#fast generation

Ember was singing softly to herself as she walked down the street with her mom and Shane. Shane chuckled as she did a little skip remeniscent of the dance he'd been teaching Kylan a couple days before.

"Stop that Em." Kylan snapped and yanked Ember from Shane's grip.

Marie tried a little spin and Marie picked her up in annoyance.

Shane took her hand and pressed in close. "Don't be such a spoil sport. She's excited."

"Look mommy horsie!"

"You see horses every day, Ember."

Shane pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Ewww."

"Then don't look."

Shane sighed "I'll take Ember for some cocoa. Try not to be nervous."

"I'm not nervous."

Shane cocked an eyebrow as Sienna rode up. "You must be Kylan. Shane says you're looking for a horse."

"I want to compete and the Mulligan horses are too old."

Sienna frowned, "Follow me"

Kylan was instantly drawn to the Fox Trotter "That ones not ready. We have others."

"He doesn't like being in chains."

Marie barely glanced at the stranger. "They aren't chains."

"I brought him here to heal not be a circus clown."

"Competing is a far cry from a clown."

Kylan turned to confront the stranger but he cried out "Look out!"

It happened so fast, one minute Fable had been nuzzling her hand the next he was kicking and whinnying angrily at her. Kylan dodged as the horse kicked and tumbled to the ground.

The man raced to her side.

"Are you alright." The man was kneeling over her, his eyes locking with her in worry.

"I'm fine. He didn't hit me, just knocked me off balance." The man didn't look convinced as he pressed his hand to her temple. "I guess the world is kind of spinning."

"I'll help you.

The man pulled her into his lap his, hands resting on her face. They were soft and he smelled comforting like dirt and smoke. She tried to get up and he stumbled back.

"Careful. Wait until you get your bearings." He stroked her hair and it felt so nice.

"Kylan?"

Marie jumped to her feet when she heard Shane. "It's not what it looked like. He...I...the horse..."

"The horse knocked her over. I was just making sure she was okay."

"By running your hands through her hair."

Suddenly Sienna, was between them. "Enough of this!"

"He's the one who can't keep his hands to himself."

"How many times have I told you boys to keep your feud out of my ring."

"Shane please. Let's just go."

"And you! I told you that horse wasn't fit for riding but you thought you knew better."

"I'm sorry"

"Get out of my ring"

Shane turned away. "Shane please. I promise it's not what it looked like."

"Then why are you so defensive about it. I'm not forcing you to stay with me Kylan. I like you but a girl like you will always be drawn to what's new." He turned.

She'd messed it all up again.

[Prescott Square 2 months after Prom]

"There you guys are! Lacey! Paul and Marie are here!"

The party was already in full swing as the couple slipped through the door to shouts of greeting. Like they were royalty. She guessed they were considering they'd been crowned at prom.

"Simon didn't think you guys were gonna make it."

"It was a close call. Can you believe this one didn't want to come to a party!?"

"No way! Marie are you crazy. We can't have a party without all the Amiga's. Who would light the bonfire!?"

"I just...haven't been feeling well."

"Uh oh here comes trouble. Maybe don't tell you you weren't gonna come. She's already pissed you were late."

"Thank the Watcher you're here. Zachary invited some of his rowdy Uni friends and there is no way I'm putting him in a headlock in this dress."

"I'll take care of him."

As the night got more rowdy, Marie slipped off to a back corner where Paul found her. "Here. You're favorite."

"Oh...thanks" She placed the drink in her lap without tasting it.

"Something's up. You've been off since prom. Is it because I got wasted? I know I ruined the evening"

"You didn't ruin the evening Paul. I...do you remember anything?"

"Not really. I was nervous. Everyone hooks up that night and we'd never...I wanted it to be special but..."

"I know. I shouldn't have put that pressure on you. Just because I have doesn't mean...I'm sorry."

"So was I good at least?"

Marie swallowed and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Paul, can we go somewhere more private."

Paul smirked, a glimmer of lust in his eyes and he pulled her into a kiss. "Mmm you wanna try again sober?"

"No, I...have something to tell you."

No one seemed to notice when Paul and Marie slipped around the side of the house.

Not even Toby as he mulled over Marie's words at prom. "Mei's literally only with him cause Simon's got a big dong and knows how to use it. Heck if I got the chance I'd be all over that too."

He'd thought she was just trying to make him feel better. Assuring him that their relationship wouldn't last and he had a chance. Then he'd walked into that bathroom and learned just what kind of girl his niece was.

"Toby! Toby! Come quick! It's Marie!"

So Paul now knew too.

"What do you mean it's not mine!?"

"Hey Paul, backoff."

"Get out of here squirt this is between me and your niece."

Lacey pulled Marie away from the boys while Toby tried to calm Paul down but Paul was beyond calming.

"Both of you mind your own business. Whose is it Marie?"

"Get off me Paul. I don't care what this is about. I'm Lacey Prescott and you have overstayed your welcome!"

Marie was no longer listening. A fox with strange markings watched from across the street. The same fox she'd almost hit on prom night. It disappeared into the brush

It was a crisp winter morning but Chestnut Ridge wasn't known for the cold. Even Ember only needed a light sweater on the coldest days.

