedgehog's search and he only smirked and cockily said, "Nobody could see this sexy hedgehog." Of course the two had rolled their eyes and just walked away, to leave Sonic to wallow in his pride.

As quick as it came breakfast was gone. But after their meal the three had an empty feeling. Their stomachs were quite full but their hearts weren't. All throughout the meal it was silent, only having a few simple conversations spike. You could never really be full if a part of your heart was missing.

"Hey mom. Do you need help with that?" Sonic asked watching the dark-skinned woman collect the plates.

Chelsea shook her head. "No, honey. I'm alright. I think I can handle this. Why don't you go do what 16 year olds do?"

Silver groaned, "And what would that be?"

"How am I supposed to know? I haven't been sixteen for six years. I barely remember my twentieth birthday."

Today, she would've continued her search for the crimson male but, of course, of all the days, she had to work. She almost forgot about the job. If it wasn't for the glance at the calendar hanging on the wall she would've missed a day. With a, very, heavy sigh Chelsea made her way up the stairs, sluggishly, to hop in the shower. Her shift did start midday and, unfortunately for her, it 11:23.

Was she always this depressed? If she was then he needed to have a visit with his eye doctor again. But he was quite sure that his 20/20 and 20/25 vision was pretty accurate.

Drew watched as Chelsea walked towards a table with her head down. For an hour now he'd observed her closed in demeanor. She was so reserved all of a sudden. So…so…unhappy. That was all he could say. And when she was unhappy, everyone knew Drew was unhappy too. His hazelnut eyes narrowed as the young woman shined a smile which made him absolutely boil.

What a fake smile.

He waited, impatiently, for Chelsea to walk away from the table. As soon as she was a foot away he made a b-line to her. He was going to know what was wrong. He didn't care if she didn't want to tell him or not. He was going to know. That was the only way he could get rid of this annoying sting in his chest. He needed to turn that frown upside down. No matter how cheesy that sounded.

Drew planted his feet firmly in the middle of her path to the kitchen. Chelsea, who had her head down and the notepad to her chest, didn't see the tall man in front of her. She bumped into him causing her body to jerk back from the sudden impact. She took a few steps back wincing at the sudden impact. She held the notepad with one hand and rubbed her head with the other. "I-I'm sorry sir," she croaked, "I should've been paying attention to where I was going-" Chelsea stopped a when she looked up. She looked back down and whispered, "Oh, I'm sorry Drew. I wasn't looking."

"Why?"

His firm voice caused her eyes to snap up. But as quickly as they came up they went back down. She sadly stared at her feet, not having the strength to look at anybody. But his question did confuse her.

"What do you mean why?"

Her voice sounded so low and raspy it was horrible to his ears. The sting in his chest increased. Drew took her arm in his hand and said a bit more softly, "Why are you so depressed and unhappy? You're never like this. Did something happen to you or the other three" He took her other arm in his other hand. His stern demeanor diminished the moment she looked in his eyes. Her dark brown eyes were filled with so much hurt and worry. They looked tired and sore as if she'd spent the whole night crying. His eyes softened when tears brimmed her bottom eyelids.

"Please tell me Chelsea," he almost pleaded. It hurt him to see her like this. The pain in his chest was almost unbearable. It hurt him a lot more when Chelsea backed away from his hold and shook her head. She sniffled and smiled at the floor.

"I'm okay Drew. Nothing's wrong, I'm just tired."

He wasn't going to take that baloney. "Don't you lie to me Cee-Cee. You know how much I hate that."

"Like you don't do it," she snorted.

Drew's eyebrows scrunched together. He clenched his fist, irritated. "Hey, there's no need to be so snappy," his voice rose unexpectedly causing a few others to stare, "Now tell me what's wrong so I can-"

"Didn't I just tell you was okay! Why can't you get that through your thick skull? I'm fine, now back off!" Chelsea shouted. A second later she gasped and covered her mouth. What had she done?

