Thank you, everyone, for all your patience in waiting for this to post. This brings to close the 51st story we have written together. We have more planned, so don't worry. We will begin posting a new story within a month. You can find out more details on upcoming things sooner, by joining us on Facebook at the group TeamAllTwilight & AndTAT Fan Fiction.

Huge thanks goes out to all the wonderful girls who have helped us with this story from the start: EdwardsFirstKiss, AWayWithWords, and LaPumuckl.

See you at the bottom.

Epilogue

Cordie POV

Some years later

I stare in the mirror at my outfit, letting out a soft huff. I feel rather unsure of this look.

"You look fine."

My eye glances to Kassie who's looking at me, through her mirror.

"Everything looks good on you," I mumble.

We still wear the same size clothes but thankfully, we're not exactly alike. She works out a lot, due to football training three days a week, and workouts, or swimming the other four days of the week. Her body is much sportier and toned than mine. Another big difference between the two of us is our hair. Our hair is still the same color, a cross between brown with red highlights, which Aunt Alice says is 'natural beauty personified.' But our lengths are completely different. My hair is about six inches longer and blunt cut while Kassie's is shorter with layers.

"And everything looks good on you, too, and you know it. Now tell me, are these nerves because you're giving the valedictory speech, or because of what you're wearing?"

I groan having forgotten for a few minutes that I am valedictorian, which means I will be addressing the entire class, teachers, parents and alumni. Kassie and I tied for valedictorian, but I was awarded the honor because my attendance record was one-hundred percent and Kassie's was ninety-seven percent. She came down with a nasty bout of the flu that wiped her out to the point of being hospitalized for two days. So, she had to settle for Salutatorian instead.

"Kassie, Cordie!" Remy yells as he runs into our room. "Charlie and I have made you two breakfast, are you guys coming?"

My eyes glance at Kassie who looks as equally worried as I am.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Eggs, pancakes, and bacon," he says sounding cheerful.

"Did Mom or Dad help you? "Kassie asks with a hopeful tone.

"No, we did it all on our own," he says with a screwed-up face.

"Ah, well, I for one am hungry, let's go," she says smiling at him. I know she loves them as much as I do, but I am scared of what awaits us in the kitchen.

I shake my head and follow her out. Kassie and our dad still have a similar appetite and she could eat anything including what our brother's may have cooked up. However, I still favor the eating habits of Mom.

We walk into the kitchen and see Remy dressed in the Chef's coat Mom and Dad bought him and Charlie. They both want to be chefs when they're older, and I hope for their sakes and that of the general public's that they get better at cooking. The good thing is that they are only ten and have a while to improve.

Charlie pulls out my seat and I sit down as he moves Kassie's chair out next.

"Coffee?" he asks sounding like our dad, he even has his grin.

I narrow my eyes a little. "You're not allowed to pour hot water."

"We're not allowed to use the stove without Mom, too, but that hasn't stopped us," Charlie retorts.

I raise my eyebrow and turn my head to the kitchen door, just as Mom walks through.

"What?" she says as I just stare at her open mouthed.

"Did you know they were cooking this morning?"

"Of course I did, but I had to leave the room to use the facilities. Besides, they're only using the skillet, and I supervised them."

"Yeah, and they've never burned anything, unlike someone else I know," Kassie chuckles as she looks at me.

"That was years ago," I huff remembering the horrid grilled cheese incident as they all laugh at me.

Remy places my breakfast in front of me and it does look pretty good. "Is this safe to eat?" I ask Mom as Kassie starts to devour what Charlie gave them.

"Yes," Mom and the boys say together.

"No fish in this, right?" I carry on.

"No, but you like fish," Charlie mutters.

"Yes, I do, but not mixed with scrambled eggs."

"I thought that omelet was okay," Kassie says as she looks at me, "and this is really good," she carries on pointing at a pancake.

"What have my two master chefs cooked up today?" Dad chuckles as he joins us.

"Pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast, but that's just for the girls," Charlie says making my dad's mouth drop open.

"What about me?"

"You're a big boy, get it yourself," Remy mocks in a tone that sounds a lot like Dad when we ask him to get us our things.

"Hey, watch your tone, young man," Dad warns him.

"We only made Cordie and Kassie breakfast, because it's their big day," Charlie mutters.

"Our breakfast is right here, don't worry," Mom chuckles as she places a fully cooked breakfast in front of Dad.

"Do I get any of that?" Kassie asks as she drools over Dad's big plate of food.

"Nope, this is all mine," Dad mutters as he stuffs a piece of bacon and eggs into his mouth. "Now, what is this big day you are talking about?" he asks as he looks around the table.

"The girls are graduating," Remy says slowly as if he thinks Dad has lost his mind.

"They are not!" Dad exclaims.

"Yes they are; aren't you?" Remy asks looking at Kassie and me. "Charlie and I are planning on using your room as our kitchen, and restaurant."

