The Confrontation

[Noel]

Ryan had put this off for far too long. She'd meant to come here with Rem, mend things in the summer. But she'd made excuses and had 'things come up' and she eventually just avoided it all together. She in truth was scared, so scared. She talked to her mother and sister pretty regularly now. Her brothers not so much because every time they just bugged her to come home and stop being stupid. But she wasn't being stupid. She had a right to be angry at her father. Which was why she hadn't spoken to him except for a few emails when finally agreeing to come talk. It was mostly Rem that got her here. She didn't feel the need to hide anything, especially her relationship.

It was only just fall here. She could still feel heat in the air as she stepped off the bus. She liked taking the bus from the airport. It gave her time to think and settle from the flight. She tugged at the floral sheer scarf hanging loosely around her neck and smoothed her red hair. She had nervously dressed for the day. She didn't want to seem so formal, but she still wanted to seem somewhat respectful. She didn't know why. It's not like he respected her much anyway. She'd brought only a few nights worth of clothing in her duffle. She didn't plan on staying long. They had to get back to school and she didn't see this going well. She looked to her left. She could see her house from the stop, the roof peaking out just over a large hill. She took a deep breath as she waited for Rem to get off. And when he was she started walking the familiar path.

It was funny to think last time she'd been here she'd been running from the house, like there were some unsavory spirit in it. She didn't say anything to Rem as they walked. She could mention the lake and point out the boats, but she couldn't find the voice. Instead she nibbled at the inside of her cheek and flexed her fingers. Anxious. She was anxious. Finally, after what seemed like years, they were in front of her home. Her heart swelled a little at the sight of it. She had missed it. The wrap around worn porch with the weeds sticking out of the stair gaps. The yellow door and shutters. She exhaled for a long time before saying," Well here we are. Home sweet home."

A shriek came from inside the house making Ryan's eyes roll slightly as she spotted her sister's form bolt from the kitchen window. Leave it to Maribeth to be the first one to spot them.

[Signal]

Rem was not really in the brightest of moods. He was here to insure that Ryan's father gave her fair audience, and a fair chance. If he still chose to banish her after her pleading, then he was not worthy to be Ryan's father and Rem would see it she was taken care of either way. She was a remarkable girl, who deserved to have a loving family, even if it was a family she had not been born in.

He hoped that things would go the way she preferred though. Rem was going to keep things undercontrol, so he'd opted to leave an and all weapons behind, hidden in the forest on campus. He took a deep breath at the shriek, rolling the sleeves of his jacket up and walking forward toward the house. He was resigned to follow this through.

[Noel]

Maribeth burst through the door before they made it to the porch. Like a child she ran, tackling her younger sister to the ground. Ryan protested by moving her limbs wildly and shouting," Hey! You're messing up my clothes! You're the one always worried about that!" Maribeth laughed loudly and let her sister up before grabbing her face and bouncing slightly," I know I know I'm just so happy you're back! I've missed my baby sister and you looks so fabulous and-" She looked over at the male as if she was just noticing him. Ryan (who's face was still smooshed between her sister's hands) looked over too, trying to smile but it looked ridiculous. Maribeth abruptly let her go before saying," You must be Rem." Her smile was still in place as she held out her hand to shake.

After introducing herself she grabbed Ryan's arm and dragged her toward the open front door," Okay then well lets get inside. Everyone's going to be so excited." She then leaned in toward Ryan's ear to add," You were right he is CUTE." The red haired young woman shushed her older sister before glancing back at Rem with a blush. Once they were at the doorway Maribeth finally let her go to shout and look for the rest of the family. Ryan took the time to float nearer to Rem, her fingers intertwining with his. Looking up at him she sighed," At least someone is happy to see us." She watched as her two brother's descended the stairs, both pairs of footsteps loud and hard as they rushed down. They stopped when spotting the couple. Tristan was the first to recover.

"Ry. Finally," He exclaimed as he came closer and hugged her briefly and kissed the top of her head. Adam blinked a little before following, opting to mess up her hair instead. She glared at him for this and he laughed," Come on you haven't been here in...a long time. I owe you a few annoyances." Ryan smiled a little at this before looking back at her boyfriend. Keeping hold of his hand she lead the way further into the house before saying," Tristan, Adam, this is Rem. Rem these are my brothers." Both boys looked a little wary of him. Tristan nodded kindly while Adam crossed his arms. It wasn't that he didnt like Rem because he was gifted. He'd be protective no matter what guy dated his littlest sister. Tristan cleared his throat," Uh, right. Nice to meet you Rem. We're glad you came. Really." He gave his sister a sincere look and she nodded thanking him.

