3.19 How to Bait an IF

Caleb woke with a start to the sound of frantic screams coming over the baby monitor. Groaning he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. "I'll see what's wrong" he said as Drew stirred beside him. Hurrying up the stairs Caleb opened the door to his son's room "hey little man what's wrong?"

"Daddy" Andrew cried lifting his arms up to him as giant tears spilled from his eyes. "Peanut Butter Boy is coming to get me."

"No he's not," Caleb said comforting the boy. He didn't bother to tell him Peanut Butter Boy wasn't real. He wasn't sure of that fact anymore not after the things Drew hold him about IFs. It had given him chills listening to her. "I'll protect you little man." He felt his son snuggle into him as if he wanted to meld with him. "It's ok. Nothing's going to hurt you. I'm right here."

Andrew wrapped his fingers into his dad's t-shirt clinging to him whimpering. Holding his little boy Caleb walked to the couch and lay down hoping that Andrew would become exhausted from lack of sleep and crying.

***

Early the following morning Drew rolled over expecting to find Caleb next to her. Opening her eyes as her hand found only emptiness. Frowning she stumbled from the room and up the stairs. Yawning she smiled at the sight of her husband lying asleep with their son on the couch. Bending she lifted Andrew careful to not disturb either him or Caleb from their sleep.

Coming back she found Caleb looking around with a startled expression on his face. "Where's Andrew?" he asked sitting up rubbing his eyes.

"I put him to bed," Drew told him "you look exhausted."

"I feel it too" he agreed rubbing his neck.

"Here let me," she offered kneading his stiff neck "I'm not hurting you am I?" she asked when he flinched from her touch.

"No" he denied "my neck is just sore from sleeping on this old couch." He grimaced as he tried to move "I feel like someone tried to tie me into knots."

"You move like it too. What you need is a good hot soothing bath to loosen up all those stiff muscles."

"That sounds like heaven," he gave her a lopsided grin as he tried to turn his neck and stopped halfway "ouch that hurts."

"Oh hush you big baby" Drew teased massaging his neck and shoulders.

Standing Caleb grabbed Drew's hands and pulled her to him. "Join me" he suggested "I need someone to keep me from falling asleep in the tub."

"Right," she nodded knowing the look in his eyes that he had more on his mind than relaxing in the tub "I don't see how me being in their with you will help you relax."

"You have your ways and I have mine" he said with mischievous smirk.

"Don't blame me if you come out even more stiff and sore than when you went in" Drew told him as she moved towards the stairs. 

"Don't worry I won't" he took her hand pulled her close to him bringing his mouth down to hers.

***

A few days later Drew was making pancakes for breakfast. "Honey you need any help?" Caleb asked coming into the kitchen. Walking up behind her he wrapped his arms around her nuzzling her neck. 

"Hmm you keep that up and I'll need a fireman to put out the kitchen" she complained as she extricated herself from his arms to throw away the half charred pancake smoking in the pan.

Giving her a kiss he said "it'll give you an excuse to remodel then." He laughed as she glared at him.

"I like the kitchen just the way it is," she said turning her attention to the stove preparing another pancake. "Leave me alone so that we have a chance to eat before the hungry hoards descend upon us." 

"Too late," Caleb told her pushing himself up to sit on the counter as the first musical notes filled the room from the xylophone. "Our musical protege is up and giving us music to work by." Despite his joking manner he was quite pleased that Indira had inherited his love for music and talent. He couldn't wait to see what she accomplished as she became older. There were all kinds of things he couldn't wait to teach her.

The musical interlude was abruptly interrupted by unhappy screams "no no no it's mine" Indira cried.

Caleb hopped down from the counter and walked around the corner where he found Andrew trying to take the xylophone stick from his sisters hands.

"No no no more music," he cried prying the stick from her.

"Andrew Levi Gray" Caleb said standing over them.

Andrew stared up at defiantly under his dads look of displeasure demanding "no music. I don't like it."

"Andrew give the stick to your sister and say your sorry" Caleb demanded his tone leaving no doubt that this was not a request that could be ignored.

Crossing his arms Andrew shook his head just as adamant "no her music hurts my ears."

"Andrew say your sorry to your sister now," Caleb's voice deepened as his frustration grew. His son was becoming increasingly more difficult to deal with since they had refused to give Peanut Butter Boy back to him. PBB was still locked up safe inside the shed along with the doll Indira had received. They didn't want to risk another unnatural attachment being formed. Caleb wondered why one child was more prone to attaching to the damn things versus another. A crashing sound occurred as Andrew threw the xylophone stick across the room bringing Caleb's attention back to the present. "That is quite enough young man," he frowned down at the boy.

Andrew's eyes darted from this sister's crying face to his dad's angry displeased face then to the floor mumbling "I'm sorry."

"It's a little too late for that now," Caleb told him as he took the little boy by the hand "it's time out for you."

"No please daddy no," he protested struggling in his dad's firm but gentle grip. "I'm sorry I won't do it again."

Looking down at his son Caleb knelt in front of him "why did you do it?"

Shrugging Andrew looked down at his feet "I don't know."

