Johnny watched the group of skater dudes show off their board tricks. Maybe being outside would be good. After all, sitting in your room writing lyrics and getting background checks done on you weren't conducive to physical fitness.

Oh yeah, that. After nearly a year of training and a ton of lie-detector tests, he was through. But now that he was IN the Agency, it wasn't too exciting. Case officers are the real spies, Johnny assured himself.

Maybe he should call his family around one last time before leaving...or stop by their houses. Johnny reached for his phone and called first up on his "Family" folder of contacts: Susan.

Miley decided to pay her older brother a visit, while Peter was skatebaording with his friends. Since his house was near the skatepark, she could keep an eye on her cousin and visit her oldest brother. She knocked on his door and rang the doorbell, waiting for an answer. When they were younger, she and Johnny were the closest. Now, he seemed so distant, while Justin was th ecloser one. Justin used to be the biggest jerk out of her siblings, but was now the kindest. She decided she would tell Johnny about Justin's baby, so that he would visit him.

Chloe raced out of the house, her heart beating fast in her chest. It had just been a few hours ago since she had first heard the news of Brad. Justin had come in, and told Maralyn all that had happened to him. How after they had been taken away in the van, the men in black had moved him to a different place. And how Brad had come accusing Justin of being involved in the deal that cost his wife her life. But mostly angry that he had done nothing to help his daughter, Vickie Mae.
Chloe knew that Brad didn't really believe all that he had accused Justin of. In her very core, she knew that Brad was really just very angry that his daughter had been thrown into the government system. She felt her heart squeeze at the thought.
Her lungs were burning by the time she made it up the hill. Somehow, Chloe had known that Brad would be here. This hilltop, with its beautiful view, was his special place. This is where he poured his heart out to the Lord, this is the place he went to for comfort, for guidance when life dealt him a blow.
Chloe had found about this place when she was "stalking" him, years ago when she had a crush. Now they had moved on past that point. Brad and her were very good friends. Friends who had things in common. They could laugh at the same joke, had the same bluntness when interacting with people, and were always arguing with each other in fun.
She was right. As she reached the top of the hill, she saw the profile of Brad, leaning against a tree.
"Brad!" she cried as she ran toward him. She fell into his arms. "I thought you were--!"
Brad returned her hug with a coldness that made her stop.
"Why didn't you ever tell me you were alive." She punched his arm half-angry, half-jokingly.
Brad caught her hand, his normal smile at her banter had not come. His face was a mask of seriousness, and a hint of anger.
"Not even you? Of all the people I thought would have helped. Of all the people I thought would have understood. Not even you?"
Chloe at once understood what he was inferring. Her smile disappeared from her face. Opening her mouth to retort back, her words stopped before they came out.
"No one saved my Vickie!" Brad spat into her face, then turned sharply and strode back in forth in front of her. He ran his fingers through his shaggy hair. "And then you wonder why I came back?! With treatment like that to a daughter, even someone buried in the grave would come back to life!"
Chloe felt shame and remorse flush her face. She hung her head.
"Are you going to give me some lousy excuse too?!" Brad vehemently put his hands on the tree on either side of her, effectively trapping her between his arms. She had no choice but to look up into his tortured face. His eyes were filled with anger, but behind that the driving force was sorrow. Sorrow at what his little innocent daughter had been put through. Sorrow that she had done nothing. The impact of her non action pierced through her. Why had she just grieved and then forgotten? Why had she just walked through life without a thought of another? How could she have done that to her best friend! To his small girl! Her heart ached at the thought. Tears came to her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks. She could not answer the man. She had no answer.
"Brad...I--I'm so sorry." A sob shook her frame, and muffled her voice.
Brad moved his arms down until they were around her. She leaned into his brotherly embrace, and they hung on to each other. Her weeping quieted after a few moments and she wiped her face on his shirt. When she looked up, Brad's eyes were dried, but she was sure a few moments ago, his tears had been falling with hers.
"I was selfish. Forgive me."
Brad brushed his fingers under Chloe's eyes, wiping the last remaining teardrop. "I will."
There was a beat of silence, where each was lost in their own thoughts about the passing of time and what each had missed. Then Brad broke the silence as he leaned back against the other tree and crossed his arms. "That's the first 'I'm sorry' I've heard since I've come back. In fact the first 'glad to see you' too."
"Well, you hardly made a good entrance," Chloe laughed.
"I didn't mean to scare Maralyn. Tell her that for me, okay?"
"Sure," Chloe nodded.
"You should go." Brad looked around as if he was expecting someone to popped out from behind the trees. "And I can't stay long. I've got a meeting at the foster care center in Ceffer. I'm going to get my little girl back."
Brad's eyes shinned for the first time since Chloe had met him again, his anger and sorrow took the second seat in his emotions. Chloe pressed her lips together in thought. "If there's anything I can do..."
Brad waved his hand in dismission. He turned to leave.
"I'm sorry, Brad, I really am," Chloe said intently.
"I know you are." Brad's face was serious.
Chloe gave a small wave as she started down the hillside.
Brad could feel something was wrong. His hair stood up on his neck. He should have made the meeting shorter. It was dangerous being in one place too long. Especially if he didn't have his backup men with him. He should not have let them go back to headquarters. Or at least sent a message with them telling about the men that he was sure were following him. But it was too late. The whistle in the air first told him about the incoming explosive. Then the loud boom a half second later. The shock wave sent him hurling into the ground, the flash blinding him. Suddenly, he felt as if he were floating above the ground. From this view he could see Chloe hitting the earth as the blast sent her flying. He felt like he was in a dreamlike state. Then he was being hurled back to earth, back into his body. He could feel the pain as the shrapnel sliced through him. Then he was slipping into oblivion. The darkness was closing around him. He fought for reality, for his mind to stay in the present, but it was flying through the past. When he was a boy and getting his first football. In highschool, when he made his first touchdown. The images changed to June's face when he asked her to marry him in the mall. Suddenly, his mind was clear. He was dying. He was going to see his June again. As his eyes closed, there was one last thought. A calm peace filled him. A certainty. His Vickie Mae was alright. She would be cared for.