They are only ten, yet they seem to be ready to start their first business. For almost five years now, both have only talked about cooking and having a restaurant. I used to think it would pass—we all did—but over the years their passion for cooking has only grown stronger. They even make dinner at least once a week. Of course, they are supervised and hold to a menu Mom or Dad have to approve. Thankfully, they are slowly getting better at cooking, and no weird concoctions are allowed.

"Yes, we're graduating, but we still have a couple of months before we move out, so your new empire will have to wait," Kassie tells them as she points her fork in their direction.

"An empire? Isn't that a biscuit from Britain?" Remy replies with a cocky smile on his face.

"Not sure but I was referring to building a new business," Kassie huffs at him making me chuckle. She and Dad seem to be the ones that get into the most arguments with the boys.

"Well, the second you move out Mom's getting the decorators in to remodel the space for us and our new restaurant."

"I am?" Mom asks.

"Yeah, and we saved up all our money, too," Remy adds.

"You have, but for what you two have in mind, I don't think we have the room, nor the money you have saved will be enough to finance it."

"Come on, Mom," they both whine.

"Boys," Dad says using the tone to tell them to stop.

They both stop but their silent pouts are strong.

"Not fair ... they wanted us and they got us, and I am sure we cost more," Charlie says making both Kassie and I laugh.

"If we knew you wouldn't stay cute babies forever, we would never have asked for you."

"We're still cute," Remy says.

"Just a little, but that goes away somewhat every time you open your mouths," Kassie informs them.

"Enough all four of you," Mom states as she stands. "Boys, go and get changed as we'll be leaving soon."

They nod and walk out of the kitchen. I watch them leave, but can't help chuckle over how much they remind me of Kassie and I when we were the same age. She is and will always be my best friend. We share everything, and I know we'll always be there for each other. Even with that in mind, I am still worried that in August we'll be at college. We're going to Northwestern, and will only have a twenty-minute drive to get home, but I will still miss this place, miss the fighting, and the laughter.

"Princess," Dad says softly to me, making me smile that he still calls me that. "Are you feeling okay? You look a little green?"

"I'll be fine," I say knowing that even if she doesn't want to be up on the stage, if I need her, Kassie will be right by my side. "I was just thinking about when we leave for college how much I am going to miss this."

"You can live at home you know?" Dad says too quickly making me roll my eyes.

"You know I can't; Kassie is the first girl to get a full-ride scholarship on the men's football team. I want to be there to see the guys' faces when they see they have a girl on their team."

Dad clears his throat and looks at Kassie who is grinning like a Cheshire cat. "More than likely it will be similar to how the boys at our school acted."

"Yeah, but you had Emmett then," Dad says still clearly worried that Kassie is doing a double major. She's getting a degree in Physical Education, which includes being on the Northwestern football team. She is also going to get a degree in Math, with a major in Finance. No matter how much she loves sports, and is one of the best at playing football, she still wants to join the family business and dabble in the stock market. Our home version of the stock market game became better after Dad developed a game board. He and Kassie are still earning far more money than the rest of us, but seeing how good Kassie is, I know it's her passion. Her love for math and the stock market runs deep, and she will be great. Even if she doesn't work for Dad, she will easily get a job when she graduates from college. I think Dad will have a hard time reigning in his temper if she works for someone other than him, though.

I am majoring in Art, History, and English. I still don't have a clear idea on what I want to do, but these are the subjects that I love the most.

~PP~

I slowly get out of my dad's car and look around to see my peers are either getting out of their parents' cars, too, or heading into the school.

"You both will be fine," Mom says pulling Kassie in for a hug as dad hugs me, when he lets me go, my mom pulls me to her.

"I am so proud of you," she whispers in my ear making me smile. "Just take a deep breath and remember that you can look at your notes." I give her a nod and she winks. "We'll go and get our seats; you know where we will be."

As they leave, I let out a long breath.

"Can you believe it is our high school graduation already?" Kassie asks.

I nod, but then shake my head.

"It doesn't feel as if we've just been through eleven years here?"

"I know, it feels as if it was only yesterday that I started here and Mom was my teacher." I shake my head as I can still remember that first day. To say I was surprised to see Bella as my teacher and Kassie in Vicky's class is an understatement, but I was so happy. Dad and I had sort of met them a few days before. I was at Six Flags and had a great day. I had just finished getting changed when I heard my dad yelling. When I reached him, he had my mom's arm. Kassie was standing next to her and looked just like me. My dad seemed to shut down; he looked scared as he ran all the way back to his car with me in tow. As the days went on, I knew something had happened. Something more than this girl just looking like me. I so wanted to see her again, but didn't know how to go about it.

My first day at school, I was so worried that I wouldn't make any friends. It didn't help that Colton was also starting, but he was a grade above me. The day went so well, everyone asked Kassie and me if we were sisters. We, of course, at that time didn't know that we were, so we said 'no'. My dad arrived to pick me up and saw Bella, and things went downhill from there. I should say that he went nuts. Luckily for him, we girls and mom were more level headed and gave him a chance ... well after yelling at him she did.