"So you're the guy that stole Princess Ry from her tower."
"Adam!"
"Calm down I'm only kidding, sort of."
"Right."
"Well you did kind of runaway. Just wanted to see if he is worth all the trouble." Adam lifted his shoulders.

Ryan gazed at him fiercely for a moment," He is." She then realized they were in the dining room. She tentatively took a seat in her regular chair and clasped her hands in front of her. Not looking at anyone she asked," Wheres dad?" The brothers looked at each other before sitting down too, Tristan offered Rem the seat beside his sister. Adam scratched his chin before answering," Maribeth went to go get him. He and mom went to the shop to look at the new inventory." Ryan nodded. At least she had a few more minutes to enjoy being home.

[Signal]

Rem allowed his arm to be tugged through the door, his face still as calm as ever. He stopped in the dining room, looking around the house and noting it's exits, how far it would be from each sitting position, the amount of time it would take to escape if needed. He guaged everything, including how hard it would be to carry Ryan out if things became... Messy.

His thoughts were interrupted however when the two brothers came down the stairs. He held their gazes as well, keeping his respectful silence while they greeted their sister. "Hello, My name is Remsey. It is a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you allowing me to visit. I've heard a lot about each of you." He smiled and bowed his head slightly to each, his face staying it's usual placid self.

The parents weren't due to arrive for a while, a reprieve then. He still had the dufflebags around his shoulders, letting them sit beside the stair case, easy to grab if he should need to make a quick exit.

[Noel]

The siblings sat in silence for a while. Ryan glanced at Rem biting her lip. She knew he was on edge. He hadn't said much since arriving and his polite calm demeanor was starting to annoy her. Mostly because she was about burst of her skin being so nervous. She wanted to ask him how he was really feeling, anything just to have someone honest with her. Her brothers and sister were so happy but she could tell with the way it didn't quite touch their eyes. Something was still wrong and they knew it. After the silence became almost too much she bolted upright," I'm going to get some tea." She turned on her heel.

"The cups are-," Tristan yelled out to her but she shouted back she knew where the "damn" cups were. He shook his head with a small smile before looking at Rem," Does she have the same 'i can do everything myself' attitude with you?" Adam snorted before asking also," Is she also still mega bossy because I didn't miss that." Tristan elbowed the oldest brother who looked baffled as to why he would. Tristan had always been closer to Ryan then Adam. He had missed having his little sister around bugging him. With no one willing to break up their brawls Tristan had gotten several black eyes this past summer. So, he missed everything. Even her mega bossiness. Turning to her boyfriend again he said in a low voice," Has she been okay...you know? Since everything?"

The redhead meanwhile was getting several cups by using her familiar method. She was a tad too short to reach the good cups she liked at the top shelf. So she kicked out one of the drawers and stood on it. She collected them quickly before hopping down. She then grabbed the pitcher of tea from the fridge, smiling at the old glass design. Her mother's favorite. She set it on the island for a moment so she could look around. She loved spending the summer with Rem but she had missed running around this place, barefoot and freckled, yelling and laughing. It was like somehow that night had shattered something. She felt all the memories were just ghosts now. She shook her head, stacked the cups on top of one of the other, carrying them and the pitcher back into the dining room.

"Talking about me," Ryan asked as she set the pitcher and cups on the table.

"Only bad things." Adam grabbed the pitcher and a cup before Ryan had the chance to pour her own. Ryan rolled her eyes before snatching the pitcher away from him and filling her own cup. Then she filled one for Rem and Tristan. Sitting down she asked them about how things were at the marina. After a few minutes they heard the back door slam and hurried footsteps. Ryan stood up and tensed but the only person who came through was her mother. She took one look at Ryan before gasping and hauling her into a hug. Ryan's eyes began to water as the woman started to ramble," Oh Ryan, oh my goodness I'm so glad you came. I was so worried you'd be angry forever. Don't ever do that again." Ryan laughed a little but it sounded like a hiccup before burying her face in her mother's shoulder.

Mrs. Shepard looked over her daughter's head to the young man who wasn't one of her sons. Pulling away from her youngest she acknowledged," You must be Remsey then."

Ryan felt her stomach twist. "Mom now I know you probably still dont think that we-"
"Oh stop. I don't care. If he got you and your stubborn head to back here I should give him a medal."