((OOC: Why thank you eusy for saving Johnny from a very awkward phone call ))

Johnny heard the doorbell ring, and he hung up the phone and went to answer. The UPS truck was early for today.

"Hey--," Johnny blinked. This didn't look like the UPS guy..."Miley? I haven't seen you in forever. I mean, you haven't seen me in forever. No, wait, nevermind. Come inside."

Johnny swung the door open for his sister to step in, then slammed it shut before any stray mosquitoes could come flying in. "Do you want anything to drink?" He rifled through his depressingly empty fridge and pantry. Oh well. Maybe once he got married someone would be there to clean the house and stock it up with food. Married life. That was a whole other topic.

"There's water, and Pepsi, and...water."

He looked at the top of the Pepsi cans. Win a trip to the 2004 Olympics! On the other hand...

"Um, actually I only have water."

(OOC: OH MY WORD! Pon, I can't tell you enough how moving that was. Oh gosh, I've been waiting for more of Brad. There he is. Wow, came back from a day trip look what I find......oh man. That was awesome!! I can't say enough! But, so he's dead? Sad, but, it feels right. I wish he would have been able to see Vickie Mae though. That would have been a sweet moment. Great job PON! I feel like I just read a book....a novel ))))

Melisha watched Brooklyn leave and wrapped her arms around herself. She gripped welts that were bulging on her arms and yelped in pain. Each one hurt to touch. A sob caught in her throat as she pressed both hands against her lips in an attempt not to cry. No no, it wouldn't come out. Enough tears had been shed already. It was clear to see. She needed reality. She needed to know what she was doing out here. Running away....but why? I wasn't ready. Now I'm hurt, and I need help She grasped the empty water bottle, and crushed it between her fingers. I'm so cold inside. I miss my family....my Mother, and Brother...and my little brother that isn't born yet But she couldn't miss her Father. How could she miss those numerous whippings behind the shed. She slid to the side and curled up on the damp floor of the alley, it's all she could do to pass the time

******

Susan's face fell, then a feeling of despair clamped like jaws over her heart. Suddenly she felt her world shattering, her beauty fading into wrinkles, her hair falling from her head. The gravity of what her doctor had just revealed weighed so hard on her, she wondered why it didn't break her shoulders. Her tongue went dry, and for the first time in years she felt like a child. Like that little girl who had been wounded by a dog, and thought if she would die from a simple bite. But this was worse, she felt like crying, screaming, laughing, and being emotionless all at the same time. Her blue eyes looked up into the soft green ones of her doctor, who was whispering how sorry he was. She couldn't hear him. She felt her cell phone vibrating in her pocket, as someone tried to call her, but again she didn't care. She wanted to feint or die and could do neither. She mumbled a few words for that's all her twisted tongue could make "No, impossible. No..." But it didn't help. She heard the devil laughing in her ear, chiding her, taunting her. Reminding her of past sins, how she had given up her face. That's when the scream came. "NO!!!!" she cried, and sprung up from her chair looking to the doctor. "Please, please, tell me it's not true!!

