Author's note: In this story, Henry is approximately two years older than Abby. Watching the show, I always thought that they were the same age, but obviously they couldn't be... And I felt poor Sarah Mills could use some rest between her pregnancies...

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters...

Growing into a killer

The first summer

«Mom!», three year old Abby cried, «Mom! When does he get here?»

Sarah Mills looked at her little daughter, amazed by the fact that she even remembered last summer.

«Moooooom!» Abby's voice climbed higher, both in volume and register.

«Soon, honey, soon. The boat will be here in a few hours.», she answered, «we can go and meet them, if you'd like. How about that?»

«Yeah, I want that!», Abby squealed with joy.

«Sweetie, you'll have to wait a while, almost a day», Sarah said, and by that she disappointed and upset Abby to no end. «I want Henry!» she howled, «I want him now!»

Sarah shook her head, and tried to calm and to divert her, while thinking back to the last summer.

Xxx

As usual, the Dunn's came to the island, working extra in the summer. Mrs. Dunn worked at a restaurant in the harbor, while Mr. Dunn worked at the marina. There simply wasn't enough work for them back on the mainland during the summer, but Harper's were teeming with summer guests every year. Summer guest meant that a lot of extra hands was needed on the island. And as usual, the Dunn's came to visit. Perfunctorily, they had visited once every summer, so that she would get to see him. She always had trouble thinking of him as her son, but still she liked the chance to check on his progress. Actually, she had to admit, she liked to check if he looked anything like his father. Every summer, she had stared at the boy, looking for signs of aggression, anger, stubbornness or even merely physical traits. She never knew if she saw any, she just wasn't sure. He seemed normal enough, but...how could she be sure?

Last year, Abby had been two years old, and Henry was four. While the adults were having their usual, rather strained conversation, Henry had walked up to Abby. She had been playing with her dolls, and Henry sat down and stared at her for a long time. Then he suddenly leaned forward, kissing Abby on the cheek.

«Henry!», Mrs. Dunn exclaimed, «what did mummy say? You can't go around kissing all the girls you see!»

«But Mom, look, she's so pretty!», Henry pouted, «I want to kiss her!».

Mrs. Dunn looked embarrassed at Sarah – this clearly wasn't something she had planned on bringing up – and said: «I'm sorry, he does this all the time, I can't for the life of me understand why».

Sarah saw Abby look at Henry, and then the little girl smiled broadly. Abby clambered to her feet, and took Henry by the hand, dragging him along out in the garden. Sarah followed them with her eyes, and smiled: «It seems like Abby didn't mind. Look, she must like him. Now she's showing him her favorite hiding place».

When the Dunn's rose to leave, the children ran off, hiding from the grown-ups. They were both dragged screaming from their hiding-place, yelling each others names. The next day, Abby had cried for Henry, wanting him to come play with her. Later the same day, Sarah met Mrs. Dunn at the store. Henry was in hysterics, refusing to eat if he didn't get to see Abby. After that day, there was no peace in either home if Abby and Henry didn't get to play.

Xxx

Abby was jumping up and down at the docks as the boat came in. «Henry, Henry, Henry!», she yelled. The boy looked like he was about to jump into the water, shouting «Abby!», just as loud as Abby were yelling. Sarah was relieved to see that Mr. Dunn had a good grip on his arm. Surprisingly, Mrs. Dunn were holding a baby in her arms. What, I thought that they weren't able to have children by themselves? I always assumed that was why they adopted... Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Henry escaping his father, quickly jumping up on the railing and taking a leap. Sarah gasped and clapped her hands to her heart, but thankfully he hit the docks safely. Feeling her mother's grip gone, Abby pulled loose and ran, meeting him halfway. Then they stopped, looking at each other, grinning with enormous satisfaction, before they hugged.

«Aw, that's so sweet», Mrs. Mance said, standing next to Sarah. «They look like the world's youngest sweethearts, don't you think, Sarah? I wonder if your little daughter haven't got herself an admirer.»

«What, no!», Sarah said nervously, «they're just good friends, Jenny!».

«But of course they are at their age, but just look at them! They are so cute together». Sarah shivered, feeling bile in her throat. She lifted her head, meeting the eyes of Mrs. Dunn. She had clearly overheard Mrs. Mance, and they shared a brief, worried look.