Drew was a bit taken aback by this. He could feel the stares upon them but, that didn't matter right now. Whatever was troubling her was really taking its toll. He unclenched his fists as her eyes widened. He reached a hand out to her but Chelsea only back away. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm such an idiot," she said repeatedly. She looked around and panted as if the walls were coming in.

"Chelsea?" he questioned.

"I'm so sorry Drew," she whispered before running off to the back. The tall, tan, man sadly looked towards the double doors which led to the kitchen. He whispered her name in wonder. He was about to take a step forward before someone touched his shoulder. Drew looked back to see Cathy's blue eyes look back with sadness. Her blond hair swayed as she shook her head.

"Don't go after her. She needs some time alone."

"You know what happened," he asked.

"No, not exactly. She only hinted something about the three children. All I got was that it was her fault and something happened to one of them. I believe the oldest? I'm not sure," the blonde said. "But you really do need to just give her some time."

"I know but-"

"I know you care about her, I do too, but, she really needs to think right now. It's for the best." Cathy smiled reassuringly towards him. "Don't you want that for her?"

Of course he wanted that for her but, he wanted her happy, now. But, there was nothing he could do at this point. Maybe Cathy was right. He should just give her time to cool off and he'll take a softer approach. Yeah, that'll do it.

With a nod and a grunt Drew and Cathy returned to their jobs. Although it was hard to watch the dark-skinned woman walk around as if her mother had died, they left her alone. And their day went one without any problems.

Okay, maybe just one.

It was about an hour till closing time and Chelsea and Cathy were making their last rounds with a few customers who were still dining. Drew had left earlier, something about a family get together. Anyway, a group of five men came in the door loudly. All you could hear was their obnoxious laughter and jokes. Cathy eyed them, taking a glance at her friend who also eyed the group of men.

"Do you want me to tell them to leave Chelsea?" Cathy said lowly. She snarled as one of them had their pants hanging at their thighs.

Chelsea snorted in disgusted but sighed. She rolled her shoulders and said, "No. Let's take them. But, if they show any signs of boys gone wild, we kick 'em out."

"Got it."

The two walked over to the group of men and put on their smiles. As they walked in they heard multiple curses and sentences that didn't make sense. Chelsea observed the five. There were two African-Americans and three Caucasians. All of them had baseball hats backwards, multiple tattoos, and unfortunately their pants were sagging way too low. She was about to say something but Cathy spoke first.

"Hello, how many people?" she asked cheerily but not enough to fool Chelsea who could pick up the venom leaking out of each word. One of them said something she didn't quite catch but it must've been funny because they all laughed. Chelsea rolled her eyes. Oh, how she wanted to say something but, she knew she couldn't. Even if she tried, she wasn't at her strong point right now.

"We five sweetie," one of them said. Cathy almost grimaced at their grammar but made sure to hold it. She nodded towards Chelsea who picked up five menus. Chelsea nodded towards them and timidly said, "Please follow me to your table."

"Whateva' you want baby," one of them purred. As Cathy and Chelsea walked with to the table they shivered as the men commented on them.

"Damn, do you see dat ass."

"I would hit me some of dat."

"Take the blond one and ride her like nobody's business."

"Yeah but ya hafta' go for da peach ass. Those are da nasty ones."

They all howled with laughter and high-fived each other. The two women almost swore they could hear them lick their lips. Cathy's blue eyes narrowed. "Boys gone wild, I repeat, boys gone wild," she hissed lowly for only the other's ears. Chelsea's eye twitched and she blew out a breath. "I know, I know. Let's just hurry up and get this over with. Don't make eye contact just say what you need to say, serve them and get out of there."

"Understood commander."

"Alright solider."

The two nodded and waited for the gang to sit. They handed their menus over and Chelsea said as politely as possible, "Can I start you off with a dri-"

"What kind of beer do y'all have?" one of them interrupted.

She faltered from the intimidating voice, "Oh, um we have Dogfish Head, Efes Pilsen, Heineken-"

"You have Budweiser?"

"Um, Cathy do we have that?" Chelsea looked over to her.