That morning she was dancing with a butterfly while the adults cared for the horses when a pickup truck pulled up and a visitor got out.

Ember's butterfly friend fluttered from her hand and landed on her nose.

The visitor chuckled. "It must think you're a flower."

Ember gasped when she saw who'd arrived. "AUNTIE LOR!"

Alora fell to the ground as Ember tumbled into her arms, tears welling up in her eyes.

"And you didn't think she'd remember you. It hasn't even been a year."

"That's like a lifetime when you're 4. Oh and this must be Shane."

"Mr Shane, Auntie Lor's here."

"I see that Little Fish."

"Fish?" Alora frowned at the name. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Shane chuckled, "Em here swims better than me." He chucked her nose, "it's fitting."

"Oh I..."

"You thought you knew better but this isn't San Seq sis. You want to stay, keep your opinions to yourself."

Shane chuckled, "She's just nervous cause we have a date tonight."

Shane was right, Kylan Marie was beyond nervous. Emma Mulligan had helped her bleach her mom's old dress and she spent an hour deciding on the boots.

She hadn't worn makeup since prom... A shiver ran through her...no she wasn't thinking about that night. Tonight was about Shane.

Sometimes when she closed her eyes she could still see Paul's face...

Loud music and pulsing lights, hands in her hair...stumbling into the bathroom...

her eyes locking with Paul's juiced gaze for just a moment...that look in his eyes...

before hands had lifted her to the counter

"Wow you look amazing." Alora's voice pulled her from her memories. "Can I help?"

Marie sighed and nodded. "I can't believe dad let you pierce your nose."

"He let you get a tattoo"

"I was a YA."

"So am I...We can't live in HS forever Marie. Eventually we all have to grow up"

"Wow you look..." Shane's eyes drifted over her.

Marie smirked "My dad couldn't take his eyes off my mom in this dress either"

"Stellar! That's the word I was looking for." He slowly dragged his eyes to meet hers and she cocked an eyebrow at him. "I'm trying to be a gentleman"

It was raining by the time they made it to the Oak Barrel Nectary in New Appaloosa. A waitress sat them and Shane went to hang their coats.

Marie took a deep breath. She hated that Alora was right but it was time to leave the past behind.

"What you thinking about?"

"Just...us..."

"Oh yeah? I like the sound of that." He leaned down and captured her lips with his. It had become so natural over the last few months. More natural then it had ever been with Paul. "I got you something."

"Shane! It's beautiful!"

"Pure just like you."

She smirked and brushed the rose against her lips seductively. He shook his head. "Don't get any ideas. I don't play all my cards on the first date."

"You knew what kind of woman I was when you met me"

"Having a kid means you're guarded not easy...even if you don't know it yet"

Shane was a natural at keeping a conversation going and quickly put Marie at ease even without the bottle of nectar shared between them. "Would you like to head upstairs?"

"I thought you didn't play all your cards on the first date."

"It's the nectary, hardly my bedroom."

The nectar was starting to go to Marie's head and she pressed her knees against his as she leaned forward. "Enough small talk, tell me something you've never told anyone else."

Shane laughed, "Okay...when I was a kid, I dreamt of building a spaceship and meeting aliens."

"Aliens?"

"Yep. Did you know they can blend in with humans so we wouldn't even know they're here."

"You're messing with me."

"Mostly yeah. I did want to build a rocket. I loved all that space stuff growing up. But aliens?" He shrugged.

A shadow fell. "Uh oh, what'd I say?"

"I..."

"I know someone hurt you Kylan. You've been comparing me to him all night."

"I'm not what you think I am Shane...You have this idea that I'm some kind of wounded mouse...I'm not the mouse...I'm the hawk that delivered it to Grim."

[Copperdale 2 weeks after prom]

"I knew I'd find you out here...hello earth to Marie. Are you crying?"

Marie wiped her face. "No...shut up."

"What are you doing out here, everyone's inside. Lacey's trying to get everyone to play Spin the Bottle."

"I'll pass.”

"Ok now I know there's something wrong. You never pass up Spin the Bottle."

"I'm late Toby..."

"laaate..." She waited as he processed the word "Oh Watcher!"

"Yeah. I mean maybe it's just stress..."

"Are you gonna tell him, if you are..."

"No way!"

"I think you need this."

"Why wouldn't you tell him?"

"He was so juiced Toby, I just left him in the tub and he never brought it up. I don't think he even remembers."

"But he should know."

"He just got that scholarship. He has a future. I can't take that from him."

"What about your future?"

Marie didn't respond as she took a drag of the cigarette and sputtered "Ugh, how do you and Simon smoke this stuff?"

"Don't change the subject"

"I plumbed everything up, Toby. You know that more than anyone. What I did...if Paul finds out I'm pregnant..."

"Yeah he'll hate you"

"Thanks for that."

"Who cares what Paul thinks. You know how I feel about him. But...if I were gonna be a father...I'd want to know."

"You'd give up acting?"