"I'd do anything to be able to tell you that Susan. But I can't" he said gentle hands on her shaking shoulders "We'll do all we can

****

Ian spun around, staring at the young boy before him, dressed in rough clothes with red hair spilling out from under a hood. He tried not to laugh, and managed to keep a straight face "You must be Micah" he said in a tight voice. He flipped out a chair from his desk "Would you like to sit down?" he raised a curious eye brow "So your my cousin...."

((OOC: Also, Hummy....BIG HUG! So glad your back )))

Micah plopped himself into a chair at the desk. "Yes, I'm your cousin." He didn't know whether he could completely trust Ian or not. Still, his bones ached for a place to stay, even if he were to be returned to his dad. He shuddered, as he thought of the beatings his dad gave him every time he refused to steal something. If he did steal, his dad would buy him icecream or a new ipod or whatever. He shifted his eyes to a wall, then back to Ian. "You haven't by any chance heard form Dad, have you?" Then, he chastised himself for asking, because Ian could always lie and het goons could be right here. Still, if Ian moved here...then maybe he wasn't part of his dad's business.
~~~~~~~~~
Miley giggled, as she made her way to her big brother's grey couch. "I'm good. What have you been up to? It's been a long time."

"Not much," Johnny said. He sat down on the chair across Miley. "Well actually, I got a new job." Miley did qualify as "immediate family" after all. There was no point hiding the truth from his sister.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Ally sneezed and wished she had a tissue, but unfortunately she had left it at home.

"Stacey, do you think I should have brought my purse?" It wasn't really a question, more a rant.

Ally plopped herself down on a bench and casually waited for Peter and the gang to come closer. The park naturally came this way, and they sure weren't going to skateboard in circles in the east corner. She stretched. Who were those other boys? Maybe they'd be worth a look...

Curiously, Miley asked, "What's the new job?"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Stacey whispered. "Yeah, you should have brought your purse. Look at all these cute guys! Peter has such cute friends now. Way cuter than that Nate boy he hung around with adnd they're mostly male!" She grinned, glad there would be more options for her. If she couldn't have Peter, she could at least ahve a friend of his.

Logan guided his board around toward where Peter, Emmy, Brian, and Jen were, deciding he would ride up fast and perform a frontside 180 in front of them, just to show off his moves. A relatively easy trick that he’d done millions of times. As he approached, however, he changed his mind, and decided a frontside 360 would be more impressive.

“Hey guys, watch this,” He called out as he approached, lowering himself just a bit and winding his upper body in preparation. Then he spun his torso, popped his board into an Ollie, and guided his board and body around 360 perfect degrees.

At least, he intended to make 360. What he actually achieved was more like 270, at which point he ungracefully lost his board and stumbled away a few feet, finally catching his balance and saving himself from a face-first fall.

He spun around, and saw the others watching him; Emmy was rolling her eyes. Logan was set back only for a moment, then he swished his hair and put on a huge grin. “That right there is called a frontside 270 fall-off,” Logan joked as he picked up his skateboard. “Few can pull it off so well. As cool as it is, though, this is going to be so much better.” After announcing his next attempt, Logan pushed his board up to a satisfying speed, and completed a nice pop shove it underflip, causing the board to spin and then flip before he landed back on the deck, glad it had worked properly. He glided back around. “See? So much cooler.”

Peter gave Logan a clap. "Wow, man, that was an awewsome save you did. "
Jen agreed. "I really liked the spinning and flipping you did, while landing on the deck."
Before Peter could congradulate Logan some more, Stacey walked up oto them and put a hand on Logan's shoulder. Giving him a cheeky grin, she said, "Hey, couldn't help but notice you got great moves."
Then, she backed away, trying to retain some modesty. "I'm Stacey, by the way. I've seen you in the halls, but what is yours?"
Peter asked Stacey, "What are you doing here?"
Stacey shrugged. "Came to see if you hair has grown back from all the times you lost it last year."
Peter blinked. "Well, it has." He was embarrased Stacey brought it up, but kept as causal of a demanor as possible. "And that's why you're harrassing my friend?"
Stacey giggled. "Not harrasing." She tugged on Logan's hair. "Besides, he's a real man."
That was it! She questioned his manhood, and now he had to prove her wrong. Fortunately Jen came to the rescue. "Peter is very manly."
She put an arm on his shoulder. "I wouldn't have dated him if he wasn't."
Peter thanked her and quickly grabbed his skateboard. He didn't know any tricks or how to real well, but started off with the basics. He felt himself gliding down the ramp, when he lost his balance and landed on the hot metal of the ramp, causing his arm to touch it. He winced a little, then casually walked up to his friends and Stacey. From a distance, he could see Ally. Those girls were up to no good, but he wasn't running from those nutjobs this time.
Stacey asked, "And where are the tears form falling down?"
Rubbing his own arm, Peter said, "There aren't any. I don't remeber ever crying because I fell down any way." He turned to Logan and Brian, "I would like to learn some new tricks..."
He wanted to ask for advice on how to stay stable, but was too embarrassed to admit he would have trouble now. Why did Stacey have to mention some of the most embarrassing moments of his life? Sure, he had other moments a lot more embarrassing, but why did she have to mention any of this in front of his new friend? What's next, she's going to tell them he used to cry over his hair? "Logan, Brian and Jen, can we talk, alone?"
Stacey put her hands in the air. "Fine! I'll leave."
Then, she walked closer to Andrew. "Hot moves. You seem to be the only real man here."

"It's like being an American ambassador of sorts," Johnny explained. "I'll just be...you know...overseas. Doing ambassador stuff."

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Ally laughed at Stacey. Her friend definitely went ofr the direct approach...on the other hand, didn't she as well?

Ally sauntered up to the group and linked an arm with Stacey. "Hey, guys. What's the party here for?"

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

"...right there was the 270 fall-off..."

Zach heard the familiar voices from school hallways and closed the dumpster's top quietly. He jumped up to be seen from the restaurant's back. "HEY! PETER! BRIAN!"

((OOC: Thanks Lon! Fun to be back!))

Peter turned to see his old friend, Zach from middle school. "Hey!" He turned to his friends. "Let's go say 'hi' to him." He wanted to add, "And talk about what just happened later." THen, he turned to see Andrew surrounded by both Ally and Stacey. "I'm going to go say hi to Zach. You all rescue Andrew." He shot them a grin, then rushed off. "Hey Zach! How are you? Long time no see? WHere oyu go to school at now?"
~~~~~~~~~
Stacey pointed to Brian. "Hey, Ally, I think he's available for you. If only he wouldn't stand so close to that ugly girl (Emmy) next to him."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Miley said, "You were always intersted in government work, no matter how much Justin and I tried to stop you. You couldn't fall for our innocent cute faces telling you not to long enough could you?" She gave her brother a smirk. "I say we go say hi to Peter, tehn head on to JUstin's to see his baby."

