Stupid girl... stupid... I opened my eyes a crack and yawned, stretching out my fingers and toes. I felt an ache and stopped, remembering the night before. A bird chirped and I closed my eyes tightly in frustration. What the hell was last night about? A different bird called and I rolled over to view the clock. 8:15 am. Crazy bastard. I sat up and dropped my toes to the floor. Does he think he can act like that and get away with it? I let him into my house, fed him, clothed him... I paused with my fingers on the lock, too scared to turn it. Who was I kidding? He's demonstrated his ability to get through locks before. If he had wanted to attack me he would have already.

Nevertheless, I opened the door quietly and crossed quickly to the bathroom. I freshened up and stepped into my slippers then examined the light but present bruises on both arms and the darker circle between my breasts. He has to leave. Don't be an idiot. I exited the bathroom hoping he was already gone. He wasn't.

I found William sitting silently at the table but when I entered, he stood and pulled a chair out for me. "Good morning. I've prepared breakfast if you're hungry."

"What?" I was taken aback by his manners. Nothing I'd expected from him came close to this.

"I said, good morning." He spoke softly and gestured to the chair. "Would you like some breakfast?"

"No! Are you crazy?" I threw my arms up. "You must be crazy! What kind of person- How could you- You're crazy!" I waved my arms around some more then dropped them, not sure what to say. "You... you need to leave. Now." I pointed to the door and looked away.

"Leave?" He repeated in the same polite tone.

"Yes... leave. Sooner than later please." I turned my back to him and frowned. I'd never been great at standing my ground. I was emotional. A people pleaser. I was spineless. God help me I was pathetic.

Silence followed briefly before he answered. "Yes, of course." I glanced up into a picture and watched his reflection as he pushed both chairs against the table and approached the door in three graceful steps. "Goodbye." He opened the door and was gone.

I stood still for over a minute, waiting for the door to open and a certain Colonel to stroll in, nostrils flaring. Another minute passed and I decided to clean up the breakfast William had prepared for me. It consisted of slightly burned toast, dry cereal and frozen pop-tarts. I ate two frozen strawberry pop-tarts and threw everything else into the trash.

After that I washed the bedsheets William had used, along with the clothes I had bought for him. Once dry, I threw them back into the washer. His deoderant, toothbrush and other trivial personal items went into a small cosmetics bag and under the sink.

The day went slowly and my mind wandered endlessly. I pictured the last time I ran out in the middle of the night to find William sitting in a damp cold field.

I growled irritably and turned off Law & Order SVU, tossing the remote across the room. It was his fault! He was the one who got drunk and... he shouldn't have... Stupid girl.

I sighed and made my way to the bedroom. Nothing a little sleep can't fix.

Five days later I could almost eat without feeling restless and guilty. Almost. I had hope that my life may return to normal some day. If Sara decided to let me, that is. After I let it slip that William had left she gave me quite the lecture about Karma and how throwing a man out into the wilderness was bound to come back around and get me. Somehow I couldn't bring myself to tell her about the night he turned into something dark, aggressive, dangerous. Something I couldn't live with.

But here I was, five whole days later, eating a bowl of Ramen noodles and almost not feeling nauseous.

Later I flicked off the tv and began my nightly ritual. Lock the door, shut the windows, close the blinds, brush my teeth, change into night clothes, and attempt to find a position comfortable enough to fall asleep.

I opened my eyes and waited for them focus before looking over to my alarm clock. It was 2:52 a.m. I yawned and rolled over, ready to drift back to sleep when I heard a floorboard moan. I was instantly alert and I sat up, listening for another sound. Sure enough another board groaned, then another. Someone was walking around.

I flicked on my bedside light and pushed the blankets away, sliding out silently. My heart was pounding as I made my way to the door, carefully avoiding the spots I knew would creak. At the door, I listened some more, hearing nothing. I turned the knob and peeked out, almost calling out to the invisible intruder.