"I wouldn't want to leave a child fatherless and I know he'd feel the same way."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Marie and Ember fell into a steady rhythm. It felt good to get her hands dirty on the Mulligan's Ranch.  To be in the Great Outdoors rather than the suffocation of the suburbs.

And there was something about Shane's easy way that had him invading her dreams far too often

Shane seemed to recognize her discomfort and gave her space which unnerved her even more. He was a stranger...he shouldn't understand her so well.

One morning she slipped into the pasture once Shane had taken Salsa out and Gold Rush nuzzled against her as if she understood.

The horse already knew Marie's darkest secrets and that morning she had a new pain to share. She was so lost in the moment that she didn't notice Shane as he leaned against the fence. Not until she'd climbed onto Gold's back.

"Impressive."

"Enjoying the view?" She scowled back.

He chuckled nervously and hopped the fence while she tried to look more at ease then she felt.

"Not that." He said gently as she hugged Gold's neck. "I'm impressed that she let you on. No ones succeeded since Ash."

"Maybe they're the problem, not her."

"Hmm...she trusts you."

Shane stepped back and she noticed the way he swallowed as his eyes drifted safely toward Ember. "You been to Galloping Gulch yet?"

"No."

"You're missing out. Goldie could use some real exercise what'd'ya say we saddle up and take a ride."

"Ember-"

"Can come with of course."

"Here." Shane gave her a boost as she held Ember steady. Then looked at Ember seriously. "This here's a dangerous animal, young lady. She'll take good care of you provided you take care of her. Understand?"

Ember nodded wide eyed.

"Take a couple passes then we'll saddle up.

They rode up to the gulch to a lake tucked away on the side of the mountain.

"I'll stay here." Marie said casually. "I don't want to get my hair wet." Shane cocked an eyebrow at her but didn't argue as he followed Ember to the edge of the water.

"You know how to swim?"

"No."

Shane took her hand as he led her into the water talking the whole way. "Water is very dangerous just like the horses, you gotta learn to respect it. Can you do that?"

Ember nodded.

"Okay, I'm gonna teach you to swim then we can play when I know you can handle it."

So that's what Shane did. For the next hour Shane taught Ember how to handle her weight in the calm waters, how to find the surface, how to breathe.

Only then did he let her jump and play and splash until she'd exhausted herself and he had to drag her to shore.

"Your turn."

Marie turned pale.

"Come on Kylan, you didn't come all this way to sit on the shore."

"Maybe I did."

"Don't be scared."

"I'm not scared." She quipped defensively. He just smirked and she finally took his hand. Her heart hammered as his hands settled on her hips

"Do you trust me."

She hestitated, looking up into those kind brown eyes, his strong hands steadying her and telling her she was safe. She nodded.

"Then lay back. Let the water hold you."

She closed her eyes, letting his voice wash over her like a gentle caress.

Rain...fire...blood...Toby facedown on the shore...she flailed and Shane tightened his grip on her "Easy! I gotcha, I gotcha."

Her heart was beating wildly but it was no longer from that memory. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Look, you can still touch. You won't drown."

"Okay."

Soon they were both floating enjoying the last of the warm weather Chestnut had to offer, the waterfall creating gentle ripples that lulled them.

She panicked everytime he removed his arm so he stayed close. A deep sadness and fear hung over her and he longed to take it away.

As the afternoon went on Marie became more comfortable in the water and after a short nap on the beach Ember was content to play in the shallows.

"Come on show me what you got." He teased avoiding her grasp. She launched for him, wrapping her arms around him and he swallowed.

"Kylan...I think I might be falling for you."

"Oh?"

"I know you have a kid and a past you don't want to talk about but...I want to...be the shoulder you lean on."

"You don't know what your saying."

"I'm serious. I want to know you...the real you. If you'll let me."

Kylan panicked when she realized she couldn't touch the bottom. Shane steadied her again. "I've got you."

He kissed her forehead. She hated it. She wrapped her hand around his neck and pulled him into a real kiss, his fingers on her face filling her with...something.

That night she couldn't sleep. Shane had been a good distraction from her mother's news the day before: Grandpa Nikolas was gone. Taken by Grim in the middle of the night and she was too far away to go home.

She had told him things she had never told anyone else...except Toby.

The radio was on as she made her way down the stairs. A sad Ranch song was playing and there was something strangely comforting about the man's voice filling the room.

"Couldn't sleep?" Shane gave her a juiced grin. She shook her head. "Have a drink with me?"

"Okay."

Shane brought her a glass and sat next to her. An awkward silence filled the room "Hope you don't mind Ranch music."

"No, I like this. Who is it?"

"Johnny Zest I think."

"Never heard of him"

"Some new artist. All the girls love him. He's okay I guess"

"He has a nice voice"

Shane wrapped his arm around her and she smiled, "That smile...wow."

She blushed and he kissed her forehead. She didn't hate it as much as before.

"I was serious what I said...about needing to talk..."

"Thanks...for the juice." She stood. "Goodnight"

Grandpa had said that once.

