Tori's POV

I hopped into Mark's pickup and Cali took the back seat. We drove out of the school parking lot and onto the main road.

"So where to first?" Cali asked.

"We have to pick up Suzie," I said, "Oh and I think we're picking Conlan up too. He had hockey practice today, right Mark?"

"Yeah so we'll pick them up and then drop you home Cali." Mark concluded. He didn't seem in the mood for talking. I don't blame him either.

"Oooh turn up the volume!" Cali shouted, hitting my arm.

I turned up the radio and Cali sang along at the top of her lungs, "I DON'T CARE. I LOVE IT!"

Mark and me laughed at Cali. She was off tune, off key, off everything. But that's Cali, a six year old in a seventeen year old's body. We first pulled up at the middle school, Conlan was outside waiting around with some friends. He had his hockey duffle bag in his hand and some rollar blades in the other hand.

Conlan does play hockey, but during the spring, summer, and part of fall instead of ice skates they use rollar blades. But mostly just for practice at the school. Every Saturday the kids on the team are allowed to go the ice ring for practice.

Once Conlan got sight of the car he waved to his friends and ran over. Cali opened the door and scooted over.

"Hey Conlan," Cali said.

I turned in my seat and smiled at him, "How was practice?"

Conlan didn't say anything, he just held a thumbs up.

"So how was your day Conlan?" Cali asked.

He held another thumbs up.

I frowned, "You know you can talk to us."

He shook his head. When I glanced at Mark I could see he was forcing himself not to laugh.

"Come on Conlan what's up?" Cali nudged his shoulder.

Conlan just shrugged.

"You're ticking me off Conlan," I said, "Come on. You nervous about your dad or something?"

He shook his head.

I sighed and turned back facing forward.

"He's nervous with seeing Suzie," Mark smirked.

"Am not!" Conlan shouted. My eyes widened and I turned around just as Conlan covered his mouth with his hand. His voice. It wasn't the little kid voice, it was deeper.

"Omg!" Cali smiled and hugged Conlan, "Congratulations!"

"For what?" Conlan muttered.

"I don't know. Mom said it to me when it happened." Cali shrugged.

Mark laughed, "Happened about a week ago."

I smiled and ruffled my fingers through Conlan's hair, "It's going to need some getting used to. But you'll be fine. Congratulations Conlan."

"And just on time," Cali added, "Your dad is going to see you're a young man thing."

I laughed and faced forward, "Why didn't you tell me!?"

I hit Mark's arm and he chuckled, "Well I figured you would see him soon."

"You could've told me! He's like the little brother I never had." I said. I remember Conlan as a toddler, he was so cute. When he was younger his hair was a long floppy brown. And he had those little kid giggles that were naturally contagious. But as he grew up, he wanted short hair. So now whenever his hair gets long enough that it doesn't spike up, he goes and cuts it.

"We're here," Mark said pulling into the elementary.

"What am I suppose to do?" Conlan asked his face already turning a red.

"Why don't you go get Suzie. We'll wait here." Mark said puting the car in park.

"Haha it's so funny I forgot to laugh." Conlan rolled his eyes crossing his arms over his chest.

"Hey but the girls will probably think your hot." Cali said raising and lowering her eyebrows in a playful manner. Conlan just turned even more red.

Mark laughed, "Just go Conlan."

"Fine," Conlan muttered getting out of the car.

"Shake that booty and the girls will die!" Cali yelled after him. I burst into a fit of laughter and so did Mark.

"Cali it sounds like you have a crush on my brother," Mark said.

"He's going to be hot when he gets older. I mean he's cute now, but I can tell." Cali shrugged.

"Looks like Suzie will have competition," I smirked.

"Nah Conlan is already head over heels for her." Mark confirmed.

"How do you think Suzie will react?" Cali asked, "I mean if I were her I'd think it's sexy."

"Don't you have a boyfriend?" I asked raising and eyebrow.

"Um....actually," Cali fidgeted with her hands.

"What'd that bastard do?" Mark turned around, "I swear I'll get the hammer. I swear to god, if he did something Cali I will grab the hammer."

"He broke up with you?" I asked, "If he did so help me Cali I will have a swing with that hammer too!"

"No. Please don't hurt him. I broke up with him. I just wasn't feeling it anymore. So I broke up with him." Cali didn't make any eye contact she just looked down at her hands.

"Wait what?" Mark asked.