"That's not a reason," Caleb told him "I want you to stand here and think about what you did. When I come back I want to know why you did it?"

Andrew nodded as tears streamed down his cheeks. "Please daddy don't leave me."

The plea weighed heavily on Caleb and for a moment he almost relented "are you ready to tell me why?" he watched his son consider the request before turning to face the wall pouting. Sighing Caleb stood up and walked back to the kitchen. "Drew when is your Uncle coming to collect those dolls?" he asked.

"He'll be here tomorrow," she glanced over her shoulder at him "you don't think this has anything to do with Peanut Butter Boy do you?"

"I don't know," he ran his fingers through his pink hair "all I know for sure is Andrew is acting out and it's getting worse the longer he knows Peanut Butter Boy is locked up in the shed." he grunted when Drew poked his side "I'll feel better knowing those dolls are gone for good." Kissing her forehead he smiled "I better go check on his orneriness."

***

The next evening around eight o'clock Caleb answered the door. To his dismay a man with glowing unnatural looking eyes stood in front of him. "Who...who are you?" he stammered.

"Uncle Adam" Drew said coming up behind Caleb and throwing herself at the man. "Cousin Keenan it's good to see." After hugging her cousin she said "come in, come in."

"I'm sorry for coming so late," Adam apologized as he sat down on the couch.

"It's alright if you can get rid of those horrid dolls for us" Caleb grumbled a little uneasy in the presence of this man and his son. As Adam spoke he thought he caught glimpses of sharp pointy fangs and his teenage son seemed to have the same.

"Caleb honey it's not polite to stare," Drew whispered in his ear.

"Err" he choked as he felt Adam and his son turn and stare at him.

"Don't worry about it" Adam told him dismissing it "a vampires eyes are disconcerting if you've never seen them before."

"Vampire sir?" Caleb asked struggling with the new information.

"Yeah we're vampires" the teenager said somewhat defensively "and you're human..."

"Keenan" Adam's voice contained a note of warning in it.

"Sorry dad" the boy settled down eyeing Caleb suspiciously "our eyes might glow but its no stranger than pink or purple hair."

Snorting Caleb nodded "you're right I stand corrected I apologize."

"Apology accepted" Keenan smiled "it's my first time being in a human only town. I'm sorry if I came across as rude."

Caleb found himself liking the boy more now that they weren't judging each other by the way they looked. "You're welcome to come here any time you like."

"Dad?" the boy turned to Adam "can I please?"

"If it's alright with them I don't see why not. You do need experience dealing with humans."

"Thank you" Keenan said encompassing everyone in the room.

"We'll set something up" Drew smiled at him "but you'll have to be patient with us since we don't know anything about vampires."

"We'll learn together" Keenan said his anticipation and excitement growing at the prospect. "Dad'll tell you everything you need to know."

"Son why don't you go up and keep an eye on the kids while Drew and Caleb show me the IF's." Adam suggested.

Sighing Keenan nodded "you just want to get rid of me don't you?" He nodded at the exasperated look his dad gave him "I'm going I'm going." Standing he laughed a little self-consciously "where exactly am I going?"

"Take the stairs all the way to the top. The kids' rooms are up there. They shouldn't be awake but Andrew has been having nightmares so he might wake up."

"No problem" Keenan said smiling as he left the adults to talk.

Caleb watched the kid go "you don't look old enough to have a teenager sir."

Nodding Adam said "I'm a lot older than I look. Vampires age slower then humans. I'm actually fifty-three. My oldest son is thirty-four. I have a granddaughter who just turned twenty. It's a long story involving time bubbles." He waved their questions away by saying "this IF you call Peanut Butter Boy concerns me for several reasons. When I became ruler over Moonlight Falls and Midnight Hollow the IF's were to stop their practice of rendering their more aggressive citizens who had hurt other IF's back into dolls. These rendered IF's are more unstable then the norm and should never be given to children. However the IF prime directive was to get the children to bond with them so they want to make them real. Then the IF, once they are real turns against their life giver and destroys them. It probably felt like a win win situation to them. That was all abolished when I took over. However some violent IF's had already been rendered and sent out to be distributed to children. I have a team working on recovering those dolls. It's a large task and we've been focusing on the most dangerous. The most dangerous is the doll with my ex-fiance's essence in it. If my suspicions are correct this Peanut Butter Boy may be Windy. She's very good at manipulating impressionable children."

"What if it is Windy? How will you be able to tell?" Caleb asked.

"She's still my IF. I brought her to life she'll have to react to my presence." Adam explained.

Rubbing her chin Drew looked at him thoughtfully "but wouldn't her memories of you be gone if she had been rendered back into doll form? Why would she react to you at all? She shouldn't even know you."

"Normally that would be true" Adam stood up pacing restlessly around the room "I've been advised that Windy paid off someone in the rendering process to keep her memories intact. She was put into doll form but not rendered at all. She contains all her memories and the ability to transform into her human form."

"So she really could be threatening our son and capable of hurting him and our daughter." Caleb said wishing he hadn't dismissed his son's fears so readily.