Winter was creeping in slowly as it did in San Sequoia when the Mizrahi family made their way to the station in Gilbert Gardens. Once Marie had made the decision to leave she wasted no time in making her plans to go to Chestnut Ridge.

"Come on I'll miss my train."

"Slow down baby there's still time. 

Behind them, Alora dragged behind with the stroller. "Chu chu!" Ember was excited at the giant machine in front of them.

"That's right, it's a train." Alora scooped her niece up for a closer look. "You and mommy are gonna ride it."

Marie scanned the signs for her stop and halted when a weight fell on her bag. She looked down to see Ember clinging to the suitcase. "Weeee"

"Ember, it's not a toy. Get off."

"Marie, calm down you're not gonna miss your train and she's not gonna hurt anything."

"Oh you think that's funny do you!" Ajax scooped her up and tossed her on his back. "How's this for funny!" Ember giggled loving any excuse for a good laugh.

Alora followed her mother to the vending machines. "This isn't fair. She doesn't even like Ember."

"She'll learn to."

Finally it was time to say goodbye. Kyle pulled his granddaughter into a big kiss. "Bye bye baby girl. Just know Papa's always here if you need him."

Ava was next and Alora giggled as Ava nuzzled kisses in her ear. "Be a good girl for mommy and ride lots of horses."

The air changed and even Ember could tell that something was happening. Her mother looked down on her with that stern face. "Come on little imp."

She scooped her up and Ember watched as the people she loved most in the world waved goodbye as she got on the big train.

[6 months before the accident]

The room was silent except for the wet sounds of kissing and the shallow breaths of two teens desperate for each other. Marie wasn't sure when her shirt had ended up on the floor nor did she care. All that mattered was the hand drifting up her side

"Paul." She moaned his name softly as his mouth went to her collarbone. Then his arms tightened around her and he lifted her from the dresser tumbling with her onto the bed.

"Damn Marie...you look like a goddess." his hand moved to her breast and she bit her lip expectantly.

She rolled him over before he could get farther, pushing off the shirt she had already unbuttoned and pinning his hands above his head.

"Plumb, you're good at this."

"This isn't my first time."

"Marie, we're home."

"Okay grandma I'll be down when I finish my homework."

"Mmm you're a bad girl."

"Well I am studying anatamy right now. I hope you can work quick."

"Shouldn't be too difficult." She could already feel the truth of that pressing against her.

"Marie!"

"Plumb don't they ever let up?"

"Shit, it's my grandpa. He's coming upstairs."

She climbed off him and shoved him off the bed. Paul groaned as he climbed painfully out the window. "You owe me."

"Okay okay."

"I'm thinking you on your knees..."

"OMW, Paul, I'll do whatever you want just go."

He smirked and climbed down the trellis without another word.

Marie could hear Toby's voice floating in from the living room "And then all of Tredony will know the name of Dacian Landegraab...Um...dang I always forget that line."

"Sounds pretty good to me. Real chilling."

"You think so? Gosh I'm so nervous. Villains are so hard to play."

"Have tickets gone on sale yet? You know your mother and I want to get good seats for your big day."

"Not yet but hey, I was wondering if Trisha can come over after school tomorrow. You know to run lines?"

"She's the one playing Misty Darktide...Dacian's...lover...?"

"Oh Nikolas, it's just lines, of course she can come over. How bout you Marie. We still haven't seen this semesters report card."

"Really. That's odd I must have left it in my locker."

"Well let's hope they've improved from last semester. I'd hate to make you stay home from prom."

It was late when the train pulled into Chestnut Ridge. Ember was exhausted and didn't put up much of a fuss despite the new surroundings.

Prom had changed everything...Toby's words that night still rang in her ears.

"Tell me you at least used a condom."

Downstairs her host was brewing a pot of tea. "I'm sorry we couldn't put out more of the welcome wagon for you."

"Oh it's fine, I'd much prefer tea to fruitcake and a lot of people."

"Well lucky for you not many people come by. Mom was always the connected one in town."

Marie grimaced the last thing she wanted to talk about was Grim but Kennedy just kept going.

"I still have nightmares of it. The way she was just...thrown like that...Dad and Emma took it hard. I wouldn't have been able to keep this place going if not for Shane."

She took a sip and Marie took the opportunity to speak her mind. "I didn't come here for grief counseling."

"Oh...I wasn't trying...I'm sorry I might be a little juiced."

"It's whatever. I'm gonna go for a walk."

"But it's dark and raining out there."

"I won't go far."

Marie slumped against the fence on the edge of the Mulligan's land. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the footsteps or see the man climb over the fence until he spoke. "Only a city girl would come cry in the rain while wearing white."

"I'm not crying." "Mhm."

She sprang to her feet angrily and jumped as the man stuck his hand out to her, "Shane Rosenthal."

She hesitated and he laughed, "I don't bite."

She took his hand, "That's a shame."

His eyebrows sprang up in shock and he laughed wryly.

"I'm...Kylan. Kylan Mizrahi."

Shane climbed back over the fence and leaned against it in silence. Marie watched him, a far off look falling over him. She took a deep breath and let the rain wash over her. Wash away what was left of Marie and leave only Kylan.