"Yeah I broke up with him. He was....clingy I guess. I don't know, I just wasn't feeling it anymore." Cali sighed.

I frowned. I thought she loved him. I wasn't sure whether to feel sorry for Cali or for Jerry. They seemed like a great couple, and Jerry was ok. He didn't seem to down to earth but not up in space either. He was cool, so I wasn't really sure why Cali broke up with him. She must have broken up with him yesterday. I don't remember any other time they weren't together.

"Um...well. How about we go shopping? You know Saturday or Sunday. Whatever works best." I smiled at Cali hoping she would say yes. I mean I hate shopping. It's just one of those things I do every six months. One time in Fall for winter clothes and another time in spring for summer clothes. But it just never seemed fun to me.

The reason I asked was because I know how much Cali loves to shop. She's obsessed. Her parents had to cut her credit and debit card. They were for emergencies only but she would make things up like, 'Gladiator sandals are a emergency. They'll be out next week and its the fashion this summer!'

That's Cali.

"You'd go shopping," Cali said softly, "For me?"

"Don't get used to it. I just need a few jackets and I figured you'd want to come." I waved my hand dismissing the subject.

"Ok. Saturday pick me up at five." Cali said.

"Awww we have some sister romance going on," Mark laughed.

"Don't be late," Cali added with a wink.

I rolled my eyes, "Yes dear. Anything else?"

Before Cali could say anything Mark smiled, "Conlan and Suzie are coming back."

"Conlan, Suzie. Suzie, Conlan. Suzie Bennett's. Look there come the Bennett's." I trailed on. We all laughed and then went silent as they entered the car.

"Toriiiiii!" Suzie whined like a little girl.

"What?" I asked rolling my eyes.

"Now hold on," Cali cut in, "Do I not get a hi? Or Mark? Are we forgotten?"

Suzie hugged Cali, "Hey Mark."

"Hello Suzie Ben- I mean Linen. What's up?" Mark said with a smirk as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Your little brother won't talk to me," Suzie glared at Conlan who shrugged.

"Oh come on Conlan we all want to hear that beautiful voice of yours." Mark added. Conlan turned red, but shook his head.

"You're being a real butt hole." Suzie said crossing her arms and facing Conlan.

Conlan just turned around and faceed the window.

Suzie frowned, "What'd I do?"

Mark sighed, "You didn't do anything Suzie. Conlan is just being, as you put it, a real butt hole."

Cali laughed, "The buttiest of the butt."

"The holeiest of the hole." I added with a laugh.

"Stop it," Conlan snapped. I watched the rearview mirror as did Mark. Suzie's eyebrows knitted.

"Do you have a cold or something?" She asked. Mark, Cali, and me all started to laugh. Conlan's face was so red, I wouldn't be surprised if someone compared him to a fire truck.

"Um...not exactly." Conlan muttered.

"Suzie when a guy gets to an age," Mark said, "Their voices get deeper. It's just how it works."

"Oh," Suzie turned her gaze back at Conlan and smiled, "I think that's cool."

I wasn't sure If Conlan was red with embarrassment or joy at the moment.

Cali moved over putting her head in the middle of me and Mark and whispered, "Told you she'd think its sexy."

"What?" Suzie and Conlan said at the same time.

"Nothing," the three of us quickly said. We all held in the laughter as we drove to Cali's house. As we pulled up into Cali's driveway she grabbed my arm.

"Don't forget about Saturday," Cali grinned.

"Get out of the car before I change my mind." I muttered. I knew I would regret going to the mall with Cali but for now I'd let it go.

Cali smiled saying her goodbyes and hopping out of the car. She ran up the steps to her house and knocked. A couple seconds later her mom answered and she waved us a goodbye.

Mark sighed and gave me a forced smile, "So my house?"

"That was the plan," I nodded.

When I looked in the rearview mirror I noticed Conlan's pale face. He was looking outside the window. I was about to mention it to Mark but I saw his face was pale too. I just decided to look ahead and keep my eye's on the road. We all seemed nervous. But we also seemed anxious. Like when you go to an amusement park and you want to ride the big loopdie loop rollercoaster. You feel that same nervousness yet your anxious to get on. This felt the same. We've been waiting in line since we found out about the accident. And when Mr. Bennett arrives the rollercoaster starts. And the end of the rollercoaster.....I don't know. It'll be continuous.

