3.20 Time To Say Goodbye

"Dad" Keenan called running towards the shed "you've go to stop him," he pleaded the pink haired male.

Caleb turned to confront the frantic fifteen year old. "Your father knows what he's doing," he assured the boy moving to block the door.

"You don't understand," Keenan cried baring his fangs hissing at Caleb.

Gulping Caleb stood his ground hoping Adam was right that the boy was no different then any other fifteen year old. "What don't I understand?" he asked in the hopes of distracting the boy.

"If that IF is who we think it is. She's going to kill my dad." Tears ran down is cheek "I can't lose him." He gripped Caleb's shirt "please I have to help him...he can't do this on his own."

Caleb struggled in the boys grip. Jerking backwards groaning as his shirt ripped as it tore free from the boys grasp. He looked towards the shed door, indecision written on his face. "I can't let you go in there," he told the boy "Adam wouldn't want you sacrificing yourself for him."

"Then you go in there," Keenan implored "please he's all I have..." He fell to his knees "he's the only one who understands me...please I can't lose him."

The boys pleading eyes as they gazed up at him tugged at Caleb's heart. How could he stand by without helping? He looked towards the house. Saw Drew walking towards them. Before he could think through the ramifications of his actions he turned towards the boy "I'll help your dad. Just promise me something..."

Nodding Keenan got to his feet "I'll do anything ... just help my dad."

Fumbling with the keys to unlock the door Caleb looked straight into the unnaturally light glowing eyes of the boy standing before him "don't let Drew follow me. Whatever happens to us help her."

Keenan turned to look at the approaching young woman, his cousin "I can't let you...." he began to say realizing the sacrifice he had asked Caleb to make. Turning when he heard the door open and shut. Running towards the door Keenan tried to reach it before the lock clicked in place. Pulling on the door handle screaming "Caleb don't do this. I had no right to ask you. Your family needs you." Pounding on the door he yelled into the night.

***

Moving quickly while the boy was distracted Caleb unlocked, closed and bolted the door from the inside before locking the door again. Blinking he stumbled over something in the dark. "Adam" he called fearing the thing he tripped over may have been the older man. Laughter greeted his inquiry as he tried to figure out where the sound was coming from in the dark.

"You're too late," the voice snarled from the darkness "I win."

"You win what?" Caleb asked the disembodied voice. "what do you get for killing Adam?"

"I accomplish my life's aspiration," she said "I can now claim my rightful place as an elder ruling over Midnight Hollow. There is no higher accomplishment."

"Wrong," Caleb shouted back at her "this elaborate plan was all for nothing. Did you forget Adam is the ruler of Moonlight Falls and Midnight Hollow? That was one of the first things he changed. Your purpose is obsolete. Your obsolete."

Screaming Windy ran towards the taunting man. Hands out stretched seeking to strangle the hateful words from his throat. Everything she had lived for was gone. Her sole purpose was gone. Her only goal in life was lost. She should have known Adam would do this to her. Always foiling her carefully laid out plans.

Caleb tried to avoid what was coming but he couldn't see from what direction she would attack from. He was slammed against a wall gagging as hands like steal claws closed around his throat cutting off his oxygen. He clawed at the inhuman hands feeling skin come away as he scratched at her hands. Nothing phased her. His vision grew dark as he lost consciousness. His last thoughts were of his family, Drew, his kids, Ambrose, his parents, brothers and sister. All their faces blended together until their was just one gazing upon him with sadness.

***

Pulling the boy from the door Drew gripped his shoulders shaking him until he looked up at her. 

"What's happening?" she yelled at him hoping to break through his dazed expression.

"He....he...." gulping for air he turned glazed eyes up towards his cousin "I'm sorry. I didn't think. I didn't realize what I was asking of him. He shouldn't have gone in there."

"What did he do?" she gripped his upper arms squeezing with a fierceness she didn't realize she had "what did he do?"

Nodding towards the door "he went in there...to...to help my dad."