Very slowly, I eased one foot into the cold hall, then another. My heart pounded in my ears and every inch of me was shaking. It was an eternity before I reached the living room and even longer before I build the courage to peak inside. Finally, I craned my neck around the corner and froze.

In the far corner stood a dark, hooded figure. I felt a scream rise in my throat but had the sense to cover my mouth before it erupted. I was frozen to the spot as the dark trespasser pocketed my iPod and unplugged the dock, slipping it into a backpack.

I felt totally helpless as I watched, too scared to even breathe. Suddenly, another figure emerged from the diningroom, approaching the thief swiftly. The rest happened so quickly I thought I was imagining it.

Once behind the intruder, the second figure whipped an arm around the burglar's neck and pulled back, lifting the shorter figure off the ground. Swinging around, the thief was thrown to the floor and pinned down. The scream I managed to stifle earlier made its way out and caught the attention of the attacking man. Taking advantage of the moment, the thief threw a punch and struck the other man. They wrestled for several seconds before the first intruder was able to crawl away and jump to his feet. Only a second behind, the other man climbed up and chased the thief through the dining room and out of the front door.

Even after they were both gone, my heart beat wildly and my legs felt like they would collapse under me. I took deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. A minute passed before I gained the sense to get up and lock the door.

I jumped up and ran, or wobbled rather, to the door and slammed it shut. Just as I flicked the lock there was a soft knock. I screamed and jumped back, crawling towards the table.

"Miss Charles?" I recognized the voice at once and let out a shaky breath. "Miss Charles are you alright?"

I closed my eyes and sighed, standing up. I opened the door and looked up at two gray eyes.

The Colonel frowned and lifted a hand, extending it to me. "I believe this belongs to you." My gaze drifted down to my iPod but I hesitated to take the object back. My hands were shaky and once I lifted it from his hold, I feared I would drop it.

"Thank you." My voice cracked and I cleared my throat, turning around and dropping my iPod onto the table. I sunk down onto one of the chairs, gesturing for him to follow.

Wordlessly he stepped inside, shutting and re-locking the door. He made no effort to come any closer and chose instead to stand.

"So..." I began, rubbing my shaky fingers. "How exactly did you... ya know?"

"I've set up camp nearby. As I was preparing for sleep I noticed the man approaching your home. I only did what I thought best." I nodded. "Are you alright?"

I wanted to say yes. I almost said yes. But before the word was out a shaky sob escaped. I covered my face with my hands and cried into them. "I was so scared!" I felt a hand on my shoulder and jumped, looking up.

"There, there. Everything will be... fine. The intruder is gone, I assure you." He patted quickly like I was an animal, looking uncomfortable with the action. Taking a step back, he turned to the door. "I will suggest, however, a change of locks. The one you have currently is... rather ineffective. Obviously."

I felt a small, unexpected smile. "Really? You think?" I shook my head and grinned. "Turn on the light, please." I used the back of my hand to clear the tears from my cheeks.

The Colonel flicked on the light and I turned in my seat, looking into the living room. The thief's bag was open in the middle of the floor and the iPod dock was sticking out of the top. Standing, I crossed the room and picked it up, returning the item to its original position on the shelf. Once plugged in, the screen lit up and displayed the time. 3:04 a.m. I stared at the numbers until they reached an even 3:05 a.m.

I heard a floorboard creak and turned back to William. He was leaning in the arched doorway that separated the living room and dining room and in the dim light I noticed the patch of dry blood under his left nostril.

"You've got a bit of blood. There." I gestured to my own nose and he brought a hand up, gently touching.

"Ah, yes." The Colonel made his way to the kitchen and I listened as the faucet came on. Less then twenty seconds later he was back, standing in the doorway.

A silence followed where neither of us knew quite what to say. William was the first to speak.

"Yes, well, I suppose this is where I take my leave. Goodnight, Miss Charles." He bowed his head and turned to leave. Without thinking, I outstretched a hand towards him.

"Wait!"

He looked back, obviously surprised. "Yes?"

"Im scared." I blurted without thinking and nervously nibbled on one of my nails.