We kept driving until Mark pulled up into his driveway and parked his car in the garage. The steps leading into the house was now a ramp. Everything in Mark's house has been modified for a wheelchair. I even think that Mrs. Bennett was looking for a new car.

I got out of the car and Suzie came by my side. Mark came out and we all followed him into his house. The kitchen was covered with balloons and some bowls of chips. When I looked out the window I saw a banner hung between two trees that read, 'Welcome Home.' I could hear some children playing outside and people talking.

"Hey Mark," I asked tapping his shoulder. He didn't turn to face me just moved his head to look over his shoulder. When I knew he had my attention I talked, "Who did you invite?"

"Well....you, Suzie, my mom's parents, my dad's mom, some of my uncles and aunts and their kids. And some of dad's close friend's." Mark leaned on his dinning room table while he listed people that came. I nodded and sat on the chair across from him.

Conlan frowned, "I'd rather just have Tori and Suzie and us. We didn't have to have a party."

"I know Conlan but it was grandma's idea." Mark sighed, "And you know mom. She does anything to please grandma."

"Whatever," Conlan muttered. He then glanced at Suzie, "Race you to my room."

"Winner gets to choose what game." Suzie shot back.

"Deal." Conlan stuck out his hand.

Suzie smirked, "Go!"

Suzie ran in front of Conlan and they raced up the stairs. I laughed softly as I watched them go, Mark grinned.

"They're cute." Mark added.

"Yeah Conlan gave his time to spend with Suzie instead of his cousins. How sweet." I made a little face that made Mark laugh.

"Mhmm. They'll be married by our age." Mark added.

I laughed, "I don't doubt it. So where's your mom?"

"Outside on the deck. You might want to go see her. Tell her your here. I'll be in my room, just get me when your done. I need to tell you something." Mark started heading towards the steps and I went towards the backdoor.

I saw Mrs. Bennett talking to her parents. And Mr. Bennett's mother. His father had died of a heart attack about five years ago, but Mr. Bennett's mom was healthy and living well for a person her age.

When Mrs. Bennett spotted me she dismissed herself and walked over. Once she came into reach she hugged me tightly.

"I'm so glad you could make it Tori." She smiled.

"Of course I would come. Why wouldn't I?" I asked.

Mrs. Bennett smiled, "I heard from a little birdy that you're playing soccer again?"

I nodded, "Does this birdy happen to be my best friend that can't keep his mouth shut?"

Mrs. Bennett laughed, "Yes he's really happy you're trying out."

I shrugged wanting to change the subject, "So what's the plan? When the Mr. arrives?"

"Well," Mrs. Bennett put her hand on my back and led me around the yard as we talked, "We were going to have everyone stay in the backyard. Then have Mark, Conlan and myself go to the front when he arrives. But since you're here I would like you to also come with us. And bring Suzie as well."

I was slightly shocked that she wanted me to go up front with them. Everyone in the backyard was in some way blood related, and yet she wanted me to go.

"But Mrs. Bennett-"

She held up her hand to make me stop talking, "Tori you are family. Mike loves you. He considers you and Suzie his daughters that he never had. Please."

I thought it over for a second. Then slowly nodded.

"Ok." I said in a soft voice.

"Good," Mrs. Bennett said, "So where's your dad? He told me he remarried?"

My body freezed on the spot, "Who told you that?"

"Your father, who else?"

"Just curious." I desperately wanted to change the subject, "Dad said he'd try to come. But I don't think he'll bring Lilly."

"That's alright. Mike will be happy to see your dad." A comfortable silence fell between us and Mrs. Bennett was the first to break it, "So you understand the plan right?"

"Yes ma'am." I nodded my head once as I said that.

"Ok well I'll let you go, enjoy the food and drinks." Mrs. Bennett smiled giving me a short goodbye before walking off. I remembered what Mark had told me before going to talk to his mom so I headed back inside the house. I walked up the steps and as I passed Conlan's room I couldn't help but over hear his conversation with Suzie.

"Do you think he'll think my voice is weird?" Conlan asked. I peeked through the small crack the door had and the sight made my heart squeeze. It took everything in me to not, 'awww.'

Conlan was sitting up against the headboard of his bed. His legs were spread out and Suzie sat in the middle of them. She rested her back on Conlan while she played with his Nintendo DS. My guess was they were taking turns playing but either way it was to adorable. I should probably take a picture but I decided against it.

Suzie seemed to put the DS on pause because she didn't move her fingers, "No Conlan I think he'll like it. He'll say its cool cause I think its cool."