Dropping her hands from the boy she turned towards the door. "Caleb honey come out here right this instance." She knew it was useless she knew Caleb wouldn't be able to stand idly by. Knew he would put himself in danger if it meant he could help someone else. God help her, she didn't want her kids to have live the nightmare she had. They needed their father. She needed her husband. She didn't want to raise their children alone. "Caleb" she screamed falling to her knees on the rough ground.

"Come on," Keenan grabbed her arm "we've got to go check on the kids."

Nodding she let him guide her towards the house. Halfway across the yard she turned back "what do we do if she escapes?"

Keenan stopped, turned and stared at the silent innocent looking shed. Within those walls he knew three people were fighting for their lives. Only one of them deserved to die. He didn't know what to do. The one person with all the answers was in there. His dad. Keenan knew he wasn't ready to become ruler in his dads place. He didn't want to do it at all without his dad by his side. His dad had the empathy he lacked for humans. He was the key to bridging the gap between human and supernatural. Blinking he turned to Drew knowing the answer to her question. The answer was something neither he or she was prepared to do.

***

When the pink haired male became silent, ceasing his useless struggles she let his body drop to the floor with a dull thud. "Stupid human," she mumbled as she approached Adam's prone body sprawled on the floor. "Your the stupidest one of all," she rolled him roughly onto his back.

Several minutes passed before Adam's eyelids flickered and a low moan issued from his mouth. Fighting the pain Adam lifted his head to find Windy's eyes glaring at him. "What did I ever do to you except make you real and be stupid enough to fall in love with you?"

"My kind can't love," she told him enjoying his feeble attempts to sit up.

"That's a lie and you know it" he leaned back resting his head on the wall behind him. "I've learned a lot about your kind all the years I've been ruling. I'm not the same naive kid I used to be."

She stared impassively at him as memories of him as a toddler singing to her ran through her mind. She used to love the sound of his voice. How his voice made her feel warm and safe wrapping her up in his love. She encouraged that love, helping it to grow stronger as he turned to her for comfort as his mother grew colder, meaner and more hateful. She knew then, that was what she had to become if she wanted the coveted eldership in Midnight Hollow. It was rare that an IF actually killed their human life giver. As they adapted from what the Watchers originally made them to be the more IF's began to fall in love with their life givers and have children. Some though opted for the more sinister pleasure of making the life givers lives miserable in place of killing them outright. 

A smile lit up her face as she watched Adam cringe against the wall no doubt wondering what she was thinking about. She had almost opted for that last option after she found out she was pregnant. She enjoyed watching him squirm like a worm on a hook. Scott ruined it though. She wanted to play with both men but she had to be careful with the things she did with Scott. She had no hold over him and the elders would have given her up to the authorities if she had hurt him too much. Scott wasn't her life giver. Adam was, she could run to Midnight Hollow once she disposed of him. They'd protect her if she fulfilled her goal. That was up until she started hurting her halfling son to accomplish that goal.

She should have taken the child with her. Dumped him off at the home for halflings in Midnight Hollow. Then forgot about him. She couldn't though. The moment he was born she wanted him. Wanted to be his mother. By then there was no way back from the things she had done. No way to undo the harm she had done. Jealousy and obsession had taken over. If she couldn't have Adam no else could. It nearly destroyed her when Adam remarried, had a child with that other woman. He was supposed to pine for her the way she did for him.

Adam looked past Windy at the silent, still form of Caleb on the floor. Closing his eyes he wondered why the young man followed him. Stilling his human senses and feelings he let his vampire senses take control. He heard his son, felt his anguish and guilt. Guilt for asking Caleb to help. Guilt for allowing his needs to overcome his better sense. Confusion was there too. He was lost needing direction, not knowing what he should do next. Adam pushed out with his mind, concentrating on his son giving him the answer he needed.

***

"Caleb when will you ever learn?" 

"Star? Is that you? How?" he asked sitting up in a daze. He reached his hand out touching her beloved face pulling her close, devouring her mouth with his. "I've missed you so so much."