Ryan laughed a little and her mother leaned in, briefly embracing Rem. Maribeth had entered and sat down between her two brothers sighing," Young love." To which Adam gagged and Tristan laughed. Her mother was messing with her hair gushing about how long it was when a man cleared his throat. Ryan paled. The family looked over as Lewis Shepard stood in the arch way, arms crossed.

[Signal]

Rem kept his thoughts to himself, rather looking around for any sign of them being in the same mindset as the father had been. It appeared not. They were all very welcoming of not only her, but of him too. He looked up as she went to go make tea, looking bemused at her brother when he spoke. "Ryan can be a bit of a handful, but like anything else in the world, there are ways to get around it." He looked over at the brother. "For her, it's competition."

When the woman came into the group, Rem could only assume it was Ryan's mother. His eyes did a full take on her, making sure he would be welcomed, which he was, by the hug. He stood up as she came in, bowing his head slightly and putting his hands behind his back. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Shephard. Yes, I am Remsey Thyme." He straightened back up, offering a small smile.

When the throat cleared, Rem's eyes snapped over, every instinct already telling him he was in a dangerous position. He turned to face the girl's father, seeing his guarded stance and keeping his own formal stance, his hands behind his back. He would not be intimidated.

[Noel]

The room was silent for a long time, eternity it seemed for Ryan. Her mother smiled a little nervously," Oh, Lewis. Ryan brought someone to meet us. This is-"
"I know who he is."
"Lewis, please."

The two adults stared at each other a long time. Ryan had moved to Rem's side, sort of behind him, looking over his shoulder. Her father's eyes flashed with hurt. Maybe he could tell she was still a little wary of him. The older man rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. Finally he said," Look, I would like to speak to Mr. Tyme is it? Alone. Then I want to talk to Ryan." The redhead perked slightly at this information.

"Why can't you speak to us both at the same time," Ryan questioned stepping closer.
"Because I want to speak to him alone first."
"I don't understand-"
"Ryan for once can something not be an hour argument about how you think it's a better idea to do something else," Lewis snapped and Ryan recoiled. Her father sighed again before saying in a low voice," Please. If we could just talk alone first."

The girl looked at everyone else in her family. Tristan was half standing as if he was about to restrain his father. Maribeth was staring wide eyed back at her little sister. Finally she looked at Rem leaning in to whisper," Are you okay with this?" It wasn't that she was afraid her father would do something to him. Please, she was sure Rem could to more damage then her father ever could. But she was a little worried her father would have some weird sensible reason for them to break up and Rem would come to agree. She hated not knowing what was going to go on. Which was usual for her.

Her father shoved his hands into his pockets leaning back a little. Gesturing with his head toward the back of her hall he grunted," I will be in my study when you come to a decision." He then stalked back to the heavy oak door slamming it behind him.

[Signal]

The boy held up a hand, the same gesture he made anytime Ryan got hyped up. It was his way to tell her that he had it under control, that everything would be alright. He'd handle it. Truly, it was a gesture that held more meaning between them than any other. He turned his gaze to her father, "No need to convince me. I was rather hoping to have a chance to speak to you as well. Privately." He wasn't going to be bullied. He wasn't going to allow her father to bully anyone else either.

He followed briskly behind, only to have the oak door slammed. He let out a slight frustrated huff, turning to the others. "I assume he's not always like this, yes?" He shook his head, opening the door and stepping inside, he closed it gently behind him, turning back around to the older man. "Before you begin, I think it best if I first tell you that I appreciate the hospitality your family has shown me thus far. I am hoping we can keep things as pleasurable as they have been?"

[Noel]

Ryan bit her lip and nodded in response to Rem's question. Her mother tried," Oh no, he's just under some...stress." She looked at her children who all looked back at her with bland expressions. Ryan loved her dad. For much of her life she'd been a 'daddy's girl'. But for the last year she'd been so estranged she didn't even feel the connection. When they both disappeared into the study Ryan flexed her fingers. Her mother cupped her face with her hands and assured her," It'll be okay my little mermaid. He just wants to understand." Ryan nodded and Maribeth suggested moving to the front porch. Her mother told them to go on while she made a late lunch. Ryan soon found herself sitting beside her sister on the porch swing, both brothers sprawled out on the sun warmed wood floor.