I loved my dad and my life when it was just the two of us. Things were fine, but Kassie and my mom filled a gaping hole inside of me that I didn't even know was there. I also know that they both filled a big place in my dad's life. My brothers were just the icing on the cake.

"Girls?" I smile as I look at Uncle Emmett, "Are you two coming in?"

I nod at him as he loops Kassie in one arm and me in the other.

"I was seriously considering making it so you both failed, because I don't know how I'm going to cope without you here."

I giggle knowing that both Kassie and I enjoy helping out around the school. Uncle Emmett kisses us each on the cheek and lets us go, so we can take our seats.

The day starts and all too soon, I am called to the stage along with Kassie to be presented with the awards for the highest GPA; we tied at 4.738 and our SAT scores were also exactly the same. We both shake Emmett's hand and then stand off to the side, knowing my speech is next.

"Do you want me to stay up here with you?" Kassie asks with a warm smile.

"No, go sit down; give me something beautiful to look at."

She chuckles and nods leaving me alone on the stage.

I close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths as Emmett calls me up to the podium. I walk to him and he gives my shoulder a little squeeze before leaving me there. My eyes go right to Kassie who's still smiling warmly.

"I know that this is meant to be about us, about our going forward, but there is something I would like to say first, and I know that all of you will agree with me." I turn slightly looking at Emmett. "E-Man, you are so much more than our principal, or my and Kassie's adopted uncle. I know that I speak for all the graduating class, when I say how much you mean to us. We are all very lucky to have had you as our mentor, protector, and all around educational guide. Your door was always open, and there was nothing we couldn't come to you with." I take a deep breath. "Even when we did something wrong," I look at Kassie who shrugs but has a faint blush on her face. "It was always you that we were more upset about disappointing. I was never in trouble much, but I remember the bone-headed ideas Kassie and Colton would get us into. You always forgave us, told us it was in the past, and we should grow from our mistakes. You never made us feel stupid, or unimportant, and even when we did stupid things you still believed in us. Your passion is not just for us to achieve our academic education, but also in teaching us life skills. Skills that we leave here with today that will help us in every step of our future, both in furthering our education and employment. You were born to be a principal, and beyond that your compassion makes you the best. On behalf of this graduating class, I would like to thank you, for making mine and every one of my classmates' school life a better one. I walk to my mom who has brought the engraved plaque we had made for him to the side of the stage. "This is for you from the class of 2029!" Everyone cheers as Emmett stands up and takes our gift.

"I am going to kill Kassie and you for this one," he whispers in my ear, with a small sob.

"Love you, Uncle E-man," I quickly reply.

"Love you, too."

"Now, on to us," I say returning to the microphone. "I have thought about my speech and how I could give you one that was inspirational and would make you leave here with the tools that you ... we all will need for our futures. I couldn't think of any words, but I do have memories I want to remind you of. I remember how we all banded together and practiced our hearts out singing our songs. How we kept it a secret until the night we—you all showed up at my home to sing to my mom who was still hurt after our car accident. I remember how we gave her hope and cheered her on as she started to drive again. How we all raised thousands of dollars for Bill's family, when his mom had cancer. When we all looked after Amy after her father died while serving our country. We have done many things, and not just helping each other. With E-man, and our teachers' guidance, we brought joy on a monthly basis to many of the local care centers, hospice centers, and assisted living centers." I smile brightly. "I can still remember when Frank glued more glitter to himself than on the cards we were making. We also shared our sorrow when one of the people we were helping passed away.

"We've always been there for one another, and we know that we don't always have to like or be best friends with everyone, but we do have to respect each other, for who we are. These are the tools we need to take with us and remember. We need to keep what we have learned in our hearts and use that knowledge in our futures. Not just to look after the people who follow us to our choice of college, but also to the new people we meet, who may not have had the wonderful teachers, and E-man, like we had.

"Each of us has everyone else's number and I for one will always be there for each of you. All you have to do is give me, or my sister a call, and we will lend an ear. No matter how far you travel, we will always be a family, and I wish each and every one of you much success in the next chapter of your life. Remember, this is not the end, but the beginning of another chapter in each of our stories called 'life'."

Everyone stands and cheers. "Good luck Class of 2029," I say throwing my hat into the air.

I make my way off the stage going straight to Kassie.

"You did great," she says as she hugs me.

~PP~

The weeks after our graduation have passed and we are now standing outside of our dorm. We're taking Summer classes, because Kassie has to be here early for training camp.

"I'll get a cart," Charlie yells as he runs with Remy on his heels.

"Think they are sad that we're leaving?" Kassie snorts.

"You both know they'll miss you loads. They're just trying to help," Mom says with a smile making Kassie and I roll our eyes.