From across the field a fox watched them.

It was the morning of Ember's birthday and the family was mostly bustling around getting things clean and cake baked before the guests arrived.

"Ajax you're on baby duty."

"Why me?"

"Cause you're her favorite today."

"But I need to help dad move the tables."

Ajax sighed and resigned himself to babysitter. The Michaelson's showed up and Ember tumbled over. "Oh Watcher!"

"Careful son she's still fragile."

"I didn't do anything she just fell over. Isn't this Alora's job."

"Alora is helping your mom. Come on it's a good life skill"

Ajax sighed and helped Ember to her feet. She looked up at him with those silver eyes. The light catching on that amber ring.

"Hey Alora. Missed you in Chem yesterday."

"I was sick."

"Oh well glad to see you're doing better."

"I don't need your sympathy, Atlas."

"Oh okay...um anything I can help you with Uncle Kyle?"

"I might need some help moving the tables if you don't mind."

"Sure thing."

Suddenly Ember let go of Ajax's hands and took a wobbling step foward. "Guys look! She's walking!"

All eyes flew her direction…

Ember lost her balance and flopped over again.

"She's definitely ready to be a toddler." Kyle grinned and returned to his conversation with Atlas.

Alora finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes with a scowl. Had Atlas really not seen her tears when she left school.

Over the next hour all the guests arrived. It was the first time hosting a party in Hopewell Hills and soon the house was filled with conversation.

"Where're your parents Kyle?"

"My mom is throwing a fit cause we're breaking tradition by not going to the Rec Center."

"Alright I think it's time for this girls big moment. Marie I'm sure you'd like to do the honors."

Marie groaned as she peeled herself off the couch and scooped up Ember. "Alright ya little imp. Let's do this candle-blowing thing."

Ember laughed as the candles danced.

Marie placed her on the ground. "Alright kiddo, let's show them all what you got."

Ember toddled and shook and almost fell over but she managed to take more than the one step she'd taken that morning and made it all the way to her mother's arms.

"That's my big girl!"

As the cake was served, Atlas found Alora on the bench outside. "Are you mad at me?"

Alora huffed sarcastically "Why would I be mad?"

"I don't know you just seem distant."

"I'm fine."

"Great dad says that's girl code for I'm gonna punch you in the face."

"What!?"

"This is a waste of time."

"Oh so now I'm a waste of time?"

"What? Alora, what the reaper is going on with you?"

"Marie told me you're looking for your dad."

"Yeah so?"

"I had to find out through my sister, who found out through your brother. I thought we were friends!"

"So that means you're entitled to the most intimate parts of my life!?"

"I just thought-"

"You thought what Alora?"

Her hand rested on his before she thought better of it. "I thought you wouldn't want to be alone."

"I don't need your support. It's embarrassing."

"Why would it be embarrassing?"

"Cause...I get angry and I don't like when you see me angry"

Alora giggled, "You don't scare me"

He rolled his eyes, "You have a death wish"

"Let's go swing and you can tell me about your search"

"Are you 12?"

"You're 50. It's called balance"

After a little while Alora got bored and started to climb. "What are you doing?"

"The view is better up here."

"Wait I'm coming too."

"Don't rip those nice pants your mom bought you."

"You better not be looking." She blushed and turned away trying to steady her racing heart.

"Hey why are you so far away. Come here."

She swallowed and turned around and he scooted closer, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "If you wanted me to ask you to prom you should've just asked."

"You knew?" He just smirked and leaned in, brushing his lips gently against hers.

While Alora was having her first kiss Nikolas asked Marie to take a walk with him. "How you doing kiddo?"

"I'm fine grandpa. Why does everyone-"

"Hey! Why so defensive?"

She sighed. "I just feel trapped. I shouldn't complain. I have a loving family and I know they care but..."

"It's not what you pictured for yourself."

"No it's not...but...going out there and pursuing my dream when..."

"I know. I haven't told your grandmother this cause I know she relies on my stoic nature but I've been having a bit of a breakdown."

"You?"

"I actually cried Marie."

"No way."

"I've only ever done that one other time."

"When?"

"When I almost screwed up things with your grandmother. She'd just got out of a bad situation and I moved too fast. Almost became what she expected me to be."

"Why are you telling me this?"

Nik chuckled dryly. "There was one other time...I almost broke down."

"When?"

"When we found out about your mother. But I buried it. I knew I needed to be strong for her. For both of them. So I gave in to anger instead. But...families don't grow out of anger."

Marie rolled her eyes and pulled Nik's arm around her. "Is this the part where you tell me to learn from your mistakes and let go of my anger"

"Was it that obvious?"

"I've had a few of these pep talks from Grandma"

"Okay I'll mix it up a bit...want to know how we both healed?"

"I'm listening."

"We ran away."

"You're kidding!"

"Nope. She took your mother and got far away. I ran off to school. We both had to leave the people who loved us to find ourselves. But slowly, surely new life started to grow where once there had been death."

