“Officer, these women are the family of the other girl.”

He stood and held out is hand.

“Agent Roger Black.”

“Alice…” she shook his hand.

“Al,” Shane smirked.

“Oh, you mean them,” she smiled.

Serena stepped forward and stood at the side at the bed. She smiled at the young tired eyes looking back.

*****

“You’re her,” Sabrina said barely loud enough for her to hear.

Serena tilted her head in confusion.

“She talked about you a lot… in her sleep,” Sabrina smiled.

“Thank you for bringing her back to me… to us.”

“No problem,” Sabrina yawned.

Before the others had to chance to speak with her, Sabrina fell asleep.

*****

Three days later…

The blue Saab pulled into the driveway. It’s occupants sat still for a minute preparing themselves for the not so surprise welcome home party.

Tina climbed out first, pulling the seat forward and holding out a hand to help Evan out the backseat. Bette exited the driver’s side and quickly walked over to the other side to help her daughter.

“Okay?”

“Yeah,” Evan said letting out a breath.

She was still in pain and would be for two months as her ribs healed. Three bruised ribs and nothing else.

As the family slowly climbed the steps, each could hear the giggles from inside.

“I told Alice not to shout surprise,” Bette said over her daughter’s head to Tina.

“Like Alice ever listens,” she smiled.

“Ready?” Bette asked Evan as they reached the front door.

“Yeah,” Evan said letting out a breath.

*****

Alice kept her promise… she shouted welcome home instead. Kit had prepared a feast for the party, all of Evan’s favorites. She was waiting on the last dish to finish then they would be able to eat. In the meantime, Dana, Shane, Alice and Carmen sat around the small round table playing poker. Tina helped Kit in the kitchen. Bette leaned against the wall sipping a beer, laughing at her friends fight over the card game. Evan sat on the couch, propped up by pillows.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Serena said coming through the back door.

Tina smiled at her and waved her in.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Get you something to drink, girl?” Kit asked.

“I’ll get it,” Serena said taking a beer out of the fridge.

She walked past the women in the kitchen and greeted Bette before settling herself next to Evan.

“Hey,” Serena said easing herself in the crook of the couch, resting her arm on the back behind Evan’s head.

Bette watched as her daughter instantly lit up.

“More beer?” Alice asked before standing.

“Yeah,” the chorus sang.

“Relax, Porter. She knows not to hurt her,” Alice said stopping beside Bette briefly.

Bette looked at her friend not surprised by Alice’s words. All of them were watching Serena.