The next two hours go by with unloading our two cars and getting everything up and unpacked into the room that Kassie and I are sharing.

"You two be good, and enjoy the gift Cordie and I have left you," Kassie says as we hug Charlie and Remy.

"No, you two be good," they say in unison with a smile.

We turn looking at our parents who hug each other as they smile at us. "You two remember not to work too hard all the time, and to share the car!" Dad says as he hands us the keys to the Volvo.

"You're leaving us a car?" I gush.

"Nah, just the keys," Kassie mocks making me hit her arm.

"Hey," Mom says pointing a finger. "Yes, we're leaving the car. You'll both need it to come home, do laundry and visit. We're also leaving you with a gas card, and an iPass. Don't forget you have the number for Rose's shop if you have car trouble. Just remember to always drive safely, and no drinking or texting and driving either."

"We know," Kassie says with a roll of her eyes. "Not to mention, you know that Cordie had the top score in the advanced car lessons you made us take."

"You would have beaten me if you hadn't driven so fast!" I mutter back as Kassie just shrugs.

"There is a can of mace for each of you," Dad says as he moves the talk on. "Remember that I am only a call away. I don't care who it is or how powerful they think they are, you call me if anyone messes with either of you." His eyes seem to stay more on Kassie, and I know he's worried about how the football team will take to her being on the team. For a few years now they have opened it for girls to audition as walk-ons, but none have been good enough. Kassie was also selected by the coaches, and given a full-ride scholarship, which Dad worries will cause a few disgruntled players. Kassie is also the first female who will be playing a position other than the kicker.

"They'll be fine, Dad, I'm just one of the boys to my old team, and I am sure it will not take long to become one of the guys again."

My dad just hums.

"I'll make sure you are kept up-to-date," I tell him.

Dad nods at me and hugs each of us as does Mom.

"We love you," they tell us.

"Love you, too," Kassie and I both reply with a sob.

We walk them back down to their car and wave them off.

"Come on, Sis, let's have a look around and see if there are any cute guys," Kassie says with a wiggle of her brows.

"Guys aren't my thing," I say.

"Fine … guys for me, girls for you," Kassie says with a laugh.

I didn't have any great coming-out party or even a sit-down to tell my family. They all just know that I prefer females. We loop arms and walk around the college grounds. We're not taking anything in, but we giggle and talk as we meet and greet several of our fellow students.

Both Kassie and I are up early as I head to English, and she heads off to meet the football team.

"Let me know how it goes; I'll text you back as soon as I can," I tell her, hoping that she doesn't get into a fight on the first day of practice.

"We'll meet for lunch, and I'll be fine," she says with a wink.

I wait and watch her go wishing I could be with her, but I know deep down she is quick to put anyone in their place if they mess with her.

I let out a breath heading to my own class. I walk into the hall and take a seat near the front. All too soon the place is filled with many more students than what I thought there would be for a summer course.

"Hi," someone says as they sit next to me. "I'm Beth."

"Hi, Beth, I'm Cordie," I reply.

My eyes flicker to the front and I see a woman standing there. She must have felt my stare as she looks my way. Her eyes only stay on mine for a few seconds before moving away.

"I didn't think there would be so many people here," Beth says making me turn to her.

"I know; there seems to be loads more than there was at my school. I just hope that I am able to keep up."

"There should be a study group. The woman at the front is the TA and she should be handing out the details." I just look at Beth who smirks. "My brother goes here, too, she … Marissa and my brother, Matt, are friends."

I smile and nod at her.

"Are you signing up?" I ask, and Beth nods. "Then I think I will, too."

Beth and I stop talking as the professor walks in. The two hours pass with Professor Drek talking endlessly about what he expects from each of us, and about what we should expect from this course. We have also been given a list of books that we'll need for the year. Thankfully, I already have them all and brought with me, which make things a little easier.

"I need to head to the bookstore," Beth states.

"I have a few extra copies of the books he mentioned that we need, so I can lend them to you if you'd like."

Beth just looks at me.

"I enjoy reading, so I've already read the whole list of books. My favorite ones are paperback copies as well as e-book files. Either way, I should be able to send or give you copies of our entire reading list, or loan you a paperback."

"I have most, too, there were only two that I haven't gotten so if you can lend me those that would be great, and help me save a little money."

Beth and I exchange numbers before I leave the classroom and look at my text message from Kassie.

Kassie POV

I make my way into the gym looking around at the other players that are here. I stand back watching them talk and interact with each other. "Right team, let's get this meet and greet over with," the coach yells. "I want everyone to step forward, say their name and how long they have been on the team, and then their position."

"I am Matthew Brown; you all can call me Matt. I have been on the team for three years, and I am team captain and play center."