Cathy stared into her eyes trying to tell her it was alright. It was obvious to anyone Chelsea was scared, especially if her voice took a high pitch, which it did. The older of the two, the blonde, said firmly, "I'm sorry we ran out. It's one of the most popular brands."

"Well shit, why we here?" an African-American with a plain white T-shirt exclaimed slamming the table. Cathy never faltered while Chelsea jumped back a bit almost hiding behind the shorter one.

"But I have heard Heineken is almost there with Budweiser. Would you want me to go get it for you? It's just as good."

A Caucasian snickered, "I hope ya' just as good." They laughed again while Cathy sunk her nails in the palms of her hands.

"Naw but, we'll have dat. We good right fellas?" They nodded and Cathy left before she scratched one of their eyes out. Chelsea quickly took on foot too before one of them called her back.

"Hey you."

She stood frozen. Chelsea cursed mentally at herself. Why hadn't she taken the chance to kick them out before? She would forever be cursed with her stupid brain. Before any movement she whispered the Lord's Prayer. At the end she said, "Please help me through this."

Timidly, she walked back to the table with her head down. "Wh-what is it that you need sir?" she stuttered.

"I need an ice pack too cool this dick, "one joked.

"Hey! Hey! Show this lady some respect assholes." Another one which seemed to be the head of the group growled. He smirked towards her and looked her up and down. Chelsea felt insecurity flow through the pit of her stomach. She grabbed her arms and casted her eyes somewhere else.

"Isn't your fine self gonna serve us?" the same one purred.

Chelsea nodded and took out her notepad. "Oh, right. Yes. Thank you for reminding me-"

"No problem sweet cheeks."

"What is it that you would like?"

"Tell me what y'all have up in dis place."

Chelsea reached over and opened the menu in front of the, assumed, leader. As she leaned she could feel his eyes and the other's roam her body savagely. She ignored it with all her might as she pointed at various meals.

"Before I start, what do you guys like?"

One with dark brown eyes eyed her chest. "We like lots of chicken breasts. Lots of it."

Another person said, "And we always gotta have our meat darkened."

"And make sure it spicy but sweet and silky."

Chelsea smiled nervously and pretended to take notes. She started to lean away from them but one of them grabbed her hand causing her to almost fall on the table. She caught herself with her free hand and casted her glance over her shoulder. Where was Cathy? What the heck was taking her so long? She should've been back by now? She could really use her.

The terrified woman didn't let the horrible feeling show. She exhaled shakily. "Oh, so I take it you guys like meat?" she lowly breathed trying to distract herself from the hungry stares.

Too bad it wasn't for food.

The, assumed, leader, who was a black, tall, male nodded. He grinned savagely as his hand traveled towards her rear, unknown to Chelsea. "Yes," he began slowly, "we like our meat nice, juicy," his hand was almost there, "and very meaty." In a blink of any eye his hand was attached to her butt. He smacked and clutched it, shaking it.

Chelsea immediately jumped back and screamed in surprise. She went back far enough to detach her rear from the stranger's hand. She almost cradled her sore bottom. Tears threatened to flow as they hooted and howled in laughter. Others that were there stared in misery as they watched the young woman was smacked yet again. But, they did nothing about it. Chelsea backed away, from a now standing male.

"I'm sorry for my rudeness but I'm going to have to ask you and your friends to leave," she said trying to act brave.

Oh where, oh where was Cathy?

The black male growled deviously at her. "And who do ya' think you talkin' to bitch?" He grabbed her arm but she shook it off.

"Don't touch me!"

"I will if I wanna-"

"Hey! Is there a problem here?"

The six turned to look at the origin of the voice. Chelsea didn't get the chance to turn around before someone's arm wrapped around her waist. She gasped in surprise as the same person smoothly placed a ring on her left finger.

What the heck?

