Author's Note: Posting an extra chapter for long weekend! Enjoy!
"What for?" Kellie asked.
"For Uncle Victor and what he did to Charles," Spencer said, "What he tried to do you. If I hadn't been so convinced everyone just misunderstood him, maybe he wouldn't have targeted you."
"Stop right there, Spencer," Kellie said, "You do not owe me any apologies for anything Victor did. There were other reasons that Victor came after me that had nothing to do with you."
"I did overhear that Uncle Victor was afraid you'd somehow interfere in his plans for me and ending the world," Spencer replied.
"I also ended up on his revenge list," Kellie said, "And it had nothing to do with you."
"What for?" Spencer asked.
"Apparently Peter August was the only person who could still trigger Drew's brainwashing," Kellie said, "Which your uncle was interested in using. So when I shot and killed him in self-defense, Victor was obviously very unhappy about that."
"I'm still sorry," Spencer said, "I know Charles has meant a lot to you. The idea you thought you saw him die and now to learn that Victor had actually been holding him hostage. I couldn't believe it when I saw him. Is he okay after what Victor did?"
"He's fine overall," Kellie said, "Victor apparently only kept him as a potential test subject from the virus. No brainwashing or anything else from we can tell at this point."
"That has to be relief," Spencer said, "I'm really happy for you. At least one really good thing came out of Greenland. I may have butted heads with Charles sometimes when I visited your family. Before you say it, I know it's because I was probably doing something I shouldn't."
"I wasn't going to say a word about that," Kellie said, "But I can't disagree with that."
"Definitely sidetracking there," Spencer said, "What I'm trying to say is that even when I didn't like what Charles had to say, it always still felt like he cared. I can't imagine how difficult it had to have been to lose him the way you, Jared, Jamie, and Alyssa did. I'm really glad you all get to have that back."
Kellie noticed that Spencer looked a bit distressed.
"Hey what's wrong?" Kellie asked.
"It's nothing," Spencer said.
"Spencer, I'm here if you want to talk," Kellie said, "Whether it's now or later."
"Charles obviously isn't your father," Spencer said, "As much as I'm happy for you, he's alive, there's something about it I guess that makes me wish my father was better than he is."
"I can relate to that," Kellie said, "I know you and my father get along. But it's no secret that he and I have a lot of ups and downs in our relationship."
"How do you cope with that?" Spencer said.
"I hold on to the people that I do have good relationships with," Kellie said, "I try to accept my father for who he is while still making decisions that allow me to maintain my own peace of mind when relating to him."
"Does it ever get easier?" Spencer asked.
"In some ways it does," Kellie replied, "And there are other ways, it might always be hard to some degree."
"So no switch I can just flip and not care?" Spencer asked. '
"Not that I know of," Kellie said, "But if I ever find one I'll let you know."
"Spencer," Alyssa yelled, thundering into the room, interrupting the conversation, "Can you help me with my math homework?"
"Sure," Spencer replied.
"He'll be up in a minute," Kellie said.
"Hurry up," Alyssa said, leaving.
"Are you good at least for now?" Kellie asked Spencer.
"I think so," Spencer said, "I should help Alyssa then."
"I know she's probably actually done with her homework," Kellie said, "And she probably has something to show you, she doesn't want me to know about."
"You figured that excuse out then," Spencer said.
"I've known for a long time," Kellie said, "I'm not asking you to tell me anything about what Alyssa's up to. Just keep in mind that you are a legal adult now and consider the consequences of any shenanigans that could ensue."
"I'd like to think I'd tell you if Alyssa needed your help," Spencer said, "Especially after taking care of my little brother now."
Kellie nodded as Spencer turned to leave.
"One more thing, Spencer," Kellie said, "Jamie and Jared I'm sure have pranks planned."
"I made sure to bring a change of clothes," Spencer said, "I figured it was better to be prepared knowing them."