I look at Matt and feel my mouth drop open a little. He is around my dad's height making him six foot three, his body is toned and he has a few tattoos. His raven black hair and blue eyes have me feeling dreamy. I shake myself out of my reverie as I listen to the rest of the team step forward. I go last, at the coach's idea, and the silence is deafening when I start to speak.

"I am Kassandra Cullen, but you can call me Kassie. This is my first year. I am a running back, and have also played wide receiver. For those of you who are shocked into a stupor, or aren't very smart, let me save you the time to answer the diatribe of questions that will soon be asked. Yes, I am a girl. Yes, I earned my place on this team just like you. Yes, I have always played with the guys. Yes, I'm the Kassie Cullen who went all state in high school all four years, scoring seventy-four career touchdowns, totaling 444 points. I had 5,300 rushing yards in high school. Yes, I am good. Finally, no, this is not a joke, nor are you being punked, and I will gladly show you just how well I can play."

All the team just looks at me but Matt snorts. I look at him and raise my brow.

"We'll see just how good you are, soon enough. Just so we're clear, I don't care if you are a girl or boy, it's the game I am here for, and I respect all my teammates."

I give him a nod and look to the coach as he gives us the rundown for what we are doing next.

We gear up and hit the field. As we run around, I fall in the dead center of the group. We do drills, and I can see that some of the guys are amazed by how graceful, yet fast I am. The best part is when we start scrimmaging. I am put on the side with Matt, and as much as I would like to be on the opposing team, to show him up, I also play offense.

Brian, our quarterback, calls out the play, and when the ball snaps, it's a flea flicker. I run down the inside of the field. I have Paul on my tail, but he can't catch me. I dash left, and duck, bolting to the right. I am wide open and the pass lands right in my hands. I cross the goal line and not one player has been able to keep up with me. The guys watch in awe as the coaches pat each other on the back. Clearly, they know I will be a force to be reckoned with.

We return to the huddle and run several more scrimmage plays. I get the ball several more times, and even the fastest guys have a hard time catching me. I end up tackled a few times, but I learned long ago how to keep the impact minimal. I am glad to see they are not pussy footing around with me, just because I am a girl.

"You run faster than anyone I've ever seen. What was that dash move you made out there?"

"Well, my Uncle E-man loves the Bears, and we watched a lot of old clips of games. His favorite player was Walter Payton, so he always worked with me to help develop the skills 'Sweetness' always used. I learned a lot of my running skills by playing soccer when I was younger, but I fell in love with football, and here I am."

Matt grins at me and tilts his head. "I run in the mornings, how about you tag along?"

I hold back my squeal, and just give him a cocky smile. "As long as you can keep up with me, then sure."

Matt chuckles as his eyes seem to run over me "Okay, Cullen, see you outside the dorm, tomorrow at six a.m., don't be late." He gives me a wave as he walks away and I let out a soft breath. I get back to the changing room, and unlock my locker; I take out my towel and shampoo and cell. I walk to the shower and place everything down, and turn on the shower. As I wait for it to heat up, I send Cordie a text.

Training went well, sadly no drama. I did meet a cute boy, Matt … I think I am in love, he is a male god, so handsome. Talk more at lunch xxKxx~

I turn on my music and then strip and step under the shower.

~PP~

I am sitting at a table near the middle of the hall, my eyes focused on the door waiting for Cordie. She walks through the door, talking to a girl. I stand giving her a wave so she knows where I am.

"Hi, I'm Beth," the girl with Cordie says as she offers me her hand.

Shaking her hand, I smile. "Hi, I'm Kassie."

As she and Beth sit down, I glance at what Cordie has on her plate. "You know you should just become a Vegan?" I huff, still not understanding how both she and mom don't like meat.

"I still enjoy fish and chicken," she says.

"But you only have one piece of each once a freaking month."

Cordie rolls her eyes. "So what! Do you want me to eat meat? Wouldn't you miss eating the extra bacon, and steak that I don't eat?"

I smile. "You do make a good point, but just make sure you eat healthy!" I carry on looking at the plate of salad she has that wouldn't even fill a bunny.

"I'll eat fish at dinner, okay?"

"I was thinking we could have pizza," I say.

"Oh yeah, I'll skip fish and have a veggie pizza."

"One slice will have chicken on it, too, and you have a deal."

We shake hands on it and giggle.

"Was that you two fighting?" Beth asks and I shake my head her.

"Naw, our fights end with rock, paper, and scissors."

"Why?"

"It's the fairest way to end a disagreement, and I normally win." I smile.

"Still say you're cheating with that, I just have to work out how."

"No, I don't cheat; I am just that good."

I turn looking at Beth "So? What class do you take with Cordie?"

"I am an English major."

I nod at her. "How do you like it here?" I ask with a smile.

"It's okay so far. My stepmother attended this college and my brother is currently here, too."

"Oh. Twins?" I ask but she shakes her head at me.

"No, he is a little older, and is the captain of the football team," she says pointing at my team-issued t-shirt.