"Very much so I'm afraid," Adam ran his fingers through his short hair "the doll being so aggressive and your family tie to me makes it that more likely that this doll is Windy."

"How are you going to prove it?" Drew asked standing to face her Uncle.

Shrugging Adam looked at her steadily as he said a single word "bait."

Looking from one to the other Caleb had a feeling he had missed something. The fear that was in 

Drew's eyes and the fierce determination in Adam's had Caleb positive he wasn't going to like what was going to happen next. "Bait? You don't mean you, do you?" He stood up facing him "I can't let you go in there alone not if she'll attack you."

"We don't have any other choice" Adam shook his head "I've known this may be a trap all along."

"I'm coming with you" Caleb told him.

"Thank you son but no," Adam nodded towards Drew "you need to protect your family in case I fail."

"You won't" Drew told him "you're a vampire..."

"Not a fully transformed one though," Adam saw their baffled looks as he continued "I've never drank blood so I'm not as strong or invincible as most other vampires. You can say I'm unique."

"How can an IF over power you though?" Caleb asked "aren't they human once they become real?"

"Yes and no" Adam thought a moment "they live longer since they don't age. They have the ability to procreate with any sex. They are stronger then humans too not to mention the shape shifting. So their is a very real possibility she is more than a match for me."

What do you want us to do?" Caleb asked putting an arm around Drew.

"If something happens to me take care of my son," Adam requested.

"We'll see he gets home alright sir," Caleb assured him.

"No I brought him with me to get him out of Moonlight Falls." Adam shook his head "he's too young to take over as heir and someone can easily manipulate him since he's not a full grown vampire yet." Running a hand through his hair "I know this is a lot to ask but if I don't survive this please raise him until he's old enough to take over. He's the heir but he'll only be strong enough to rule if he lives long enough to reach his full powers at the age of twenty-one. Until then he'll be much too vulnerable. Only one person knows he'll be here with you and he'll come to you when Keenan is old enough."

"Alright we'll protect the boy for you but what do we need to know about raising a vampire?" Caleb asked.

"You already know everything you need to know. Just guide him in becoming a good person the rest will fall into place. He won't be any different then any other teenager." Adam walked towards the door "if you need help call my son Heath and only him. He'll know what to do. He'll also be the one to come for him on his 21st birthday."

"What do we tell him when he asks why he can't go home?" Drew asked.

"He knows. I already told him. I've never kept secrets from my kids. The cold hard truth is better then any fuzzy white lie any day." With that he walked out the door followed closely by Caleb.

"I can't let you go alone sir" he said walking beside him.

"I appreciate the thought but you'll only get in the way" Adam told him stopping in front of the shed door. Putting a hand on his shoulder Adam shook him " the best thing you can do is guard the door after I go in and don't let my son go in after me. He'll pull the 'I'm a vampire' card on you but he's no stronger than any other fifteen year old." Sighing he reached for the door knob "whether or not I come out alive burn the doll. It's the only way to destroy it forever."

"Alright" Caleb nodded "thank you."

"That's what family does for each other," Adam smiled briefly before going inside,closing and locking the door behind him as he heard Keenan calling his name.

3.18 The Trouble With IF's

"One more push," Drew instructed an exhausted, sleep deprived girl.

Shaking her head Tayla whimpered "I don't think I can..."

"Yes you can," Drew told the girl "all I'm asking for is one more push and you'll be done. You'll have a beautiful new baby to love and cherish."

"Ok one more push," she panted screaming as she exerted herself squeezing Amboses hand.

"Come on babe you can do this," he encouraged her. He looked up and away from Tayla's face as the shrill cry of a baby filled the room.

"Congratulations you two," Drew held up a squirming unhappy baby for them to see "it's a boy." She wrapped the wriggling baby in the towel she had set aside for the purpose. While she was busy doing that there was a loud commotion downstairs. "That's probably the paramedics" she said glancing at Ambrose "go and let them in" she instructed.

Nodding he bent down to kiss plant a kiss on Tayla's forehead before he left. Handy the baby to her Drew smiled down at them. "Thank you," Tayla said while gazing into her son's face "I don't think I could have done this without your help."

"You're very welcome," Drew told her stepping aside as the paramedics filled the room.

***

Once the paramedics had left with Tayla and Ambrose Drew took the opportunity to clean up and shower before wandering upstairs to check on Caleb and the kids. She smiled as she watched him on the floor bent over the table playing blocks. "I wish I had a camera," she said from the doorway.

Looking up Caleb almost knocked over the blocks he and the kids had stacked up. "Daddy careful," Indira instructed.

"Sorry baby doll," he bent to kiss his the top of her head. In the process he bumped into the table knocking a several of the blocks over.

"Dad," Andrew scowled up at him "look what you did!"

"Sorry bud," Caleb reached across and messed up his son's hair.

"Quit it," Andrew pushed his hand away.

Caleb looked up at Drew "our little man is way too serious." He moved to stand up and go to her.

"Don't go," Megan cried grabbing his leg.

"Sweetie I'm not going anywhere," Caleb told the girl smoothing her pink hair from her tear stained face. He picked his niece up as she fresh tears spilled from her brown eyes.