William grinned. "Scared? I can promise you that the odds of-"

"I know, everything should be okay. But with the luck I've been having, I wouldn't be surprised if every burglar or serial killer in within two hundred miles stopped by." I ran my fingers through my hair with frustration. "I just..." I dropped my gaze to the floor. "Would you stay... Please?"

He seemed to think it over, an unreadable expression on his face. "Yes. Perhaps you would like to return to bed? I will watch guard out here." A smirk played across his lips and I felt a bit of ease.

"Tempting, Colonel, but I'm afraid I'm wide awake now."

William raised a hand to stop me and grinned. "In that case, I will put on the tea."

I groaned and rolled over, trying to hide my eyes from the bright light shining onto them. I felt a nudge and moaned again, irritated.

"Wake up, Miss Charles." The soft voice convinced me to open one eye and peek up at the man leaning over me. "You have a letter."

I grimaced and sat up on the couch, snatching the letter from William and peering at the print. "I couldn't open this later why?" I blinked several times rapidly, trying to clear the fog from my vision.

With a 'humph' William stood, chin up. "Where I come from, news is always of the utmost importance."

I read the scribbled writing and jerked to attention. "It's from my brother. He never writes me..." I ripped the envelope apart, removing the letter. I read through the note, which consisted mostly of half sentences and illegible cursive. I smiled and folded the letter, slipping it back into the wrinkled envelope.

"I suspect you've received good news?" William's voice was smug, as if saying 'I bet you're glad I woke you up.'

"My brother is getting married..." I looked up at the Colonel and turned, dropping my feet to the floor. I lowered my gaze to his shirt and groaned. "Will... Colonel, were you cooking again?"

His face fell into a frown and his shoulders tensed. "I thought I would be polite and make you a nice breakfast. Especially after..."

I felt goosebumps on both arms at the memory of the night before. "Oh..."

William took a step forward and held out his arm for me to take. "My lady, would you please bestow upon me the honor of your presence as we indulge in brunch?" Though his words were kind, his face was tense as if he was being subjected to pain of some kind. I felt a smile and pushed my lips tightly together in an effort to control a giggle.

"Fine, whatever." I stood and linked my arm with his as a snicker of disgust escaped his throat.

"Fine, whatever. How very crude, indeed." He led me into the dining room and the sight caused me to falter.

The table was polished and decorated with fine china. There was a large flower arrangement in the middle and a variety of food set out. "It's beautiful..."

"I'm glad you're pleased." He dropped my arm and pulled out a chair, motioning for me to sit. I slipped into the chair and he circled the table taking a seat across from me. I examined the setup some more, transfixed by it. "I found the china in the bottom cupboard. I hope it's alright that I washed it and set it out."

I ran my finger along the rim of the shining white plate in front of me. "No, I don't mind." I flashed a small smile and let out a sigh, reaching forward to scoop some eggs onto my plate. The Colonel followed, taking bacon. We ate mostly in silence, and questions began to pull at my mind. When I could no longer stand pushing a sausage link around on my plate, I looked up.

"Colonel?" William glanced up from his plate, which was nothing but bacon and sausage, and wiped his lip on a napkin.

"Yes, Miss Charles?"

"I'm... curious... about that last night you were here." I toweled my hands with the napkin William had placed for me and dropped it onto my plate. "I don't understand what exactly happened and honestly I'm not comfortable with you here. I'm grateful for everything you did last night and this morning but..." I trailed off feeling awkward and hoped that he would say something, anything.

Silence continued for another minute, maybe two, before William wrapped a hand around his glass of orange juice and squeezed. "There isn't much to say. I can tell you that what I did to you was less than the measure of a gentleman but what is past is past. I cannot change it..."

"I know that it can't be changed but I want to know what could have possibly made you believe that it was okay to treat me like that!" I felt an anger rise inside me.

William's jaw tightened. "What do you want me to say? I went out and had a bit too much to drink. Got into a bit of trouble and then you..." He waved his hand irritably.

"I what?"