"Matt?" I ask with surprise. Matt is very white and Beth, well, she's not.

"His mother married my father when I was six."

"Oh," I say with a smile feeling guilty that she saw the surprise on my face. "Sorry, just …"

She shakes her head with a chuckle. "Don't worry you're not the first person to be shocked, nor will you be the last. But I have to say our twin sisters take everyone by surprise more than we do."

I just look at her and smile as she carries on talking.

"They are ten. Kelly is the same color as I am, with dark eyes, and dark hair. Then there's Katie, who ironically has a pale complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes." Beth takes out a photo showing me her whole family.

"Your family looks great," I tell her handing my sister the photo.

"They look exactly alike, other than their complexion, hair, and eyes," she says as she hands back the photo to Beth.

"They do; they have their differences but are more alike personality wise than you can imagine."

~PP~

I pant as I stop running. "See you later, Cullen," Matt says as he slaps my back. I give him a little smile not that he sees it.

I let out a breath. The first month has passed and my team now sees me as one of the guys, which is good, but on other hand, bad. My feelings for Matt have strengthened more as I've gotten to know him better. But he just sees me as one of the guys. He even jokes about women when I am around. The sad thing is that I have no idea how to make him notice me, or find out if he is even a little interested in me. Cordie isn't much help as she's into girls. As for my mother, well, she has never had to try to get a guy to like her, which leaves me with only one choice of who to talk to.

I quickly get washed and sit in my dorm with my cell. I let out a breath feeling a little embarrassed as I wait for my call to be answered.

"Kassie," I hear the worry but happiness in his voice.

"Hi, Teddy," I say and hear him gulp. I stopped calling him Teddy when I began calling him Dad, but every now and then I go back to Teddy; when I need him more as a friend than as a father.

"What's up, CeeCee?"

"You remember when I was younger and how good I was at getting rid of guys for Mom?"

"Yeah, that always made me smile," he says with a chuckle.

I shake my head because even after they were married, my mom was still hit on much to my father's dismay; especially since Mom was always so kind and soft as she tried to deter anyone who showed interest in her.

"Well ..." I stop and close my eyes. "How do I get a guy to stick around ... to like me?"

"You like someone?" he asks right away with panic in his voice.

"I do, but I don't think he sees me that way. Not as a girl anyway." I start to play with the fringe on my bedspread. "I really like him. He's smart, kind, funny—he makes me laugh all the time. But ... how do I get him to see me as a girl who he could date?"

"Does he laugh at your jokes?"

"Yeah, always," I smile knowing that most people think my jokes are lame, but Matt always smiles at me.

"Does he make excuses to talk to you?"

I frown. "No."

I hear him sigh. "Kassie, does he appear where you are even when he's not meant to be there? Walk you to class, that kind of thing?"

"Yeah, but only when he has spare time, and normally we talk strategy for our next game."

"Does he talk to girls in front of you?"

"No, but he tries out his lame ass chat-up lines on me. He even cooked me dinner one time to find out if it would pass as date worthy. He asked me a few times about what I thought of some girls when were out. You know if she's the kind of girl who wants to date or one that's just after a one-nighter, that sort of thing."

This time, my dad outright laughs. "Kassie, honey, I think it's safe to say he likes you. He may be just as scared as you are."

"What?"

"Kassie, why don't you ask him to go out to dinner? Laugh at his jokes, give him the green light to ask you out."

"How do I do that? I mean, how did it work for you and Mom?"

"We just fell for each other, and, of course, our games helped us along. Just give him a clear signal that you would say yes if he asked you out. And, baby girl, if he doesn't see you for the bright, beautiful young woman you are, then he is a fool. You and Cordie are both amazing young women."

I nod a little. "Thanks for the chat, Teddy, Love you, Dad."

"Love you, too, and let me know how it goes."

"Will do."

Feeling more confident, I walk out of my dorm room and head for Matt's. I get there in no time and tap on his door.

"Hi," he says with a smile. "I was just coming to see you. I thought we could run a few plays?"

I nod a bit and then shake my head. "Look, Matt, I was wondering if you´d like to have dinner with me?"

He grins nodding at me. "The winner pays?"

I tilt my head at him. "I should pay as a rule as I am the one asking you out on a date."

Matt's eyes go wide as he looks at me.

Losing my confidence a little, I chuckle. "I just—"

"Kassie, I am not sure that's a good idea," Matt says sadly cutting me off. "I really fucking like you and would love to date you, but my past—"

"We all have a past," I reply quickly cutting him off.

Matt pulls at his hair and then pulls me in to his room. He motions for me to sit, so I do.

"I hurt Colton, and broke his nose if I remember correctly, didn't I?"

"You did? When? Why didn't he tell me?"

"He probably doesn't know it was me."

"What … I don't understand. What?"

"I also hurt Cordie and you," he says.

I shake my head knowing he's wrong. He's never hurt Cordie and if he had, she would've told me right away.