Kyle knocked on Marie's door and the unlatched door swung open. He could see she was still asleep and her voice drifted to where he stood in the doorway.

She was mumbling but he couldn't figure out anything coherent. "Marie?" he touched her knee.

"Don't Paul."

She jolted awake.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just a stupid dream."

"Have you been having them often?"

"No. A couple times since the therapy ended. Not of the accident though.”

"Want to talk about him?"

"I'm tired of talking about it."

"Not Toby...Paul..."

"Crap."

"Baby. I don't know what happened but you can talk to us. Break ups are hard and when there's a baby involved..."

"Please don't dad."

"He should know he's a dad."

"No! That's one thing that can't happen."

"You shouldn't have to do this alone."

"I did this to myself."

Marie rarely remembered her dreams but she remembered the guitar. Her fingers plucking all the wrong chords. Paul's laugh.

"Give it up Marie, you're terrible."

But then she'd looked up and her eyes caught his, the amber ring in his eyes catching the light and he smiled.

"You're plenty loved and we can find you another dad. Just like grandma has."

Ember didn't know what her mother was saying but she smiled at the sound of her mom's voice.

Downstairs Alora was quick to take her off Marie's hands and she didn't protest. 

"Hungry little lady?"

Marie poured herself a cup of coffee while Ava made breakfast "Your father says you had a nightmare."

"It wasn't a nightmare. Why does everyone assume I'm having panic attacks and nightmares?"

"Marie you went through a tragic experience."

"Did I now!?"

"Marie..."

"Why are you yelling...and what happened to Ember's face?"

"She's enjoying her ice cream"

"Ice cream for breakfast? You're gonna make her pudgy before she's even a child."

"Ajax!"

"I'm just saying mom it's never too early to start good habits."

"He's right."

"Well fine then if he's so smart, he can feed her."

"Fine I will. How would you like some sweet potato little lady."

"Looks like she likes it."

"Well sooorry for wanting to give her something nice."

"Do you have something you need to say to me."

"Just forget it Marie."

"Where are you going in such a hurry."

"School!"

"Oh okay...did you eat?"

"OMW I'll eat if I want to when I want to, stop trying to control my life!"

"Alora, enough with the attitude. You have plenty of time before school so sit."

Alora scowled but did what she was told.

"Are you really not gonna eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"You should eat something."

"Prom is coming up and Atlas still hasn't asked her."

"Mind your own business Marie. Just because your life is one big boy problem doesn't mean everyone's is."

"Alora that's enough."

Alora slammed out of the house with Ajax not far behind her. She didn't come home after school.

"Dad where's Alora? She was supposed to watch Ember."

"She called to say she was going to the rec center with some friends."

"What friends?"

"I don't know but I can watch Em."

"She told me she'd be here. Mom and I have an appointment"

"Calm down K." "Hard to calm down when this little imp is screaming in my ear."

"She's your daughter and she just wants your attention."

As if on cue Ember cooed and reached for Marie's face. "Ah not the hair."

Ember started wailing again and Kyle chuckled, "And to think you were even worse. Just put her on the floor to play, she'll calm down."

Marie put her down and Ember pushed herself up. "When'd she learn to do that?"

"Couple weeks ago. Not long till she'll be a toddler."

"Yeah.”

"You must be Ava Mizrahi. It's nice to meet you. Don't look so nervous it's not as bad as people make it sound."

Marie scoffed, "Are you nervous mom?"

"A little can you blame me? It's permanent."

"You came for "The Angel."

"Yes. It's a lovely piece."

"It is and I'm sorry."

Ava shook her head and moved to the chair. "I'll go first."

"You're husband knows you're here right?"

"Of course. He encouraged it. When I showed him the article he cried more than I did. Practically insisted."

"Do you want black and white or colored."

"Colored...one of each"

Finally the process was done and Ava stood in front of the mirror.

"What do you think?"

"It's perfect."

"Mom...I didn't know you lost two."

"I...it's a long story."

The artist nodded, "They usually are...my wife lost 7 before we finally had our daughter."

"That's so many."

"Okay your turn." Marie hopped onto the chair confidently. "Not many girls get sword tattoos."

"One of my best friends was going to be a swashbuckling pirate in a play, he..."

"I'm sorry."

Marie shrugged, "The fire's for my daughter, Ember. The eye...it just looked cool."

"Alright you're all done. Go take a look in the mirror."

"Well, Baby what do you think?"

"I look like a total badass."

Ava chuckled. "That's my girl."

"Would you mind if I took a picture for my portfolio? It'd really mean a lot to advertise The Angel"

"Of course."

As they wrapped up the small photoshoot the door burst open "Daddy!"

"Is it 4 already?"

"Yep, Mommy says it's time to wrap up."

"Does she now." He turned toward the sound of heels coming through the door and grinned at his wife. "Darling there's someone I'd like you to meet"

"Ava this is my wife, Anya. The designer of The Angel."

"When I saw Mizrahi on the calendar I had to check for myself. I knew your mother when you were just a baby. I'm sorry for your losses. But as someone on the other side...let this be the first step, for both of you, to forgive yourself."