"You... cared!" He slammed his hands down onto the wood and rose to his feet. "You just strolled up and started caring about me! Colonel William Tavington is not weak! He does not need a young woman fussing over his trifle wounds like a mother!" He leaned over the table and I pushed back into my chair, startled. "Men fear me. I am the Butcher. I have taken bullets and returned to the battle field within hours. I am not weak. I have shown many of my own soldiers the error of showing emotions in my presence and I most certainly will not be treated like a helpless child." He sneered and took a step back. "Your affection is futile."

After his rant, the furious Colonel stormed out the front door. I listened as his steps decended the cement stairs outside until the sound faded into silence.

I waited to see if William would return and when he didn't, I cleaned up breakfast and left the plates in the sink. I should've known that any attempt at drawing William into a conversation was useless. As always.

The afternoon came and went, and the only good thought in my mind was my brother. I tried calling him several times and my guess was that his phone was dead. He had never been very responsible with his cell phone and he didn't own a house line. Why did the men in my life irritate me?

When seven rolled around and I was still playing Mario Kart, I knew I had to find something more entertaining or I would likely go mad with boredom. I slipped into my boots and coat and headed off.

Nearby... where exactly was nearby? William had explained that his camp was set up close by but who knew what that meant? I reached the bottom of the stairs and turned left, strolling to the end of the building. I didn't see anywhere for him to go; on both sides of the street was lines of houses and a small convenient store. Turning at the corner of the old brick apartment complex, I peeked into the back yard. Unlike the last time, William was not there.

Nevertheless, I walked back hoping to find some sign of where he'd gone. In the back, there was a row of trees, neatly trimmed separating the property from the neighboring woods. Halfway across the lawn I spotted the indention of boots in the mud and followed the tracks to the boundary. I pushed some of the branches out of the way, stepping carefully between the trees and continued to trace the steps in the mud. A few minutes in, the foliage was too thick for the tracks to leave traces and I was left with no trail. I would have continued on but the sun was beginning to set and my navigation skills were pathetic. I turned around and took one step towards home.

"Lost, little girl?" I jumped and spun on my heel, coming face to face with the Colonel.

"Where did you come from?" I placed a hand on my speeding heart and sighed. "Don't sneak up on me, I hate that." He smirked and brought a hand up to my face, tucking a few strands of brown hair behind my ear.

"I don't sneak. If you had only been listening, girl, you would have heard me quite clearly."

I rolled my eyes and shoved his hand away. "Don't call me girl. I'm a lady." I smiled and gazed down the path. "Anyway... I was hoping to stumble upon your little camp."

He raised a brow. "My camp? I don't see why-"

"I just wanna make sure that you're not about to burn the whole forest down... you know, the basics." William stared at me for several seconds as if deciding what to say. Finally he turned and began walking, not looking back.

"If you'd like to see, I suggest you follow."

I quickly took up step behind him and he led us deeper into the woods. After what felt like an hour of walking I sighed.

"Are you sure you know where you're taking me?" He didn't answer and continued forward. Barely thirty seconds later I spotted a tent ahead. Distracted by the sight, I stumbled over a small log and tripped. I yelped in surprise and winced, landing on my arm. Before I could even move William was there pulling me up roughly.

"Why are you so clumsy?" I looked down and saw that my coat had protected my arm but my hand had a deep scratch across the top.

"Ow..." William grunted and grabbed my hand, jerking me behind him as he headed for the camp. Once there he let go and disappeared inside the tent. Hand forgotten, I looked around the site.

The land around the tent had been cleared of debris and the fire pit was surrounded by rocks. A clothesline stretched between two trees and multiple shirts were hanging. William emerged from the tent and stomped back to me. Taking my hand, he turned it over and poured water over the cut. I cringed and looked away, continuing to observe the camp.

"So Colonel, where did you get all the clothes?"

William groaned irritably and twisted the lid back onto the water bottle. Next he wrapped what looked like a piece of clothing over my palm and tied it.