Conlan smied and hugged Suzie from behind, "Thanks Suey."

Suzie grinned and went back to the game. Conlan watched her play over her shoulder. I was probably smiling like an idiot but I didn't care. Before they could see me I kept walking down the hall to Mark's room. I knocked on his door but didn't bother to wait for and answer.

"You won't believe what I just saw," I said as I plopped down on Mark's bed. Mark was at the edge of his closet looking for a new shirt.

"What'd you see?" He asked as he pulled out a black button down shirt, "Wait before you say anything. Do you like this shirt?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Especially with the navy blue swirls on the back."

Mark nodded and pulled off his t-shirt. As he put the button down on he talked, "So what did you see?"

I smiled, "I just saw my sister and your brother having the cutest momet ever."

Mark laughed, "What would happen is they didn't get married?"

My mouth hung open, "Then we wouldn't be brothers. And there's no way that's not going to happen. They're in love but I doubt they know it. Or maybe Conlan knows it but Suzie is still a little girl."

"I think Conlan was Suzie's first crush." Mark added.

"Whatever they are so getting married."

Mark grinned and started to button his polo. I noticed how his fingers were slightly shaking. Then I noticed how he buttoned the shirt wrong. One side was longer than the other.

I got up and walked towards Mark. He dropped his hands as I started to unbutton the shirt and button it correctly, "Nervous?"

"We've already established that." Mark sighed.

I chuckled, "Mhmm. We have." I moved my hands up to fix Mark's collar.

Mark put his forehead on mine, "Thank you."

I smiled, "Your welcome."

He kissed my cheek, "For everything."

"I'll always be there Mark." I whispered.

Mark smiled, "I know. That's why I love you."

I couldn't help the smile that crept on my face, "So you said you wanted to talk to me?"

Mark pulled back and sat on his desk chair, "Yeah there's something I wanted to tell you. After highsch-"

The door burst open and Conlan stood there. His face was pale and Suzie hid behind him.

"Dad's here." Conlan whispered. I glanced at Mark who shifted and his face paled like Conlan's.

"Come on he's in the front," Suzie added. I walked towards Mark and grabbed his hand giving it a small squeeze.

"Come on Mark. He's still your dad. He's going to be really happy." I said.

Mark nodded and stood up. The four of us walked down the hallway and down the stairs. We walked through the front door and Mrs. Bennett was already there. When she saw us she waved for us to all go towards her. Conlan and Mark walked over and she put her hands on Conlan's shoulders.

"Tori. Suzie." Mrs. Bennett called. She flicked her head, telling us to come. Mark stretched his hand and I walked over grabbing his hand. Suzie walked over to Conlan and I saw their fingers intertwine.

We all looked at the military vehicle at the end of the of the curb. A man got out and pulled on the wheelchair. He moved over to the passenger seat. When the door opened I saw a man with Mark's brown hair, only it was a crew cut. He had a pair of green eyes, but they were a bit darker than Mark's. Mr. Bennett lifted himself with his arms and the man helped him get situated on the chair.

I didn't want to stare. But it was that feeling where you want to look but you don't want to be rude. I wasn't the only one that was staring though. I just wanted it to become clear in my mind that his legs weren't there. His right leg was missing from the knee down and the left leg was missing from mid-thigh. His left arm was in a sling but he still was able to push himself up and on the wheelchair.

From the way I saw him I could tell that it was the left side that took the blow. I held my breath but didn't say anything. From the small front porch I could still hear what they were saying. Mr. Bennett wore his army hat and his uniform, but the gap in the pants was noticeable.

"Welcome home soldier." The man said.

"Great to be home." Mr. Bennett smiled and with his good arm he saluted the man. The man saluted him back and as he walked back to the car he whispered something in Mr. Bennett's ear. Mr. Bennett nodded but his eyes were on us. His expression said it all. Once the man walked off and got in the car driving away. We all looked down at Mr. Bennett who had the biggest smile ever.

He spread his arms, "I'm home!"

It only took us a second before Mark, Conlan, Suzie, and me started running to him. We all hugged him at the same time and he laughed. It was like nothing had changed.

"Look how much you've all grown!" He shouted and ruffled Conlan's hair.

"I missed you dad." Mark said.

"I've missed you two so much." He said hugging Mark and Conlan. Then he looked at me and Suzie, "Suzie is that you?"