Meanwhile, in the study, Lewis Shepard was sitting behind his desk. It looked like a normal office would except instead of hard rickety chairs ont he other side there were nice plush ones with arms. There was a couch in the corner of the room and a television on the opposite wall. He briefly remembered a four year old Ryan sitting there keeping him company while he worked. He picked up a picture of her at that age and stared at it for a long time. Sighing he gestured for Rem to take a seat," My family is always warm. If you couldn't already tell Ryan is a very very important to her mother and siblings...and to me." He stood up and put the picture to the side. " We didn't expect her, she was a surprise but never unwelcome. She was very small as a child which she'll never tell you and very sensitive. Her brothers were always carting her around. She was loud and never bit her tongue. She gets that from me." Lewis paused to laugh and glance at Rem.

"She's been our baby for a long time. And when she developed her...powers we knew we had to protect her. I don't know where you're from but in little towns like this these 'gifts' are not praised. They scare people. We sent her to Stone Brook so she wouldn't feel alienated. And she always somehow knew not to spread the word around town." Ryan's father sat down again and folded his hands together. He looked at the young man very carefully. Shaking his head he said," I wanted a normal life for Ryan. For her to be looked at as she always has been. Not for her gift or whatever they call it. If people here get word of what she can do they would hurt her. And I can't have that happen. And frankly, Mr Tyme, I don't think you'd like that either if you really care for my daughter as much as she assumes you do."

He finally leaned back in his chair. Silent for a few minutes he asked," So what do I do then? How do I protect her? No offense Mr Tyme but you aren't the picture of average and this town is nosey."

[Signal]

With the speech he was given, Rem stayed perfectly silent, his hands neatly beside him, his golden eyes shining on the room in front of him. When the man finished speaking, Rem surveyed the room slowly, scanning until they fell upon the man in front of him again.

"You speak a lot about loving your daughter, yet you do not know her." He blinked impassively. He hadn't come here to play nice boyfriend trying to gain favor of his girlfriend's father's blessing. He was here to set a man straight from his path of prejudice and fear.

"Your daughter is not normal. She is extraordinary. Her gifts allow her to vanish just as a normal person does in a crowd. You have no fear for her safety for she is safer alone with her gifts than with you without them." His eyes finally settled on the father's glaring deep into his.

"There are forces out there far more dangerous to humans, than gifteds. We are hoping to help you with our gifts, yet you shun them as unnatural. That is a mistake." He took a breath, holding out a hand.

"Normal isn't safe, Ryan isn't normal."

[Noel]

Ryan's father said nothing to all of Rem's words. Instead he tapped his hand on his desk and sighed a long sigh. He said," I don't want my daughter to be average Rem, don't get me wrong. She is extraordinary but not because she can turn into the same look as a brick wall. She's more than that and I don't mean to offend you but I've known Ryan for 17 years of her life." He looked out the window of his office, seeing a familiar truck pull up. He almost got up to go out but his sons were out there, they'd be fine. Then he looked back at Rem,"When Ryan was around thirteen a girl one town over from here had powers. I don't specifically remember what they were but her town found out. Kids bullied her at school, grown ups shunned her family, up until the day some boys roughed her up. The family moved to we don't know where. That poor girl was tortured. I'm afraid the same thing would happen to Ryan here."

Finally he stood up, unable to just sit anymore. Running a hand through his graying hair he concluded," I love my daughter. I wouldn't care if she had six arms. But I don't want to cause her anymore strife then she will have to go through otherwise."

Meanwhile, Ryan was catching up with her siblings. It was great and she was starting to feel at home. Her mother called her sister in to help set the table. Tristan slung an arm around his smallest sister,"It's good to have you around Ry. Without you I've been stuck watching Adam do the same old boring tricks." Adam grunted and rolled his eyes," Yeah okay like you do the dangerous stuff. Small Fry was the only one out of all of us to pull off cool shit." Ryan warmed at the compliment and was about to say something when a loud truck roared up the drive way. The siblings all looked to see a familiar young man climb out. Ryan's face contorted in confusion as she called," Austin?"

"Didn't think you come home and my mom wouldn't send me over," The young man replied with a grin as he walked up the front porch steps. He was the same as she remembered. Bulky football build, glossy brown hair, deep green eyes she used to think were emeralds when she was ten. She hugged him from her position on the swing and eyed him as he moved to lean against the rail. Adam nodded his head toward the boy," Aye so Garden why are you really here?"

"Well your sister is home after being gone for almost a year, I wanted to know what she's been up to." Ryan blushed. She didn't think many people would notice. Lola sure, but she knew why. Austin knew she had powers but didn't know why she left. She shrugged and he smiled," So what has suddenly brought you back rotten ry?" Ryan wrinkled her nose at him before crossing her arms," I brought my boyfriend to meet my family."