"Thanks... but you didn't answer my question." The Colonel dropped my hand and strolled over to the fire pit, taking a seat.

"I borrowed them." He tossed some twigs into the pit and began the process of what I assumed was starting a fire.

"You stole them! William!" I crossed the small lot and sat across from him.

"I borrowed! Do you not listen, woman?" He worked furiously to get the fire started and I crossed my arms.

"Tell me, Colonel. How exactly did you see the thief enter my house from all the way out here?"

He sighed. "I was... borrowing."

I laughed and leaned back against a large log. "You spotted a thief while being a thief. I can't believe this."

"Bloody- If you are only here to nag..." I watched as the sparks turned to a small flame. "Ah, here we go." William relaxed against a tree and crossed his legs at the ankles.

I watched the flames grow larger in the pit as the twigs burned and ignited the logs. "Hey, you don't happen to have any s'more stuff do you?"

"What is it that you need more of?" He mumbled from across the fire.

"Nothing, nevermind." I rolled my eyes. The 300 year old man act was getting old. "Hey, William? What year were you born?"

"1756."

I double checked the math in my head and frowned. He was fast.

"Hey, William?"

"Yes?" He growled deeply and burrowed against the tree.

"What's your middle name?" I peeked around the fire and saw his face tense though he never answered.

"Hey, Captain?"

"Colonel." He quickly corrected me.

"Damn. Colonel?" He ignored my call and turned his face away from me and the heat. I pouted and returned to watching the flames grow by the minute. I zoned out until a loud crackle sounded in the pit, causing me to nearly yell out. When the Colonel didn't so much as twitch I sat up and peeked over the fire. He was breathing steadly. "Will?" He didn't respond. "It's getting dark." I waited for something, and received nothing. "Colonel William Tavington?" Again nothing.

I watched him for several minutes and my mind wandered over everything I knew about the man in front of me. He was so natural about his charade. Every lie perfect... perfect. Every fact accurate. As though he had either spent time to create this character or he had really lived his life believing he was Colonel William Tavington. It was likely that he was a brilliantly talented actor, but how the act benefited him in any way was a question.

"William... Who are you? Really?" At that point I didn't expect any answer. I nestled back against the log and sat patiently as the last rays of daylight faded away.

I felt like I was floating. Or rather swaying, perhaps. I opened my eyes in alarm and looked straight into the gray stare of the Colonel, who was carrying me bridal style against his chest.

"Will-" I started to protest only to be squeezed so tightly against the man that it became impossible to even breathe.

"Silence. The whole reason I didn't wake you was to avoid the positively irritating sound of your voice." He spoke with a growl and loosened his hold, allowing me the pleasure of a deep breath.

"But-" He squeezed again and scowled.

"I can keep this up all night, if you'd like." I narrowed my eyes and started to struggle in an attempt to get down. "Stop fighting me, its difficult enough for you to navigate in the daylight. I will not watch you struggle in the darkness. It is much too far of a walk." I continued to thrash, at this point fueled by my need to breathe. I heard a deep sigh and felt my legs fall, feet hitting the ground and strong arms supporting me. The moment the hands released me, I stumbled backwards, landing on my butt with an 'oomph!'

"I don't know why," I started as I pushed myself back up, "you always have to be so... assertive. And my voice is not annoying." I wiped my palms on my jeans and jogged to catch up to the Colonel who was already far ahead of me. I heard light mumbling and sneered. "I can hear you!"

"No, you cannot." William barked back at me.

"Yes, I can." I insisted, catching up to him.

"If indeed you had heard me, I suspect you would not be walking so closely to me now." He had a pleased smirk on his face and I sneered.

Before I could even retort I tripped again. When back on my feet it wasn't long before I fell once more. After only a few minutes, William's grumbling grew increasingly harder to hear and I was realizing my fear of the dark. "William... wait up!" I hopped over a log and grinned in triumph before being swatted in the face with a branch. "William!"

In a matter of seconds William was standing before me, ever present evil smile. "Did I hear you call, madam?"

