After Thanksgiving - New York

[Rachel O'Brien]

"I think someone needs to learn that she isn't the only one who can take care of Elizabeth." Rachel said quietly to Bear.

[Byrna Cooper]

"She's still her mom, though. It's instinct."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"And Ryan is her brother." Rachel replied "Thats instinct too."

[Ryan Gabriel]

There were voices coming from the kitchen by now, Ryan's mother was evidently on the phone. She didn't sound happy, and apparently the conversation she was having wasn't making her any happier.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear nodded, looking on with a slight frown.

"It's tough to see them like this." she said, as the phone conversation heated up.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"I think I need a glass of water." Rachel said to Bear as she headed off towards the kitchen.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear nodded in agreement, following at a slight distance.

[Ryan Gabriel]

As they got closer, they could hear that she seemed to be arguing with her husband, along the lines of why he didn't warn them, and being angry at him for leaving her here by herself to take care of Elizabeth. As the girls approached the kitchen, they heard her say "What do you MEAN I want to get off the phone now? Marcus? Marcus, don't you hang u- damn him..."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Don't mind me." Rachel said as she walked into the kitchen "We're just getting a drink of water."

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear followed, getting a couple glasses.

[Ryan Gabriel]

Mrs. Gabriel jumped, and as she spun around it looked like she almost fired at them. She let out an anxious breath. "You two scared me."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Sorry." Rachel said, taking one of the glasses from Bear "We woke up and wanted a glass of water. I'm sorry if we freaked you out."

[Ryan Gabriel]

She sighed a little. "We just had our gate crashed in. A mouse would freak me out right now," she said, trying to smile weakly.

[Byrna Cooper]

"No freak-outing tonight. I promise."

Bear smiled a little, pouring out some filtered water into her glass.

"Want some water, Mrs. Gabriel?"

[Ryan Gabriel]

"I'd like something a lot stronger, but water's what I'm settling for tonight. Thank you," she sighed, sitting down at the table.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear nodded, pouring her a glass as well.

After a few moments of silence, she spoke again.

"Elizabeth is growing up so fast. I can't believe how big she is now."

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Thank you," she said as she took the glass from her. "I know. Another year and a half and I get to start figuring out what I'm going to do about her schooling," she added, sighing a little.