Her body screamed for her to run. Just to scream for help, for Cathy for anyone! But at the same time she couldn't find herself to move. Yeah, part of it was from the shock but most of it was from how gently this person held her. Chelsea wanted to melt in this person's arms. It was so warm so comforting. She felt as if she couldn't ever be harmed in this person's arms. Her heart pounded against her chest as the person kissed her cheek. When their lips touched her skin an intense spark of electricity jolted through her spine.

Who was this person?

Chelsea was snapped back from her warmth when the dark-skinned male in front of her said, "Noah? This your girl?"

Oh no. They knew each other. What if this person was just as bad? Why did she always have to put herself into bad situations?

"Yeah, she's more than that." Chelsea took time to actually listen to the voice. It wasn't deep but it was deep enough to know whoever was talking was a man. The way his hand glided down her arm made her chest pulse with warmth. He pulled up her finger and cockily said, "We're kind of married."

Chelsea stared in amazement as the group of men started to apologize tremendously. She cocked her head to the side as they got up and walked away, hurriedly. Why were they so quick to apologize? All of their voices were so much deeper than the one holding her, so why? It was as if they were scared of him. Whatever the reason, she wasn't going to question it any further.

The young woman tried to break free from the person but he wouldn't allow her. Instead he twisted her towards him to keep her in his arms. Chelsea fidgeted as arms swiveled her around. Her head found a blue colored shirt instantly. From the arms that encircled her she could see that this person was a bit lighter that Drew.

"Are you alright?" his voice silkily said.

Chelsea could only find the strength to nod. After a few seconds of hugging an unknown stranger she pulled away. Just as she caught eye sight of him she froze, once again.

Whoever this person was, was beautiful. The first thing she noticed was his electrifying blue eyes. They were almost a crystal color, shining brighter than any jewel she's ever seen. His, short, hair was a platinum blond color, almost silver. It lied messily but perfectly on his head. The skin of this stranger was soft and light. Not a pale color but almost nowhere near tan.

Her heart pounded with every passing second he looked into her eyes. Her chocolate irises traced each feature on his face with close proximity. How could anyone be so perfect? No. She can't be thinking these things. She had a son out there, all by himself and her she was wallowing herself in this man's appearance. She snarled at herself.

It was just sinful.

Chelsea, as hard as it was, forcibly, de-connected herself from Noah's arms. She smoothed out her uniform and looked to the ground. An empty feeling seared through her the moment the man's hands weren't touching her. She breathed in and exhaled shakily.

"Th-thank you for your help. I appreciate it." Her hands trembled but she didn't know why.

"No problem. By the way, if you didn't hear, my name's Noah," he cheerfully said stretching an arm out. Chelsea quickly shook it, noticing the spark again.

"Nice to meet you too. My name's Chelsea."

"What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

If it wasn't for the way he said it Chelsea would've rolled her eyes. If this guy was trying to get on her good side, it was working. She thanked him for his comment and looked into his eyes once more. She got lost, again, in the light pools of blue. They swirled with genuine joy and mirth, it was almost holy. She found herself almost leaning towards his eyes to get a better look but, luckily, she was able to catch herself.

"Well I'm going to get going. Oh, and can I have the ring back? It's important."

Chelsea absent mindedly nodded taking the ring off and handing it over to him. Noah smiled, kindly, at her and walked away putting the ring in his pocket. Chelsea, dreamily, stared after him until someone tapped her shoulder. She hummed in confusion and her brows dropped when a certain blond hair and blue eyed woman smiled at her with five beer bottles.

"Sorry I took so long," Cathy said, "I was hard finding these bottles. Hey! Where are those punks?" Chelsea only stared, blankly, at her.

"Did I miss something?"

Chelsea smacked the back of her head with every amount of strength she had left.

So, what did you think? I run on feedback! Tell me what you liked, what you didn't like and maybe something I could add. Anyway, as you can see this is where the second genre starts to show itself. There are many more chapters to some but it's getting there. Also, foreshadowed a bit there but it wasn't obvious so unless you pay attention to every detail I don't think you'll catch it. I didn't even know I was until I read it over! So, comments people!

Thank You. R&R

~God Bless You~