Ian shook his head, opening up a small fridge he had. "No. I don't even know who he is" he grasped a single can of soda, and tossed it to Micah "There. Have that" He plopped down onto his bed, and eyed Micah, watching how nervous he seemed to be. His eyes fidgeted around the room, his arms and legs tensed and un-tensed. Something was wrong with this boy. Ian tossed his head, throwing a flopping lock of hair back onto his head "So....tell me dude. What's going on?"

Being friendly seemed the best approach. Speaking in his own language, acting like the reckless teen this boy seemed to be would help him connect to him faster.

****

"Sure" Brian responded to Peter quietly, glaring at Andrew. There was no reason to threaten Peter, whether he had bullied Andrew in the past or not. Logan had managed to get the first word in, but Brian felt anger burn inside. He didn't take his friends being picked on easily. He looked back to Peter then jogged over to a bench retrieving his skateboard. "Come on Pete, let's go shred" he winked at his friend. That's when he caught sight of Emmy, standing back with Jen. His eyes locked on her for a long second, and he wondered if Logan saw him staring. Snap out of it Brian....stop looking... he chided himself but couldn't keep himself from it. He pulled himself away from her for a minute, as Logan came skating toward them calling them to watch. He did watch, just cause he wanted to see him skate. Check out his skill. He turned to do a 360 and ended up failing, though failing with great style. He rolled his eyes, and almost wanted to laugh but didn't. He watched Emmy for a reaction and just saw her too roll her eyes. They shared the same thoughts on his showing off.