The sun was already going down and casting the perfect glow across the living room and making it the perfect temperature for Ember and Papa to take a nap.

Ava knelt beside them and brushed her husband's nose. Had it really been so long since he had held Marie like this?

Ember's eyes fluttered open and she grinned when she saw her grandmother. Ava held a finger to her lips, "Don't wake Papa. He had to get up early today."

Kyle's arms tightened around the baby as she moved and eventually he let out a sigh and opened his eyes.

"I can take her."

Kyle held Ember out to her and the light caught the amber ring in her grey eyes. "You okay."

"Yeah. Sometimes her eyes just catch me off guard. I don't know why."

"They're just like Marie's. Sometimes it's a little disconcerting."

"Sometimes they don’t look like hers though."

A few hours later, Kyle came out for a late dinner. "I forgot what it was like having an infant around. I'm exhausted."

"Thanks for getting up early to take Marie to the station so I could get some extra sleep. You hungry? I can heat you up something."

"I am pretty hungry."

Ava tensed as Kyle's hand drifted under her unbuttoned overshirt and grazed over her breast. Her mind flitted over the whereabouts of the children unable to let her relax.

"You...you talked to my dad."

"Yeah the doc agrees. This will be her last session."

"She won't be happy."

Ava's hands tightened on his shirt as he let out a breath in her ear and nibbled on her earlobe

"The doctor was already getting concerned. Said she's pushing herself too hard."

Ava turned in his arms with a sigh. "I don't know how to help her."

"She doesn't want our help."

"Ten...nine...eight...sev......." The disembodied voice faded and Marie felt her pulse spike. "Deep breaths Marie." The voice said "Where are you?"

"I...I'm in the car." Her heart was racing, her hands sweaty where they gripped the wheel."

"Good. What do you see?"

"Marie?"

Toby's voice pulled her away from the voice in her head and her pulse spiked again.

"Are you okay?"

She put her head on the steering wheel. She had to breathe. She had to remember. "10...9...8..." She whispered until her breathing steadied.

She adjusted the mirror again.

"I can't believe you just left him there."

"Oh Watcher, I'm a terrible person! If his mom finds out, I'm dead! Maybe I should go back!"

"And do what exactly? Tell me you at least used a condom."

"Shit."

"Seriously Marie. That's like rule number one."

"It just happened, okay."

"LOOK OUT!"

Marie slammed on the breaks,

"I don't think you hit it. Marie? Marie what is it?"

The steering wheel, hands covered in blood, fire...

"Hello earth to Marie."

No, no she had to focus had to remember. She pulled her hands from the steering wheel. "10...9...8..."

"Seriously Marie. That's like rule number one."

"It just happened, okay."

"Well let's just hope Paul was too blackout drunk to remember...and there aren't any other surprises. LOOK OUT!"

She slammed on the breaks.

"Well I don't think you hit it. Hello. Earth to Marie!"

The giant computer in the lab lit up as another memory shot across her synapses. "I think she's waking up."

"Already?"

"She must be getting closer to the actual memory."

"That's good right."

"Perhaps...ah...there she is. Not too fast dear give your mind a chance to catch up."

The doc checked a few things on the computer before coming to her side. "How do you feel?"

"Tired, confused...relieved that it's over."

"What did you see?"

"The car of course. We were in Copperdale, leaving a party."

"And Tobias?"

"He was there...he definitely wasn't high."

"And you?"

"I was…distressed. I'd left my boyfriend at a party knock out drunk. Toby was angry about it."

"That you left him?"

"No...that I...um...hadn't acted responsibly"

"I see. Explain to me what you saw. Little things like something you passed or what you were wearing."

"I was wearing a red dress, I think there were flowers in my hair, I saw them in the mirror. Toby was also in red with a vest and that hat he loved so much."

Doctor Bryce frowned and so did Nikolas

"Did I say something wrong?"

"I'm sorry. I don't think I can help you anymore."

"What why?"

"The mind is a delicate thing and it seems it is currently at war with itself. While your conscious mind might be desperate to remember your subconscious refuses to share."

"I am ready. We can keep trying."

"Ignoring your body's warnings can be even more dangerous."

"So we just give up?"

"Pushing you right now could force the conscious mind to create scenarios that didn't happen. Or confuse events like it did today. Which will only hinder your progress."

"You mean I won't be able to tell real from fake anymore."

"It's a possibility."

A few days later back in San Sequoia, Ava found her daughter in her room...as she had been since she'd come home. "I brought you some dinner."

"I'm not hungry. I'm trying to quiet my mind."

"Baby, nothing's gonna happen if you starve yourself. Here I brought some coffee too."

Marie sat up as her mom sat on the edge of the bed.

"I hate to see you like this, K. You're hurting yourself and Ember." "I know I just hate this feeling that I can't trust my own mind. Like there's something inside of me with a mind of it's own telling me to shut up."

Ava climbed onto the bed and Marie leaned against her thinking of that night...Toby's arms crossed angrily. He'd known what she'd done. Angry because he cared. He cared about her, cared about Paul, cared about Lacey.