"Wi-"

"Hm, suppose not." He began to turn away and I shot out a hand.

"Colonel!" I corrected myself angrily and carefully navigated through some brambles.

"Ah, you did call. Would you like some assistance?" He stood at full height, shoulders back and chin held high with victory.

"Yes." I grumbled, pouting.

"I'm afraid I didn't catch that."

"Yes! Yes, you ass. Up I go!" I stomped up to him and crossed my arms.

"Alright, if you say so..." He quickly lurched forward and kneeled, grabbing the backs of my legs.

"What are you doing? Will-" I was cut off as he stood and flung me over his shoulder. "What are you doing? This is crazy-"

"Shut up or the wolves will hear you." His voice was cold but I could almost see the grin. "I tried to be a gentleman the first time but you wouldn't let me. So now we do this the hard way."

I tried to push myself up by using his back but with each step I was thrown back down. I gave up quickly and let myself drop, face staring directly into his butt. I watched it move as he walked and smiled.

"Colonel?" I finally broke the silence when I began to recognize the surroundings and knew we were close.

"Yes, Miss Charles?"

"You have a huge butt. Do you like squats?" He stopped so suddenly that I bit my lip, a growl sounding from his throat. I waited for a brutal tongue lashing that never came. Instead, I plunged face first towards the ground. I screamed and held out my hands, stopping short of the earth.

"Don't forget that I am holding you." His voice was deep and threatening. My knees screamed in pain and begged to bend as they were forced straight by his hold. "Stupid, girl." He bounced, pulling me back onto his shoulder. With another soft jerk I fell back into his cradled arms. "Say nothing more and I will have you home shortly."

I decided to heed his advice and kept my mouth shut. Less than five minutes later I could see the outline of the apartment through the remaining trees. I sighed and wiggled my toes in an effort to awaken my legs. "Will- Colonel you can put me down now." I tried to swing my legs from his grip and winced at the painful tingling sensation.

"Not yet." He grumbled.

"But my legs are asleep and it hurts and I can see the house from here." I tried to step down again and succeeded in jamming an elbow into his ribs.

"Alright! If you would just stop thrashing-" William lowered me to the ground and before I could even adjust my numb legs to my weight I toppled backwards, grabbing at his thigh in reflex. My fingers clutched at his jeans in an attempt to catch myself and caught hold of something else instead. When I landed on my butt and realized what I had done, I pulled my hand back fast enough to slap myself.

"Oh, jeez, William I'm sorry..." I turned over, carefully climbing onto limp legs. "Really, I..." He stared straight ahead with a look that cause me to wince. I cleared my throat and wiped the dirt from my behind. "Uh... did I hurt you?"

"No." He stared at nothing for a moment longer before inhaling deeply and running his hands from their position at his sides up to his lower back. Puffing his chest out, he turned to me. "I suggest we continue on." His words were hard and forced and I didn't see his teeth ever separate from their clenched state. With that, he began forward.

I felt a shiver and ran my hand up and down my side, cleansing my palm. It was a silent journey and he reached my doorstep two minutes before I did. It did seem, however, that by the time we were face to face again he had calmed down. As much as I could expect from him, anyway.

I reached the door, eyes down. "Here we are, Miss Charles. I bid you goodnight." Without another word he began to descend the stairs.

"Wait, William." He stopped mid step and turned to face me.

"Yes?"

"It's really dark and it is quit a walk back to your... camp. Would you rather stay here... for tonight?" I wrapped my fingers around the door knob and waited.

"I will be fine, I assure you. It's actually less dark than I'm familiar with." He gazed at a streetlight and frowned.

I bit the inside of my lip and peered into the dark window. "Well... I hear it's supposed to rain tonight so..." I lied softly.

Seeming to understand, he sighed. His lip twitched and his eyes softened. "If you're feeling lonely, you need only say so."

I smiled as he came back up the stairs and turned the knob, taking the first step into the dark apartment. Flicking on the lights as he went, he inspected every room of the house. Feeling better, I took a seat on the couch and settled down for the night.