"Daddy up," Indira entreated patting his leg looking up at him. Bending he scooped her up too. 

Marveling at the differences between the two girls. One the image of is mother with the pink hair and the other with her dark hair was definitely still a Gray even with the green eyes she had most definitely inherited from her great grandfather William. Looking over their little heads he glanced over at Drew "well?"

"Megan is now a big sister," Drew told everyone.

"Yay" the girls cheered.

"So what," Andrew announced from the floor knocking the remaining blocks over.

"Hey now none of that," Caleb admonished. The little boy looked up at his father bottom lip quivering. "It's not fair. I want to be big bruder."

Caleb looked over at Drew "now what?" he asked.

Shrugging "how should I know? You're the one who said he'd get over it. Forget all about it." She moved to pick up the unhappy toddler. "Hey little man" she said as she tickled him "you get to be something better then a big brother."

His eyes lit up "really?" he asked curious.

Nodding Drew whispered in his ear. He pulled back laughing "me the big boy cousin," he announced to the room. "That's better than being big bruder." He started to squirm in Drew's arms "down mama," he demanded. Laughing she put him on the floor ruffling his hair. Swiping at her hand he scowled "stop that."

"Daddy down please" Indira requested kissing his cheek before joining her brother by the blocks.

"Meggie you want down?" Caleb asked the silent little girl. As she nodded Caleb kissed her cheek before putting down near her cousins. Joining Drew in the door way he wrapped his arms around her. Drew snuggled into his embrace. "How did things go up here?" she asked.

"They were a little upset with screams; especially Megan" Caleb nuzzled his nose in her hair "you smell good."

"I should hope so," she giggled "I took a shower before coming up here."

He tried to smother a yawn "do you think it's too early to put them down for a nap?"

Looking up from the table Andrew scowled at his parents. Indira gave her brother a look shaking her head at him. It was Megan who made her displeasure known "no nap. No nap" she screamed.

***

Squeezing Caleb's arm Drew hid her face in his shirt to hide her smile. It wouldn't do to encourage the little girl. "Let's go and sit on the couch for a while" she murmured to him "it won't be long before they'll be ready to go down."

 Sighing he allowed Drew to guide him from the room. Sitting on the couch he yawned "I don't know about them but I could use a nap."

Leaning on his shoulder Drew felt her eyes close as she murmured "so could I."

"Hey don't fall asleep on me," Caleb protested "if I have to stay awake so do you."

Moaning she sat up rubbing he eyes "I don't know how my parents did it," she commented "they had six kids to keep track of.  Uncle Gene must have been superman when he took us in with his four kids and us. I'm falling down exhausted chasing three."

"Today is a special case" Caleb put his arm around her "you did deliver a baby. If you ask me your entitled to be a little exhausted."

"Then you won't mind if I put my head in your lap. Close my eyes and go to sleep?" she asked.

"Let me grab a book to read first" he moved to the nearby bookcase made a selection and sat down beside her "ok I'm ready."

Smiling she nestled her head in his lap. Smiling up at him "you know what this reminds me of?"

Shaking his head "no what?" he asked looking down at her.

"Of when I was a little girl and daddy would read to me until I fell asleep." She closed  her eyes as Caleb opened the book and began to read out loud to her. After a few minutes his voiced lulled her to sleep. Looking down at her peaceful face as she slept Caleb brushed hair from her face whispering "sweet dreams sweetheart." Whether drawn to his voice or intrigued by the story the little ones emerged from the room. They sat around the couch listening to Caleb read until their eyes drooped and shut as they fell asleep on the floor. The last one to close his eyes was Caleb as he stumbled over the words as they blurred and blended together. The book slipped from his fingers falling onto the couch. He leaned his head back falling into a deep dreamless sleep.

***

Caleb was enjoying the sunshine and the tranquil sounds of birds chirping in the nearby trees. He couldn't believe another year had gone by and Tayla was once again expecting another child. The twins were four months short of their 4th birthday. Times like this he was glad he had taken Emit up on his offer; although he feared there was more to the offer then Emit had told him. He didn't understand how one family could be that important that the fate of every universe depended on the to have children. Smiling he shrugged his shoulders remembering when his mother had sat them all down telling them about the responsibilities of being the chosen heir. At the time it had hurt knowing she hadn't chosen him but he knew deep down that his brother Noah was the better choice. Now he understood the responsibility of carrying that weight would have meant now he had a family of his own. What would Emit ask of his children in the future? That question sometimes kept him awake at night.

"Caleb?" Drew shouted at him.

"Huh what?" he looked up at her "I thought you were out shopping?" He stood up to kiss her cheek.

"I was and if you want to be a dear you can carry the proceeds of my shopping excursion into the house." Looking around "where are the kids?"

Looking around the yard it dawned on him how quiet it had become. He had been so engrossed in his own thoughts he hadn't realized the kids weren't outside. "I...I don't know" he stammered "they were out here playing in the sand box..."

"They're probably in the house," she said trying not to worry.

Running his hands through his hair "I'm sorry. I should have kept better watch...."

