Will and Bailey were driving in the woods. He couldn't help but notice her, because she wasn't dressed like herself. Her hair was in low pigtails, and she was wearing all black. He had a lot of questions to ask, like if she hated her so much, why would she give CJ information that could save her life? Why did she agree to come out with him in the middle of the forest? What happened with Cassidy Arellus? but the one thing he wanted to know was: what was in the book that she was carrying, and why was she clenching it so tightly?

"Strange."

"Hmm?"

"Most people keep their childhood blankets, but you hold on to books and folders. That's strange, but interesting." 

Bailey looked at the object in her hands. "Oh! No it's not like that, it's just your Christmas present." 

Will pulled over quickly

"Hey! What the--!?"

"Y-You got me a present?"

"'Course I did."

"Well, I never got book before. Not for a gift anyway, but thank you." 

Bailey smirked. "Your gift is IN the primer, William. You'll get it when we get there."

"Huh! Okay, I can't wait--but now I feel bad."

"Why?"

"'Cause I didn't get you anything, Bee." He said, Bailey stared at him.

Bee was his nickname for her. To her, it established their relationship as friends; and she loved that. She also appreciated that it sounded much better than B.B..

Will put the vehicle in Drive Mode, and and focused on the road.

    CJ slumped her way to front door, she had a long day at work and was happy to be home. She needed another shot of Adroline before her legs went numb. Brenda was working on something at the table, and she smiled at her future daughter.

"Uh, hi--Brenda."

"Hi, sweetie. How was your day?"

"Sh-Shocking--I'm ready for it to be over." She made her way upstairs, but was stopped short.

"Um, CJ?"

"Y-Yes?"

"I left something for you on your bed, could you try it on when you get the chance?"

"Yeah, sure." She said drained of energy.

   Once upstairs, she fell to the floor. She grabbed for her bed as a pick me up, but she knew her sheets weren't gold. When she got a better look, she nearly cried. The garment was just as she imagined it, down to the embroidery.

"Sh-She bought my dress!" CJ hurried in her drawer for the Adroline.

She grunted from the quick injection, and went downstairs with the dress.

Brenda was still sitting at the table, her back was to her. CJ approached her slowly. Brenda jumped from the sound of her voice.

"Y-You bought it." Brenda stood up and walked toward her.

"I hope you don't mind, I peeked in your media primers. It was the only one you circled. I figured that you earned it, you've been working so hard to pay for your car repairs--" CJ rushed into her arms, Brenda budged from the loving impact.

"I'm so so sorry! I'm a horrible future daughter-in law! I just got a lot goin' on in my life, but I shouldn't be takin' it out on you! I'll be the best new daughter you ever had!" CJ was in tears, and frantic. "I'll-I'll even be the flower girl if you need one! I'm-I'm young lookin' so I could pass, right? I'm sorry for bein' such a brat and rude and-and distant! I like you, Brenda--honest!"

She tried to calm her. "Whoa! Slow down there! It's okay, really!" She said with a smile and tears

CJ wiped her eyes. "Sorry."

"Tears are a sign of caring and hu-manity. They show how we really feel." CJ and Brenda sat down on the couch.

"I know how you feel--I had a stepmother too."

"D-Did you hate her too?"

"No--she wasn't around much. My dad was a businessman who liked to marry young."

"What about your real mom?"

"Never made time for me--which is probably why I smother you and hover all the time." CJ rested her head on Brenda's lap

"I'm glad you do. I'm sorry."

"I SWEAR if you don't stop apologizing--I'll take the dress back--Te lo juro!." She said with a wicked smile.

"No! Don't--I love it!" CJ expressed

"I'm glad. Who knew that, all I needed was a dress to connect with you."

"Truth be told, another reason I hated you, was 'cause I didn't know spanish." CJ rested her head on Brenda's lap

"I'll teach you if you want." She said

"Really? Thanks."

"Welcome." Brenda started to rub her head

"Hey--my mom used to do that."

"Hmm, I think it's a female talent that we're born with."

"Maybe so."

"Speaking of talents. Since when are FRIENDS with Veers, young lady?" CJ lifted her head to face her.

"Uh--they're good people, trust me."

"Any friends from school?" She asked

"There's Romy, Hudson, Piper, and Zane."

"That's great."

"There's also some popular girls who's lives I saved but--" Brenda was ecstatic

"Oooh! I can help you with that--I was SUPER popular in high school."

"Uh--yay?" Brenda gave her a smirk and squeezed her tightly. She and CJ laughed from the over affection. They jumped when they heard a noise ustairs.

"Oh, right. Gisele's stayin' here now." CJ said, and hugged her.

   The girl felt bad about not telling her future to Brenda. She liked her too much to make her sad right now. At least she could die knowing that she would always have her, her future step-mom.