"I've missed you too," she leaned into him "I wish ...." she began to say as she was interrupted by a clear cheerful voice from the little girl running up to them.

"Is it him? Really really him?" she asked flopping down beside them. 

Looking quizzically at the little girl sitting beside him Taking in her red gold hair and light green eyes. Turning to Star "who is this? I feel as if I should know her."

"She's your daughter Olivia," Star watched sadness fill his grey eyes "I'm sorry I thought you would want to meet her."

"I do I just...I didn't expect..." he pulled the little girl to him hugging her close. This was the child he and Drew had lost.

"I've been watching out for her until you came," Star told him.

"Star's my bestest friend daddy along with grandma and grandpa." she kissed his cheek "I wanted to meet you but you need to go now."

"Go? I just got here," Caleb protested. 

Nodding towards the little girl who was running off already filling the air with her giggles "she's right you know. You need to go."

"I can't," Caleb protested wrapping his arms around her holding her tight not wanting to ever let her go. "I want to stay here with you."

Turning she ran a hand across his bearded cheek. "Caleb I love you but you don't belong here with me." Shaking her head sadly she kissed his cheek "you need to go back. Your family needs you."

Shock jolted through him as he staggered to his feet all but throwing Star from this lap. "Drew the kids what will she think?" he ran his hands through his hair as laughter filled the air around him.

"Drew would understand," Star told him "she knows you love her. She knows that you'll always love me too. We'll be here waiting for you when it's your time."

"Don't go," he pleaded as she got up to leave him. Grabbing her hand he said "please don't go..."

"I must go before Olivia gets into trouble," Standing she laughed "she's a handful like her brother and sisters."

Tugging on her hand Caleb said "sisters? She only has one of each."

Frowning Star bit her lip before saying "another reason for you to go back."

"What aren't you telling me?" Caleb asked.

"I'm not supposed to tell you," she looked away as Olivia ran up to them throwing her arms around Caleb.

"Mama's pregnant with my baby sister," she announced. Hugging him tight she looked up "that's why you have to go back. Mama needs you."

She ran from Star's reaching hand laughing as she went. "She wasn't supposed to tell you that," Star muttered. Turning to Caleb she stroked his cheek "she's right. Drew needs you. It'll be a difficult pregnancy...you have to go back. Your family needs you."

He held her a moment more before nodding accepting his destiny "I know." He saw the sadness, the compassion and her love shining in her eyes. His heart ached for her as she started to fade. 

Before she faded completely "we'll see you after you've lived a long and full life."

"Bye daddy," Olivia called "make sure mama doesn't come for a long long time."

***

"Keenan what aren't you telling me?" she asked. His unblinking gaze towards the shed had her concerned. Grabbing him she forced him to look at her "tell me."

Tears falling from his eyes "dad says we have to set the shed on fire. Fire is the only way to kill an IF."

Mind reeling Drew shook her head "we can't do that...it...it'll kill...." She closed her eyes wanting to block out the enormity of what the cost would be. Keenan would lose his father and she would lose her husband if they weren't already dead. Things weren't going well if Adam was reaching out to his son giving him instructions on how to destroy that thing. But...she couldn't do it. She wouldn't do it.

"Mama" the terrified shriek from the baby monitor hooked to her belt shattered her thoughts. Andrew do doubt was having another of his nightmares as he continued "Peanut Butter Boy is gonna get me. Mama help!"

"Are you sure fire will destroy that thing?"

"Yes," the boy mumbled "you're not serious are you?"

"I am" she scowled towards the shed "I want my babies safe. I have to believe Caleb wants the same thing otherwise he wouldn't have gone in there."

Nodding Keenan added "dad wants Windy gone for good or he wouldn't have told me what needed to be done."

Taking a deep breath Drew wondered if this was how her dad felt as he ran between her and the gun. Calm and scared at the same time. She didn't have time to think it through. She had to protect her babies and hope that Caleb, if he was still alive would be able to find a way out. "Come on. I know how we can do this."

***

As the shed filled with smoke and fire Adam glared at Windy "you lose."