"It's ok honey. They have to be around here somewhere," she said trying to keep her anger in check 

"I'm going inside to see if they're there." Turning towards the house she asked "can you bring in the groceries?"

He could feel his anxiety rising as he grabbed multiple bags at once. He should make two trips but something was telling him something was and he didn't want to waste time doing this when he should be looking for the kids. Upon entering the house he could hear the happy voices of Megan and 

Leeland playing together. Walking into the kitchen he found India contentedly banging away on the xylophone. No matter how much Caleb tried to show her the right way she insisted on doing it her way.

She looked up as he entered the room "listen please" she requested as she made an unusual flourish and her banging actually resembled music.

"Very good sweetie," Caleb patted her head once he had dropped the bags on the floor. "You're getting really good sweetie."

"Daddy" she said looking up at him "mama's upset."

"I know sweetie," he sighed as he knelt beside his little princess.

Indira snuggled into him as she spoke "Andrew runned off."

Caleb felt his arms tighten around her small frame "do you know where he went?"

Nodding Indira pointed towards the garden "he's going on an adventure." She touched his face continuing "it's ok daddy Peanut Butter Boy is with him."

Damn he thought that stupid imaginary friend. He should have insisted on getting rid of that stupid doll. He didn't know why but that thing had always given him bad vibes. He stood up as Drew came running into the kitchen. "Caleb I can't find Andrew anywhere. He's not in the house. I've checked all his regular hiding places."

"But mama Andrew is outside" Indira pointed again towards the garden. "He's ok. Peanut Butter Boy is with him."

"I'll go look for him," Caleb gave Drew a brief reassuring hug before he moved towards the door "don't worry I'll find him."

She nodded biting back the hundred hurtful words she wanted to scream at him. She knew all too well that their son delighted in hiding from them. Giggled nonstop after he jumped out of his hiding place and scaring them as they searched for him. She knew this was another of his escapades. He was in the garden waiting for his chance to pounce on them. Even though she knew that was the case it didn't keep her heart from racing or the worry she felt knowing her baby wasn't anywhere in sight.

***

For the first time Caleb wished they had a smaller garden. Looking up at the sky hoping he found the little boy before it became too dark. "Andrew" he called "it's time to come inside." He hoped the adventurous little boy would hear his voice and come to him. He certainly regretted letting him keep that stuffed rag doll that arrived in the mail. He didn't even know who had sent it to them. It was suspicious that only the twins had received one. Caleb himself had memories of having one when he was growing up. His lips curled up as he remembered Puzzle. Why did Peanut Butter Boy give him such bad vibes when he trusted Puzzle implicitly growing up? Opening the gate to one of the gardens Caleb called out again.

There was something a little different about this doll. Andrew had an unnatural attachment to it. Talked to it like it was real. Granted he had done the same thing with Puzzle. She had been his only friend for a while. He certainly didn't want his son to experience the same pain he did growing up friendless. So deep in thought he almost missed the subtle movement of the leaves but there it was the unmistakable purple/blue/white hair of his son, the little trouble maker. If his mind hadn't been so preoccupied he might have seen him earlier. He crept closer to the plant his son was hiding behind. As he got closer he heard his son talking to Peanut Butter Boy. He turned his back and rubbed his chin hoping Andrew would take the bait and jump from his hiding place.

***

"Peanut Butter Boy it's getting awfully dark," Andrew whined "I want to go inside."

"Not yet," PBB demanded.

"I don't like it out here," Andrew protested.

"It'll be fun. Trust me" PBB cajoled  him "you're the one who wanted to go on an adventure."

"I know" Andrew fell silent. At times like this he didn't like Peanut Butter Boy very much. He wanted to play with Meggie or Indy not hiding in the dark by himself. Moving Andrew announced "I'm going inside."

"Have you forgotten what happened last time you didn't play with me?" PBB asked a hint of menace in his voice. "Do you want that to happen again?"

"No," his voice quivered as fear settled over him "I'll stay I promise." He sat down jostling the branches of the plant hoping his dad would find him.

"He's facing the other way" PBB told him "now is our chance to find a better hiding place."

Nodding Andrew gathered his feet beneath him getting ready to run for the gate. He ran tripping on the loose dirt. He flailed his arms out sending Peanut Butter Boy flying.

"There you are," Caleb ran up to him and swooped him up into his arms.

"Daddy" Andrew snuggled into his arms squirming as Caleb began to walk towards the house. "Wait! Daddy please we can't leave Peanut Butter Boy out here."

Caleb kept walking ignoring his son's protests. That doll could rot out here for all he cared.

"I can't leave him out here," Andrew tired to struggle from his father's arms "Please you don't understand."

Caleb didn't stop walking until he got to the house and shut the door. Drew ran to him and enveloped them both in a hug crying. "Don't ever do that again" she pleaded "you scared mommy."

"I'm sorry," Andrew cried in a small scared voice "Peanut Butter Boy said it would be an adventure."

"Honey Peanut Butter Boy isn't real" Drew chided him.

"He is too," the little boy insisted "I need to go get him. He doesn't like it when I leave him alone" Tears welled up in his eyes "please he's going to be real mad at me."