Then Peter took his board, and went out on it. Brian flinched, watching as Peter slipped and banged his arm against the hot metal. He made a small face but casually returned to his group of friends. "Pete! Let me give you a few tips! Your arm okay?"

That's when he noticed another girl attempting to flirt with Logan. He ignored her and him and went to Peter. "Careful when you skateboard, nasty falls can really hurt." then from behind some called their name loudly. Brian jumped, then turned. "What in the!?!?"

It wasn't until the officers had taken Abigail's Father from the building did he break free. Shoving down with his arms, he threw the two men off balance. One stumbled and fell, yelping from pain in his ankle. The other pulled a revolver but was too late to block a punch to the face, a jab to the stomach, then a quick chop to the back of neck. Retrieving the hand gun, her Father turned to the house and popped three shots into the up stairs window before running. He hopped into a black SUV sitting in an alley near by, and sped away.

*

Abigail was first releaved that her Father was gone, then as a shot rang out and her window shattered she fell onto Amanda and both girls toppled to the floor in a heap. They staid down as two more bullets rocketed their way through her home. Then all fell silent, and she sat up breathing hard. She threw her arms around her friend and cried "Oh! This must all be a nightmare Amanda! Tell me I'll wake up soon"

****

Brandon strode along the streets of Ditto town, his hands shoved in the pockets of his leather jacket. A tension was in his gut, and he was brittle and alert for anything unexpected. The street lamp near him flickered and blew out, flooding the area with absolute darkness. A eerie blackness. He rolled to the side and came up on his haunches, kneeling in the bushes. Breath caught in his lungs as a black cat scurried across the street squealing and meowing wildly. He watched it dissapear then watched the street with apprihension. Someone was calling tonight. He stood and ran off down the sidewalk, dissapearing like a shadow.

Micah gratefully took the soda, glad his cousin didn't know about his dad. He had heard about Micah's family, but his dad always spoke ill of his brother, Ian's dad. Remembering that, fear left him for a second. "Well, My dad is your dad's brother. Anyways, he owns a theiving business and would beat me if I didn't steal. So, I got into the habit of stealing and wanted to break free of the life. I was tired of having to wake up at 11 at night and tired of earning people's trust just to steal from them and everything I say being a lie. I knew stealing was wrong, but I stole money from my dad and ran away to come here." He shifted his eyes nervously. "I think he sent his goons after me. If they find me, I could get seriously hurt, killed or put in juvie or even jail where they will shave my head! I don't know what to do and am worried they will kill anyone I'm close to or me!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Jen heard Brian say "What in the ?!", she teased, "That is five dollars in the potty mouth bucket, mister."
She looked admirignly at Peter, who was talking to Zach. "That is Zach. He went to our school last year and was sort of friends with us. Not as close as Nate was or you are. Wanna join him?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stacey turned to Ally, "Just look at him (Andrew)." Then, she turned to Andrew, "OMIGOSH! YOU"RE A SKATER! AAAHHH OMYGOSH! ALLY! TAKE A PICTURE WITH MY CELL PHONE!"
~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda shook her head sadly. "That was no nightmare. OKay, I'm going to take you to therapy. Are you up for it?"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Justin was leaving work, when he decided to stop by Ian's. Deciding to give him a call first, he dialed Ian's number.

"Hah!" Johnny laughed for a moment. "No, your faces just couldn't stop me this time."

He leaned back and thought about his brother and cousin. Yeah, a visit would be nice. "Okay. Where are we headed then?" He heaved himself up and smiled at Miley. "Are you leading?"

~~~~~~

Ally gave Brian a flirty smile and waved. "Hi. I'm Ally." She thrust out a hand with bright pink fingernails. "Are you new here? I think we'll see you in Ditto High if you live here then."

While waiting for Brian to react, she used the split second to assess Emmy.

~~~~~~

"Same as you, I assume," Zach answered. "I mean, we live in the same town and same school district, no?" He grinned at his friend. "Wait a minute...have you been hiding from me?"

Zach tugged his apron off and threw it through the back door of the building, yelling something in Spanish to the dish washer inside. "So. Skateboarding?"