[Admin Signal]

Rem's eyes never left the other man, not even for a second. "You seem very worried about her, I can understand that. I think sending her to Stone brook was a good idea on your part. She's not bullied there, and if the people here are upset with gifteds, then they are a rather large problem themselves."

He crossed his arms, leaning his weight on one foot. "She's safe. You can trust me on that." When the truck arrived, Rem's eyes surveyed the situation. Seemed as though the old man had something against this boy showing up. Interesting. Old boyfriend perhaps? Worse?

"I believe you may have something you are wanting to get off your chest. Though I have a chip to remove as well. You alienated your daughter. You made her feel unwelcome in your home and you owe her an apology for that. You are no better than the ones that you say you are fearful of otherwise."

[Noel]

Lewis heaved a sigh," It's very comforting to know that Ryan isn't getting bullied at her school. But I doubt she would anyway, if you haven't noticed my daughter doesn't like to be pushed around or seem weak." He laughed a little before turning to Rem. Her clasped his hands in front of him as he eyed the young man. Sizing him up a little he mused," You seem very sure of yourself Mr. Tyme. I'm not sure I've seen such a...confidence in any of my eldest daughter's boyfriends." He was very surprised, all though not unpleasantly, that his daughter had chosen Rem as her boyfriend. He'd always figured Ryan would follow Maribeth into the world of horrible dating. This boy was odd, for him anyway, but not someone he was truly set against.

"I do not need you to tell me what I do and do not owe my daughter, Rem. I realize that our fight got very out of hand and I let my anger get in the way of my ability to be a parent and adult. I am going to more then apologize to my daughter for that. She, at least when I talk to her, will hopefully see I was hot headed. And I hope she can see where I was coming from made a little bit of sense deep down," Ryan's father replied with crossed arms. He let silence settle for a moment before hearing a commotion outside. He lifted his chin,"It seems drama has already started. You mentioned that my daughter is safe with you. Let us see if you're just bragging." He smirked a little before walking out toward the porch.

Ryan had been waiting for her neighbors reaction, maybe he'd laugh it off. But Austin's face contorted into a weird expression she couldn't place. He crossed his arms and Adam whistled before saying something about checking on dinner. Tristan watched cautiously while the guy gritted his teeth into a stiff smile," Oh, boyfriend eh? So we finally find out you're not a lesbian people were starting to wonder." Ryan gasped in outrage and he laughed in response.

"Why do you even care if I was a lesbian or not anyway?"
"Well I dont but you know Stella was hoping..."
"Shut up!"
"Defensive! We sure that boyfriends real? Didn't pay anyone to come here did you?"
"TRISTAN TELL HIM HE'S REAL!"

Tristan stood up holding his hands out. Ryan had stood up and gotten into Austin's personal space while he smirked and leaned against the porch railing. Her older brother rolled his eyes,"Stop riling her up Austin. The guys real. A little quiet but real." Ryan nodded thanks before leaning back and looking smug. Tristan sighed before continuing," I'm going to go in and see if dad's done talking to him. Food will be ready soon." Austin shouted goodbye after him before turning back to the petite red head.

"So a quiet guy. Guess he'd have to be with your big mouth," Austin joked which earned him a punch in the arm.

"Why are you being so mean to me? You act as if I did something to you." Ryan pouted slightly. Sure, Austin had always been a jerk to her. Ever since childhood actually. But he had never thrown so many insults at her at once. Even when he found out she had a crush on him in 5th grade he hadn't been so mean. She was starting to take it personal. He merely shrugged and she threw up her hands and turned to head in. At the last second he caught her arm and she looked at him in confusion," What? You come here and act like a jerk. I'm not going to stand here and take it. Youre supposed to be my friend."

"Yeah your friend that you've had a crush on forever," Austin blurted before looking down. She looked at him as if he grew another head. She narrowed her eyes," What?"

"Well you know, we've had this thing-"
"We've never had a thing. I liked you in fifth grade."
"- and I dont know I thought you'd wait until...I was ready."

Ryan stared at him dumbfounded," Until i was ready? UNTIL I WAS READY? You thought 'hey I'm Austin Im so great that Ryan will just wait until I decide to date her'? You're such a pig!" She went to pull away from his grip but he held on. "No! Well I mean...you're twisting it around. And come on you can tell me you still don't like me." He smirked which made her even more angry. She tried to twist away while he tried to explain, but he just held tighter. After a few minutes she exclaimed," Austin, let me go! You are hurting me!" This caught the attention of both brothers who began to make their way to the porch as their father's study door opened.