"Caleb maybe you should go outside and get his doll" Drew suggested as she took her distraught son in her arms. "I'll give Andy a bath."

"It's just a doll," Caleb protested "we shouldn't encourage this unnatural attachment to this thing."

"Please Caleb just do it," she smiled at him "I'll explain why later. Trust me I wouldn't ask if I didn't think it was important."

"What do you want me to do with it when I find it?" Caleb asked giving in. He didn't know why he was doing this but if Drew thought it was important he'd follow along.

"Put it in the shed for the night...."

"But mama Peanut Butter Boy doesn't like to be alone" Andrew protested.

"It's ok honey It's just for one night." Drew told him "Peanut Butter Boy will be alright alone for one night."

***

"Is our little man asleep?" Caleb asked getting into bed.

"He is but he didn't like leaving Peanut Butter Boy in the shed. He's convinced that it'll do something bad..."

"That's ridiculous. It's just a doll," Caleb protested "I had one as a child...."

"I know but I've heard stories of imaginary friends becoming real and doing terrible things."

"You don't believe those stories do you?" Caleb looked at her in disbelief.

Looking down fidgeting with the blanket "I do". She reached up with a hand stroking his face. It was soothing to feel his beard beneath her fingers. "My cousin Heath is a product of an IF that had come to life. Heath is half human and half IF. From the things I've heard his mother repeatedly tried to kill his father, my Uncle Adam. I do believe that we have reason to be concerned..."

"It's just a doll...."

"A doll that has the ability to influence our child's thinking" Drew told him "Andrew is scared that Peanut Butter Boy will get into the house and hurt Indira. He says Peanut Butter Boy has threatened to hurt her before to make him do things he didn't want to do."

"I don't understand" Caleb admitted "how can a doll be so dangerous?"

"I don't know but once it makes a connection with a child it's difficult to break..."

"Can it be broken?" he asked recalling his son's frantic struggles to get to the doll. "I don't like this. I really, really don't like this." He cast his mind back trying to think if he had been controlled by his IF but all he had felt was companionship. Puzzle had been his friend. "Not all those IF dolls are bad. Puzzle wasn't."

"You might be right but our son's IF isn't a nice one." Drew frowned "I called Aunt Beverly for advise. She's going to have Uncle Adam call us in the morning. If anyone knows what to do they will."

"Ok but until then that doll stays in the shed" Caleb told her. Drew nodded hoping that was the best thing to do.

3.17 Is Two Enough?

A year later Caleb was in the nursery holding his gorgeous little girl. She reminded him so much of his younger brother Kayden with her dark hair. Ambrose argued she looked liked Apollo. Whoever she looked like Caleb knew she was his. His and Drew's unique DNA combined to form her and her brother. He smiled as she snuggled into his arms eyes drooping "luv you dada." He squeezed her tight heart soaring at the sound of her clear little voice calling him dada.

He could hardly believe it. He, Caleb Gray was a father. He kissed his precious little girl before putting into her crib. Turning he peered down at his son. The image of his mother in everything but his eyes. Those eyes Andrew got from him. He felt an arm slip around him as he heart Drew whisper in his ear "they're ours and no one can take them away from us." He turned and leaned his forehead into hers. "I know...I...love them so so much..."

Drew squeezed him tight. She understood his fear. Understood how much these little miracles meant to him. He would fight heaven and hell for them. Move mountains if he had to for them. Anything to make their lives a little easier. "How did I get so lucky?" she asked peering up at him.

His lips quirked at the corners as he leaned down and kissed her nose. "You know I was thinking exactly the same thing." He took her hands and led he from the room. Closing the door silently behind them so as not to disturb their sleeping angels. Lifting her into his arms he carried her down the stairs. Reaching their bedroom he embraced her in a heated kiss. He put everything he had in him into that single kiss. He felt Drew move beneath him peering into his eyes as if trying to read his mind. He needed to feel her touch, breathe in her scent, drown in her taste.

As she felt Caleb caress her skin she knew what was happening. He needed reassurance that this was real. Not a dream. Not a fantasy. He had lived so long. Endured so much. Lost his first love more time than anyone should have to endure. Drew knew without a doubt he loved her but it wasn't the same as the love he had for Star. She knew it. She understood it. She accepted it. It was the price she was willing to pay to have him by her side. She wouldn't change it even if she could. "I love you," she murmured as he released her mouth to nibble on her earlobe.

Moaning from deep within Caleb looked down at her. As a slow grin spread across his handsome face "I love you too," he said before crashing down on her mouth once more.

***

Six months later Caleb walked into the house after a long day in the studio to screaming toddlers and two frustrated mothers who both turned and glared at him when he opened the door. "What?" he asked.

"Don't just stand there go after him," Drew demanded. At Caleb's dumbstruck look she elaborated "your son go after him. The little rascal ran out as you came in."

Turning Caleb saw his little boy making a hasty escape towards the road. "Andrew get back here," he called after the boy.

Turning Andrew giggled as he ran faster thinking it a game as his dad chased him. "Hey you little squirt you better slow down before you fall..." As he said the word he watched as his little boy tumbled head first into the gravel. He quickened his pace and knelt beside the boy.