"No—" before I can say anything else he's talking again.

"This was years ago, Kassie, back when my name was Johnny."

"Johnny?" I repeat the name which is somewhat familiar.

"Buckley ... We went to school together. I hurt and bullied you, Cordie, Colton, and a few other kids before Emmett threw me out of school."

I feel my face pale, but the sadness in his voice makes me cover his hand.

"I think I remember you now, your father was a lawyer?"

"Yeah, he did some things to your parents, but I am not sure what. I was removed from his care and placed with my birth mom. After a lot of therapy, my mom changed my name giving me a fresh start in life. I knew who you were; I just didn't expect to fall for you. I know that you could never forgive me—"

I cut him off my placing a soft kiss on the side of his face.

"You were very young."

He shakes his head. "Doesn't change the fact that I hurt you and a lot of other people. I have also kept this information from you; I just didn't want to lose you as a friend."

"You haven't," I tell him honestly.

Matt sighs a little. "My dad was cruel, and he would beat me. He told me time and time again that my mom was taken away because she was an alcoholic. I had heard people say that Colton's mom was one, and I was angry that she was able to stay with him, when my mom couldn't stay with me. The more hurtful my dad was to me, the angrier I became. Then you arrived and made so many friends without trying. I didn't have anyone. I was blamed for everything. Mostly, it was my fault, but not always. I just became so angry, and I couldn't deal with it. I had to let it out and well—"

The next few hours pass with Matt telling me about his life with his dad. It was so heartbreaking to hear what he had gone through and it even made me feel a little guilty that maybe if we had been a little nicer we could have helped him. Matt just laughs shaking his head telling me not to blame myself for his misdeeds, and that he needed to be taken from his dad. He also feels he has to deal with all the consequences of his actions. Moving to live with his mom in the end was the saving light in his life.

Matt swallows as he looks at me "How about you or we tell Cordie and Colton who I am, and if they're okay with it, then we can go on a date?"

I frown a little worrying why it would be up to them if I date the guy I like.

"I hurt them, and they may not be happy about my being here. I don't want to come between you and your family. Hell, your mom and dad will more than likely forbid us from dating, so maybe we should just forget it," he states.

"No they will all be fine, you were a child."

~PP~

I called Colton and Cordie asking both of them to meet me at the local pizza place. Matt walks in with me and lets out a breath seeing that both are here and chatting away.

"Hey ya," I say as I sit. Cordie sees our joined hands and smiles at me.

"Hi," she giggles clearly happy for me.

"Matt has something he wants to tell you both," I say in a shaky voice.

"I know you both, we all went to school together for a short time," Matt says shakily. "You knew me then as Johnny Buckley."

Both Cordie and Colton just look at him. When they come out of their shock, Matt tells them how sorry he is. And gives them only a little information about why he acted like he had, and thankfully they both forgive him.

"So?" he says as we stand outside my dorm that evening. "We are going on a date on Monday if everything goes well with your parents this weekend?" I nod at him but he starts to look a bit panicked. "Maybe I should meet them and tell them who I am."

"You already met them last weekend at our pre-season exhibition game. They will know who I am talking about."

"I know, but that was as your team captain not your boyfriend."

I shake my head at him. "It'll be okay. Besides, they will be at our first home game, too."

He just chuckles out nervously. "Or maybe I'll be hurt during the game and that way no one can talk to me."

I slap his arm giving him the 'I-am-not-amused' face. "That's not funny," I hiss.

"Just a little worried, but I care about you, so I will brave whatever treatment they give me." Matt moves towards me, kissing my lips softly, which sets my insides fluttering, and feeling warm.

"See you when you get back," he says, clearly feeling as lost in the kiss we shared as I am.

I watch him leave before letting out a breath.

"Are you really okay with this?" I ask as I turn to see Cordie sitting on her bed.

"Yes," Cordie says. "He was young, and I barely remember him."

I nod knowing that it was more his father that came to mind than him.

"How bad was his childhood?"

I just look at Cordie.

"I only ask because his sister Beth has said it was not great."

I simply nod at her feeling a little choked up over the thought of the things he endured at the hands of his father.

"It was really bad," I sob making her pull me to her.

~PP~

Cordie and I arrive home with our parents, yet again waiting outside for us.

"Hi," they say together.

"Can we talk at some point, soon?" I ask feeling nervous.

I watch as they look at each other and then to me. "Charlie, Remy, come on, let's go to the park," Cordie yells making them both appear right in front of her. She gives me a wink and walks off with the boys in tow.

Dad and Mom walk me to their office. As we sit down, I can see the worry in their faces. "Has something happened?" Mom asks as soon as I sit down.

"No. Do you remember Johnny?" I ask.

My dad shakes his head and my mom tilts hers. "Buckley?" she asks.

I nod smiling at her.

"That little shit is not at your college is he?" Dad yells now clearly remembering him.