[Admin Signal]

Rem stared into the other man's eyes. "I've had practice sir." He waited while the other barraged him, getting defensive, yet accepting of his fate. That racked him some points in Rem's mind, but he couldn't help but remember the last time he'd faced this sort of situation.

"Remsey, you do not get the right to tell me what I should and should not do!"
"You were out of line Benitiva, she hasn't done anything wrong!"
"of course she has Remsey. You are a mistake, she doesn't need you distracting her!"
"You are impossible!"
"And you are not welcome."
"Then you have condemned yourself and your daughter."
"You know nothing."
"I don't want to know what it is you think you are teaching you ignorant man."
"I don't need this."
"Yes you do, more than ever."

Rem blinked the memory away, hearing the voices outside and the challenge from the father. "If that's what you want." He stepped through the door, hearing the yelling and shouting.

He made his way over, blinking at the boy.

He stepped over to them. With a slight look to Ryan he gave her that look. The one he always gave when he knew she wouldn't approve of the next motion.

He smiled at the boy.

and promptly open palm thrusted the other's elbow to get him to let go before grabbing and lifting him up by his leg, slamming him into the ground on his back, to knock his air out and standing up. The whole instant taking a split second.

He looked to Ryan, expecting the look of disapproval. Then moved his gaze to the brothers.

"Why didn't you interfere? You are her brothers are you not?" His jaw set in a line. If this was anywhere but their home, he'd lay them out next. Disgraceful.

[Noel]

Ryan's vision blurred at the edges, her focus only on Austin. She didn't even realize her family and Rem had appeared until Rem shoved him. She looked at him in slight surprise before he picked Austin up. The whole thing seemed slow motion. Austin shouted in surprise before he was slammed into the ground. Tristan and Adam exchanged looks of disbelief while their father stood in the door way with an unreadable expression. Austin was sprawled out on the porch trying to catch his breath. The red head said nothing when Rem looked back at her. Instead, she looked at the slight finger mark bruises blooming on her arm. Awesome.

She couldn't say she was terribly shocked by the assault. After all, it wasn't the first time a male had tried to invade her personal space and Rem retaliated. She flashed back to the night in the ally and shivered a little. Even when that guy at the beach had approached them without warning. He was very protective and sometimes a tad bit aggressive. Her brothers seemed even more shocked she wasn't yelling at him. Her father, however, did not. Adam looked at Rem before blurting," Dude we got here the same time you did! Ryan doesn't need a chaperone when talking to people. I mean, she usually doesn't."

Ryan glared," I don't. But you knuckle heads still should have stayed with me, you knew it was awkward."
"Which is why we didn't. We hate awkward situations."
"Typical."

Austin groaned which caught the Shepard families attention. Ryan stepped over to him," I think you should leave now." Austin raised himself up to his elbows, then to his knees, then finally to his feet. He looked from her to Rem and took a step forward. She put a hand on his shoulder," Seriously, before you get hurt." He glared at her before shifting his gaze to her father.

"You're just going to let this freak date your daughter," Austin accused shoving his hand in the direction of Rem. Lewis Shepard looked from the young man who'd always lived next door. The one his little girl had had a crush on and cried when he put gum in her hair. It would have been easy for her to date him. But Ryan wasn't easy. Then he looked at Rem. He was still unsure of the young man but anyone who'd go to that extreme to protect his daughter had to get a point.

"Well, I don't think thats any of your business Austin. Tell your mom we said hello."
"But sir he is a maniac! He attacked-"
"Everyone deserves to get their butt kicked. Seems like you were over due. Have a good afternoon." At that her father smiled a little before turning into the house and calling for his wife. Ryan too grinned widely before waving and sticking her tongue out. Austin grumbled and cursed all the way to his car.

Ryan turned to her big brothers who were asking Rem about his moves," Alright you two cowards, go on ahead and tell mom we'll be in after you." Adam protested but Tristan was wise enough to elbow him and pull him inside. Crossing her arms she finally turned to her boyfriend. Smiling a little tensely she said," You really shouldn't hurt the neighbors. They'll start to talk. Um, how'd it go with my dad?" Her father didn't seem so angry anymore. In fact, he kind of seemed like his old self. Odd.