"Mean daddy," Andrew declared when Caleb went to soothe him. Crossing his arms he stuck his lip out "fall down."

Trying not to laugh Caleb shook his head "hey little man I didn't make you fall."

"Did," he state his little lip quivering.

"You know daddy loves you right?" Caleb asked. A slight nod from the little boy told him the boy was listening. "Want me to kiss and make it better?" Caleb grabbed his son before Andrew could turn and make a run for it. Giggling in Caleb's arms Andrew kissed his dad's cheek "What was that for?" Caleb asked looking at his little miracle. At times like this Caleb thought his heart would melt. He loved his family so much. But sometimes he found himself wondering what it would have been like to have had this with Star. Shaking his head he felt his son's little hands patting his cheek.

"Daddy sad?" the little boy asked.

Mentally shaking himself Caleb brought a hand up shaped like a claw "you better watch out it's going to get you." He swooped in tickling his chubby little belly. His son. How he wished his parents could see their grandchildren. Know that he was alright. Happy after so many years.

Drew followed him upstairs and watched him clean up his son's skinned and scraped knees. Setting him on the floor after giving him a hug and a kiss. Smiling she went to Caleb saying "your such a good father." She blinked back tears "I wish there was something I could do to help you..." Sighing loudly his head jerked up as if in surprise. "I know something is bothering you. It's the same thing that's bothering Tayla and Ambrose. Your homesick. You see your children and know they're missing out on knowing your family. Your parents. Your brothers and sisters. Aunts and Uncles." She watched as his eyes misted over "it's alright to miss them. I understand. I want you to tell them about their family history. I want them to know who you are. Don't be afraid to fill out there family tree. Your family is a part of you and a part of them. Don't hide it."

"Oh Drew," he pulled her close nuzzling into her neck breathing deeply of her scent. "Thank you," he mumbled "I was just thinking of my mom and how she would have wanted to see me so happy. I married Hope because I didn't want my mom to worry about me being alone."

"Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. I know she loved you. She'd want you to be happy enjoying the time you have with these little terrors we call children." He smiled a little at that. Drew laid her head on his shoulder "don't think you have to shut that part of your past out of your life. It's what make you you." She looked up at him "I think that the you I know is pretty fantastic."

Caleb tilted her chin up forcing her to look up at him. He smiled down at her before kissing her. Tender at first then the passion between them built as he let his feelings show. Pulling back he held her face between his hands "I love you."

***

Tayla sat on the floor watching Drew practice her dance steps. She was in awe at how quickly Drew had gotten back into shape after having twins. Of course the twins were now a year and half like her precious pinked haired princess. "Ow" she cried as she reached to untangle her daughters fingers from her hair. "Don't pull mama's hair" she chided the little girl.

Megan looked up her with her big brown eyes so much like her fathers "sorry mama."

Laughing a little Tayla squeezed the little girl tight "I know sweetie," she said letting her daughter go when she began to squirm. Tayla watched her join her cousins. She rubbed her stomach wondering what the next bundle of joy would look like.

"They're like the three musketeers," Drew said sitting on the floor beside Tayla.

"They are," she agreed "I hope they stay that way forever." Tayla watched the kids for a while lost in thought "um Drew I..."

"Yes" Drew prompted when her companion stopped speaking "is something wrong?" she asked turning to look at her.

"I have something to tell you," Tayla looked down at the floor drawing circles with her fingers.

Drew watched her fidget wondering what would make her friend so nervous. What could she possible say to her that would make her so afraid? That's when it her...

"I'm pregnant," Tayla blurted out as if completing Drew's thought "I know this will be difficult for you..." she looked down and away "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

Drew found herself forming the words "congratulations. I'm really happy for you and Ambrose." She watched as the girls eyes brightened and she wrapped her arms around her. She could get through this Drew told herself. She will be happy for Tayla. She kept telling herself she had two beautiful miracle and that was enough. Getting up she said "I'm going to take a shower." Going downstairs she told herself she would not cry. She would not make Tayla feel back for being able to have another baby. As soon as she shut the door behind her she crumpled to the floor.

Angry hot tears spilled from her eyes. Why was this happening to her? Why couldn't she be happy for Tayla? Why must she be eaten up with jealousy for what her best friend had? She wanted children, lots and lots of them. She could only have the two. Would they be enough for Caleb? Would he start to look at her differently?

A soft knock on the door had her jumping to her feet. Wiping her eyes dry "who is it?" she asked through the door.

"Sweet heart let me in," Caleb said from the other side.

"I'm about to take a shower," Drew said hoping he'd go away.

"I know. That's what Tayla said but that was over an hour ago."

An hour? Had it really been that long? Drew rubbed her eyes before opening the door to let Caleb in. As soon as he slipped inside she threw herself into his arms sobbing. "What happened?" Caleb asked. "Tayla said you might be upset..."

Her sobs increased at the mention of Tayla's name. "Do you love me?" she asked when she was able to speak.

"Of course I do," he replied  squeezing her tight "what kind of question is that?"

"Do you love me even thought I can't have anymore children?" she asked crying onto his shoulder.