"Dad!" I say as my mom slaps his arm. "He was a child."

"Yeah, but now he's an adult," he retorts.

Mom again hits his arm giving him her 'don't push it' look.

"He is at our college; in fact you've both met him."

Dad just looks at me.

"He's on my football team, his name is now Matt."

"Matt? Is this the same Matt, the cute guy you like?" Dad asks sounding more worried.

"Yes, but, Dad, he's different. He never had a chance to be anything but what he was back then. The things ... what his biological father did to him," I shake my head as mom hugs me closer to her.

"I'm not sure about this. He was not a nice young man," Dad says.

"He was a child, Dad, an abused, hurt, and angry child."

Dad nods a little and lets out a breath. "If he hurts you ..."

"He won't."

"Fine," he says getting up and walking out. His actions tell me he's clearly not happy.

"Give your dad time," Mom says softly.

"He really has changed, Mom."

"I know he has."

I frown looking at her.

"Don't worry. Why don't you go and meet up with the others at the park? Your brothers have missed you girls so much."

"Okay, love you, Mom."

"Love you, too."

~PP~

The weekend seems to go by slowly, with Dad seemingly staying in his own mind.

Cordie and I head to the car, and just before I get in dad pulls me to him. "I'm sorry, baby girl; Emmett told me that Matt has stayed out of trouble since the sixth grade. It appears that he is a different boy. But you are my baby girl. I love you, and I think I'm still angrier at his father, who by the way, I was never able to give a taste of his own medicine to for what he did. As long as you are happy and he treats you right, dating him is fine by me."

I smile happy that he's on our side. "Thanks, Dad, I love you."

"But ..." he says and I pull back looking at him, "that doesn't mean I can't have a father to a 'guy who is dating my daughter' talk with him next weekend when we come to your game."

"Just keep it light, not like what you did at the pre-season game," I tell him.

"Yeah, and it is odd that they're still more afraid of you than they are of me."

"That's the way it should be, Dad."

He lets me go and hugs my sister. We leave to head back to college, with me knowing that everything is going to be okay.

Cordie point of view

Four years later.

I am standing here looking at my sister who's in her wedding dress.

"You look amazing," I tell her. "Matt will not believe his eyes," I carry on.

"Yeah, same with Beth," Kassie giggles as she winks at me.

I can feel the heat leave my face, and I blink at her. "How did you know?" I ask.

"You and Beth are not as discreet as you think you are," she answers.

Making me just gape at her. Beth and I have been friends for four years and us becoming more started when we were helping to plan Kassie´s and Matt's wedding. It was an easy transition for us to go from friends to more. Neither of us wanted to dampen the wedding, so we kept our new relationship to ourselves, in case things didn't work out. The last few months have been interesting to say the least, but I thought it was still between just the two of us.

"Matt and I are happy for the both of you," Kassie tells me with a smile.

I pull her to me and hug her. "She asked me to marry her," I whisper still feeling excited but unsure about it.

"That's great, Cordie," Kassie gushes.

"It's only been five months."

"You two have been glued to each other for the past four years," she retorts.

"What if doesn't work out? I want kids, she wants to travel."

"Travel for a few months, then have all the babies you want," she shrugs.

I just chuckle at her. "We've never been apart since we met. I will miss you."

"I know, and I'll miss you, too, but you need this, and you love her. I'll be just at the other end of the phone."

"I'm scared," I tell her.

"Me, too," she replies.

I chuckle hugging her closer.

"So, are you saying yes?"

I nod making her squeal.

"You can be such a girl," I say, knowing how much it will make her smile.

"Can I tell Matt?" she asks and I roll my eyes.

"Yes, I am going to tell her 'yes' before she walks with me down the aisle."

"Good," Kassie smiles winking at me. "Well, let's get Dad and maybe we should wait until tomorrow to tell him?"

This time I let out a belly laugh. "Yeah, but thankfully he loves Matt and Beth like his own."

Kassie nods at me with a smile. I know she's grateful that Dad and Mom were there the day that Matt's dad turned up. It was a surprise to see him yelling at his son, a son he hadn't seen in over twelve years. When he started hitting him, and Matt just took it, our dad was over there in a flash. He knocked Mr. Buckley out with a single punch and then spent the next few days telling Matt that he was not and would not ever be his father. I've never been as proud of my dad as I was that day. It also showed me how much a loving family can make a difference in anyone's life. I know that my future kids will have challenges in having two moms but I also know that I have a strong family that will love us for life. We will live a full happy life, and we will have the support we will need to meet and deal with anything we encounter.

A/N: So be sure to let us know what you think of the ending. Did we do this story justice? Did you like the glimpse into the future for the girls? As noted above, we will be posting a new story, but it will likely be a month before we have enough ready to start posting. Thank you, for joining us on this journey, we appreciate all the love you've given us. Nikky & Kasi aka WeeKittyAndTAT