A rabbit ran across the road and she swerved...or was it a fox.

[TW//T3rr0rism]

[The near future]

“It’s been 24 hours since the attack on San Myshuno leveled Alto Towers leaving devastation in its wake. And filling us all with questions. We now go live to City hall where Senator Blanton is preparing to make a statement.”

"The loss we have experienced here in San Myshuno is devastating. There are no words that can possibly be enough. Though there is still much we do not know, I can say with absolute certainty that these attacks came from Oasis Springs and the organization known as the OSS."

"In an effort to prevent future attacks and protect not just San My but all our beloved Worlds we will be launching the Online Mapping Initiative or OMI which will allow us to track down these monsters and bring them to justice. I will not rest until our Worlds are safe again."

"In the devastation a number of civilians were seen rescuing those still trapped including this unidentified man-"

The TV clicked off. "Seems they still haven't recognized you"

"Only a matter of time. And once they realize...

"It'll lead them to him. I know"

The twangy sound of Ranch music echoed through the room and put Derrick's teeth on edge. "Why are you torturing yourself with this?"

The man didn't answer and Derrick moved to turn it off. The man's fingers twitched as the room went quiet but he made no other movements.

Derrick sighed. "Still nothing on the news but they got a pretty good look at my face."

"Why are you still here Derrick?"

"Your career's not over yet. What you need is to get away from all this for awhile. I bought a house for you far away. Let me deal with the press."

[11 years earlier- Present Day]

The warm water pooled around Ember's waist and filled her with wonder. So many new experiences every day and so many people willing to show her.

Something fell on her face and she looked up in surprise at the woman smiling down on her, then giggled

"Okay munchkin time to get serious." Ember's smile faded at her aunt's tone.

Alora produced a rubber ducky giving it a little squeek and Ember didn't know if she was supposed to laugh until Alora spoke in a silly voice.

"There's nothing more serious then bathtime."

Ember played while Alora busied herself with scrubbing her down. It was easy to empty her mind when she was with Ember and not think about...Atlas...nope nope she wasn't gonna think of that no-good, hot-headed...gorgeous...

Ember splashed and Alora realized the water was cold.

"Okay Munchkin. All done. Can't have you catching a cold."

"Eeeee" Ember squeeled as Alora pulled her from the water.

"What do you think Em? Should Auntie Lor just move on? I'm not pretty like your mommy. Guys aren't flocking to be with me. A guy like Atlas will never like me."

Alora took Ember to her playmat and laid her on her stomach. Ember did not like that nearly as much as bathtime.

"Oh look it's mean Auntie Lor."

"At least I'm not ignoring her."

Suddenly Ember stopped crying and realized that her face was much closer to her favorite hedgehog.

"That's it Em. Look how big the world is."

Marie scoffed, "So excited for nothing. Congrats little imp you can lift your own melon."

"If you don't have something nice to say, you can go away."

"Relax it's not like she understands what I'm saying. Just look how happy she is."

Ember tried to reach for the hedgehog and lost her balance. Marie scowled and grabbed a clean bottle from the counter. The pumped milk and Ember's silver eyes were about the only evidence that Marie was actually her mother.

"bir bir bir" Ember babbled.

"That's right munchkin"

One night the phone rang. "Hey Dudley."

"Hey sorry I haven't called recently. Things have just been really busy with school. I think I found an agent."

"That's amazing Duds. Can't wait to hear your first album."

"I'll send you an autographed copy. Somewhere in Chestnut right?"

"Yeah...maybe."

"What do you mean? That's your dream!"

"A lot's happened."

"My mom told me about the accident...and the baby." Marie swallowed. "Does your boyfriend know?"

"Paul? No we broke up...he never even reached out."

"I'm sorry, K."

"Don't be. He was just a dumb boy"

In the other room Ava pulled Kyle away from the door where they had been listening in on the conversation. “Paul.” Ava mouthed and Kyle nodded.

They heard Marie’s footsteps in the kitchen as she opened the fridge and Kyle kissed Ava so suddenly she let out a moan.

"Gross!" Marie shouted.

Once the coast was clear they climbed into bed. Do you remember her talking about a Paul?”

“She talked about a lot of guys. I’m sure Paul was one of them.”

“Do you think we should find him. He should know he’s a father right?”

“I don’t think that’s our business.”

Ava looked up at her husband. “She’s so broken Kyle. Did you hear her voice when she talked about his album?”

“Like she couldn’t really be happy for him.”

“When was the last time you saw her hold Ember.”

“Not since her birthday. Hey I have a thought and you’re gonna hate it.”

Ava climbed off him and lay down. “Why?”

“Actually maybe you won’t…but I hate it.”

“What is it Kyle?”

“I think…we should kick her out.”

“What?”

“I know I hate it but not like in a mean way just like push out the door you know.”

“But why?”

“Because we can’t help her. And neither can that doctor your dad has her seeing.”

“But I’m her mother.”

“Of course you are. But she’s always needed to figure this things out for herself and being here…she’s just hiding.”

“Okay…but it’ll have to be her idea or it won’t work.”