"I have two beautiful miracles already. I'm happy with what we have" he told her "where's all this coming from?"

"Tayla .... she's pregnant again," she wailed "why does she get what I want?"

"I don't know baby," he kissed her cheek "I wish I had the answer but I don't.. Sometimes we don't get what we want." He of all people understood that better than most. He held her feeling her body shake in his arms "honey how many babies do you think we need?"

"I...I..." she looked up at him "if you asked me this before I had the twins I'd have said two."

"What changed?" he asked "is it because you think I want more?"

"Yes," she mumbled "I see how you are with the kids and I think how nice it would be to have another..."

"Drew I'm happy with the two we have. I don't need more than that. I never thought I'd have children. I never expected to hold a baby in my arms and say this little person is a part of me." He lifted Drew's face up kissing her tenderly "I have all I need. I have you and two beautiful kids."

"Don't you want more..."

Shaking his head Caleb sighed "no I don't. I don't want to put you in danger because I was selfish to want more than what I've been blessed with already. Why tempt fate?"

Sniffling through her tears Drew smiled up at him "are you really ok with this?" she asked her voice small with a little bit of doubt. 

"Of course I am," he pulled her close "I have all I need. My family is complete. Besides Ambrose will keep up busy with babies."

"Are they planning on having more?" she asked.

"I think they're planning on filling the house with babies," he told her peering into her eyes to see how she took the news.

Looking thoughtful she nodded. Lifting her chin with determination "I'm ok with that. I'll be the best Auntie ever."

"That's my girl," he smiled down at her "so do you think that shower is big enough to two?"

"We can always test it out," Drew told him starting to unbutton his shirt.

***

"I can't believe the twins are two years old today" Drew said smiling up at Caleb "soon they'll be going to school and ...."

"Honey they're two," Caleb told her "don't rush ahead. You'll miss out on the here and now." He put his arms around her "besides you can start teaching the some of your awesome dance moves."

Nodding "uh huh and you can teach them music." She heard him grunt "you have to admit that it'll be a lot better than them just banging away on the xylophone you gave them."

"I know but I was hoping they'd have some natural ability."

"Did you think they'd just get it by osmosis?" she asked laughing at him "I don't think that's going to happen."

"Oh I know that" Caleb admitted laughing "I've heard them play. They're awful." He smiled over at his kids "but what they lack in musical ability they make up for in dance."

"They are pretty good aren't they?" she said smugly "even Megan is picking it up. We may have some natural dancing talent shining through."

They watched as Indira and Andrew walked up to them "mama you have baby?" Indira asked.

"No honey," Drew shook her head.

"Yes," Andrew insisted "in there," he pointed at her stomach.

Kneeling in front of him "No Andy I don't have a baby in my tummy."

He frowned pointing "Aunt Tay has one."

"Yes she does," Drew agreed "but I don't," she told him.

He stuck his bottom lip out "I want you to have a baby." Tears rolled down his chubby little cheeks "me be big bruder."

Indira put an arm around him "you lil bruder."

Pushing her away from him Andrew crossed his arms "don't want big sister."

She looked up at Caleb "now what?" she mouthed.

Shrugging "he'll get over it."

"I hope so," she said standing up and moving towards Tayla and Ambrose who were playing on the floor with Megan. "Are you all set to launch  this baby?" she asked joining them.

"You bet," Ambrose enthused "if I could I'd have a dozen of these lil rugrats."

Putting up a hand "whoa there I never agreed to being a baby making machine" Tayla protested despite the twinkle in her eyes.

"Admit it," Drew said turning to her "you'd be barefoot and pregnant if he asked you to be."

Tayla's mouth twitched as she tried to hid a grin "you're right. I would be. I can never say no this guy. No matter how hard I try."

***

Drew woke up in the middle of the night. Laying in the dark listening to Caleb breathe beside her. She strained her ears for the sound that woke her. A muffled cry. One of the kids maybe?No sound came from the baby monitor on the side table. There it was again. Drew got up to investigate the noise. Opening the bedroom door she heard it again and it was coming from Tayla's room. Tayla was in trouble. She ran across the hallway towards the other bedroom that was Tayla and Ambrose's. Knocking she waited until Ambrose called out to come in. Taking one look at Tayla she said "honey how far apart are your contractions?"

Sweat poured down Tayla's face as she tried to keep from crying out. "Close too close," she finally managed.

"I'm going to take a peek," Drew told her. She looked at Ambrose "have  you called for an ambulance?"

He nodded his normally fair complexion pale and sickly green "they're not going to make it in time are they?"

She shook her head "no we're going to have to deliver this baby ourselves." She looked up as Caleb came into the room blurry eyed and yawning. "What can I do to help?" he asked.

"If the kids wake up before the baby comes we'll need you to keep them occupied." Drew instructed. He nodded accepting his assignment. Drew sighed realizing that everyone was looking to her. She was the one in charge. She didn't know what she was doing. She felt her insides twist as she resisted the urge to panic. She felt Caleb squeeze her shoulder encouraging to her do her best. "Alright folks let's get this show on the road."