*That Tuesday*

"Hello, is Aricka here?" Thomas looks suspiciously at the boy on his steps.

"Yes, but can I know who's asking?"

"Her brother-Dean Conrad." Thomas squints.

"Her brothers died in the same accident as her parents."

"No-I survived, they just-they didn't tell me Aricka was still-can I see her? I'll explain everything when you let me."

Reluctantly, Thomas lets the man in, and says, "Aricka, there's someone here to see you."

Aricka and Amaya had been watching Doctor Who, but when she heard her name, she turned.

Immediately, her face drained of color, and she shakily stood up. "I don't know who you think you are, but this is a cruel prank to play," she says through gritted teeth.

"Aricka-it's me, Dean. I survived. I tried to find you, but Molly said you were already in an orphanage. I looked there, but you were already adopted. I tried to stay away, but I needed to see you, even if it was only once and I never saw you again."

"How do I know it's you?" she asks. Amaya, Thomas, Patton, and Virgil look on like they're at a sporting match.

"Your name is Aricka Lilian Conrad. You were 5 1/2 years old. You loved sprinkles on everything, except chicken because you said that was "yucky." On the day of the crash, I made you chocolate chip pancakes, and you, your favorite stuffie Blue-Y, and I played Tag until they were done."

Aricka's eyes fill with tears. "Why didn't you come sooner? When I had cancer? When my boyfriend died? I needed you, Dean."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I promise, if you let me, I'll be there for you." He says. That's all it took for her to run to him, and both siblings started crying.

Aricka turns around to face everyone, and says, "Meet my brother-Dean Conrad."