The next morning was warm and bright. I stepped out of the shower and fluff dried my hair with a towel, enjoying the silence. I dressed in a loose college football t-shirt and some old shapeless jeans. Looking in the mirror I began to slowly apply the first makeup I'd worn in almost a week. I was as far as the eyeliner when a blood-curdling scream sounded from the living room. I jumped, simultaneously poking myself in the eye and smearing a line to my temple. I dropped the stick and growled, storming out of the bathroom and down the hall.

"William! What the hell are you yelling abou-" I was seized by a pair of rough hands and dragged to the television.

"What the bloody hell is this?" William gestured angrily to the tv which was on the history channel. "How is this possible? Tell me how!"

"What? I don't understand!" I watched as the screen showed soldiers running across a field. When both colors of uniforms were visible I realized it was a war documentary. "The Revolutionary War? What about it?"

He pointed a sharp finger at the image and growled. "The Revolutionary War? The voice tells me that the colonies won! Won a fight against His Majesty the King's great Army! Preposterous! I demand to know how this happened. Militia and that damned Ghost! Damn them all!" He was mid-damn when the doorbell sounded. I groaned and trudged to the door. I opened it and gasped in surprise.

"Adam! Why are you here?" I smiled widely as he threw his arms around me.

"Ah, baby sister. What do you mean? Didn't you get my letter?" He chuckled.

"Yeah, but I couldn't read half of it..."

"You've got a little something here..." He pointed to his eye the shrugged it off. "Well, how are you doing?"

"Oh, ya know..." I was interrupted as William screamed again. Adam peeked around me, unable to see into the livingroom.

"Is everything alright? Is Sara in there?" He raised a curious brow and I stepped in front of his gaze.

"Fine, everything is perfect. Just the... the tv. " I grabbed a handful of unruly brown hair and laughed. "You need a haircut! Oh, and congratulations! I'm so happy for you!"

Adam grinned and stood straight with pride. "Yeah, she's great. I can't wait for you to meet her! Speaking of which, I hate to rush but I'm in a bit of a hurry." He bent over and picked up two big bags, carrying them past me into the dining room. He dropped them without looking up and darted back outside. Grabbing two more bags, he brought them in.

I looked out and saw a baby carrier facing away from me. Before I could step out, Adam was there picking it up.

"I know it's been a while so brace yourself." He smiled and turned it around, bringing the baby boy into view. "Say hi to Auntie Amy, Benjamin."

"Wow, he's gotten so big!" I smiled and took the carrier, cooing at the tot.

"Yeah, I know, right? Oh, almost forgot..." Adam reached outside once more and pulled a tall thin bag out from beside the doorway and brought it inside, leaning it against the wall.

"Is that a tent?" I questioned slowly and Adam laughed loudly.

"You're funny, sis. So I gotta go, Jane is waiting at the airport and I don't want to be late. We'll talk when I get back though, okay!" He quickly kissed my cheek and then the baby's before turning and jogging down the steps. I was too shocked to speak until he was already at his car. "Bye baby sis! I'll call when I can. Love you both!" He disappeared into the vehicle and I finally found my voice.

"You're just picking her up, right?" I yelled over the sound of the engine starting up. A hand waved goodbye as the car sped off, leaving me in disbelief.

William roared in the background, on the verge of hysteria and I glanced down at Benjamin receiving a grimace. Not a second later he burst into loud, shaky sobs that almost masked William's outburst.

I absently strolled into the living room and found William on his knees in the middle of the floor, shouting at the narrorator as Ben was shouting up at me. It was nine thirty in the morning and I was standing in my tiny apartment with two screaming babies who had no idea what was going on.

AN: Here we are again! :D Well, it wasn't a fast update but it wasn't two years either. I hope the chapter was enjoyable, believe it or not I am trying to incorporate bits that are bringing Amy closer to accepting that William is from some hundred years in the past haha. The next chapter will progress that quite a bit I hope o.0 but again I hope you enjoyed!