Shrieking she ran towards him seeking to rip his heart out through his chest. "It's your fault" she screamed at him "preventing me from having the things I want. Always getting in the way."

If he hadn't been weakened from her earlier assault he might have been able to shove her away from him. On the other hand if she was busy trying to rip him apart she might not notice Caleb staggering to his feet behind her. He felt her pummeling slow, fearing she might become aware of Caleb's approach he laughed "you're a dangerous fool. You never did know when to quit."

Screaming she wrapped her hands around his neck choking off his words and watched with glee in her eyes as his eyes bulged from the  pressure she was using.

Caleb watched what was happening unable to do anything about it. The room was filling with smoke causing his eyes to water and his lungs were screaming for fresh air. Adam was trying to distract her from his approach but what was he going to do once he got there? The woman was strong, too strong. If she could incapacitate a Vampire, she'd have no problem getting rid of him a lowly human.

Looking around his surroundings seeking something in the light of the fire that would help him defend himself. In the flickering light of the growing flames he spotted a hammer on a nearby workbench. Picking it up he tried not to think about what he was about to do. Approaching from behind Caleb couldn't tell if Adam was breathing or not as Windy continued to strangle him. The thought gave him the strength to swing the hammer with as much force as he could muster. He felt the impact with her head into his teeth. The dull thud and sickening crunch as it broke through her skull almost dropped him to his knees retching. Dropping the hammer from his numb fingers he tried to avoid looking at what he had done. 

Hurrying to Adam's side he tried to check for a pulse but his hands were shaking so severely he couldn't find one. Refusing to believe he hand been too late he picked the vampire up and made his way to the door. Something slammed into his back knocking him to his knees. Adam fell to the floor as Caleb tried to shield his head from the hammer he had foolishly dropped in the belief that Windy had been incapacitated.

"If I don't get to leave neither do you" she screamed trying to swing the hammer again. Adam crawled towards the door while Windy was occupied with Caleb. Fumbling with the bolt Adam managed to open the door. Going back towards the melee he gathered what strength he had to hurl Caleb through the open door. Shouting to be heard through the roar of the fire for him to lock the door on his way out.

Facing Windy in the glare of the fire. Memories of how Vallari had tried to kill his father in the basement of her home. It felt like deja vu. He hoped his own son would have more sense than he had. He hoped Keenan wouldn't try to save him. Facing Windy he shouted "you win. I'm not going anywhere."

She glared at him dropping the hammer at her feet. "Why save him?" she growled "you could have saved yourself."

"Caleb didn't deserve to die," Adam told her covering his mouth as smoke tried to choke him.

"Always the do gooder," Windy said in disgust.

"Why should I change just because I'm about to die?" Adam shrugged leaning heavily against the wall breathing hard from exertion and smoke inhalation.

"No we wouldn't want that" she sneared.

Adam stared at her unsure what he was seeing in her eyes. The same cold hateful glare was gone replaced with a look he remembered from childhood. The same look she had when he called her his best friend. He could feel the heat from the flames and the smoke as it thickened around them. It wouldn't be long now. Coughing he slid down the wall choking on smoke. He felt Windy as she lifted him to his feet. With no strength left he endured the kiss she forced upon him. Heard her whisper in his ear "I'm sorry."

He didn't have time to ponder her words before she picked him up and threw out the window shouting "thank you for never changing." He landed hard on the ground as he heard her shriek as the roof collapsed on her.

He staggered to his feet not thinking straight he tried to go in after her. He was tackled to the ground by his son "dad no" he cried "she's gone."

It's what he wanted, wasn't? A life free of her attacks? Then why did he have this dull ache in his heart? It was for the glimmer of the girl he used to know. The girl he had loved once. She had shown him that girl still existed inside her, underneath all the twisted hateful things. He grieved for the girl she could have been and knew she had sacrificed herself by saving him. She could have escaped if she had wanted to. She chose to save him and maybe in that final act she truly was sorry for the years of misery she had inflicted upon him and their son.

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.