The slow, simmering irritation soon became too much for me to ignore. Taking hold of a decorative cushion I lobed the object directly at the cause of my frustrations. Knowing why I had stuck him Lincoln groaned in protest. "I can't focus anymore."

Sadie giggled at her brother's misfortune, finding my violent episode towards him comical.

"Traitor."

"Hit him again!" Sadie cheered from her position on the carpet. Her enthusiasm caused me to crack a smile.

Complying to her request I rose the pillow from its resting position at my side. To both mine and Sadie's disappointment Lincoln disarmed me of my weapon.

"Do I have your attention now?"

Lincoln huffed at my question only to revert to child-mode. "I don't wanna."

Sighing I tried an alternative approach. "You've been doing so well though."

"Exactly why I deserve a break." Leaning back entirely Lincoln's head disappeared over the arm of the couch.

"Dinner was your break." Reaching over with the television remote I struck out against Lincoln's solid abdomen.

He jolted from being poked, giving a short chuckle at the sensation. "Can we just call it quits for today? I'd rather do anything else. I'll even let you force me into watching that werewolf show."

Ignoring his plea bargain I stayed intrigued by the newly discovered bit of information. With the controller still in hand I poked at Lincoln's side once more. When he flinched I did it again. And again.

Just like with the pillow Lincoln removed the remote from my possession. "Cut it out."

"You're ticklish." I announced, content with my findings. Striking out with my finger I aimed for the same spot.

"So what - stop!" Lincoln laughed, a deep, raspy chuckle, and I relished in the sound. It felt good to make Lincoln Pierce laugh. Taking hold of my wrists he gave me a levelled gaze, trying to hold back his sniggering. "No more."

Before I had the chance to accept his appeal Sadie charged towards the couch. With a high pitched war cry, that resembled more of a squeal, she began to attack her brother. Her fingers moved quickly, expertly knowing Lincoln's sweet spots.

"Look what you started!" Lincoln accused halfheartedly. Watching the two caused a bubble of laughter to escape my own lips. Unable to halt his sister's tickle torture Lincoln yanked me over to him, utilizing me as a human shield. He positioned me on his lap, his hands on either side of my waist, moving me in the direction where protection was in a more dire need.

"That's cheating!" Sadie cried, crawling up onto the couch with Lincoln and I.

When Lincoln jolted me in a new direction I cried out, "I didn't sign up for this!"

Homework was completely forgotten at this point. Instead Lincoln, Sadie and I transformed the entirety of the family room into an all out war zone.

"What are you three causing in here?"

Amelia's appearance in the doorway brought all activity to a standstill. Removing my legs from around Lincoln's torso I dropped back to stable ground.

"Nothing." All three of us chorused.

A dish towel remained in one hand, hinting at what kitchen duty we had pulled her away from. "Nothing, eh? Why don't you guys go get some energy out before it gets too dark. I can't have you all breaking anything else in here."

Her suggestion forced my thoughts to the boarded up front window to my right. It had been a few days since the incident involving that note carrying rock. But with Ms. Fredrick still out of town and unreachable it was unsure what should be done about the still broken glass.

"The park!" Sadie shouted, detaching herself from Lincoln's calf. She sprung up. "Can we got to the park Linky? Please?"

Lincoln peered down at his energized sibling. "All right. All right. It's such a shame though," he shook his head, seemingly disappointed as he turned to me, "I was looking forward to continuing our study session. Reproduction is some really riveting stuff."

"Oh, stuff a sock in it." I muttered just loud enough for him to hear.

Grinning ear to ear he asked, "You coming California?" Sadie didn't wait for my reply. She was already tugging Lincoln away, slipping on her own boots.

Without the responsibility of tutoring Lincoln for the night I felt obliged to help Amelia clean up what was left from dinner. "Maybe I should stay here and help tidy up with your mom."

Lincoln was about to protest when his mother did it for him.

"Oh, please. I've got the kitchen handled. You go enjoy yourself, take a break, school causes too much stress. You need to let loose every once in a while, you know?"

"Only if you're sure." I said, still feeling as though I should stay behind.

"Absolutely." Amelia ensured, pivoting back into the direction of the kitchen. "Enjoy being young Calista."

Not needing anymore persuading I joined Lincoln and the ever excited Sadie. There was a short trek to the lonely park. It sat off the side of the road, only a few lampposts illuminating the small area. As soon as the colourful jungle gym was insight Sadie took off down the sidewalk. The swishing of her coat was the loudest sound heard.

Being that it was still chilly out not very many visited the outdoor playground just yet. And for good reason. When I first stepped out of Lincoln's front door I almost changed my mind; figuring washing dishes would be better than going for a stroll. However, during the brief walk temperatures started to rise and I was content in just my spring jacket and tall boots.

Sadie kicked up sand as she ran through the playground, almost tumbling a few times on her way to the climber.

Without a second thought I settled in one of the swings. They were my absolute favourite as a young child. Not having a set of my own I always tried to find ways for my parents to bring me. Anywhere with a swing.

Eyes still following Sadie I lowered myself down. The seat was chilling, seeping right through my leggings. The chains on either side were no better, forcing me to yank the material of my sleeves over each palm. Slowly at first I began to rock. The momentum of my legs causing a slow rhythm of movement. In the silence it was nice. Relaxing even.

All thoughts melted from my mind. For once, in what felt like forever, I finally felt at ease.

A pair of firm hands found their way onto my back, pushing me forward, helping me fly. I had no reason to turn. I knew who was behind me. Lincoln's touch was becoming so familiar as of lately. I was sure I could name the feel of his hands from a crowd.

"I guess you're happy now. You found your excuse not to study for the rest of the night."

Lincoln voice emitted from behind me, causing goosebumps to rise up my neck. "Extremely."

With a small smile I shook my head at him. There was no staying annoyed at the man. No matter how many times he's wiggled his way out of a study session.

"You can't really blame me though, can you?"

Knowing he couldn't see my face I rose my brow. "Oh? And why can't I?"

"'Cause you're the distraction."

Not believing I heard him correctly I swivelled in my seat. "How do I distract you? If anything I'm the only thing keeping you on track."

The swing was slowing to a stop. Lincoln got that same hypnotized look from the other night. For a second I wondered if he even heard me. His eyes drifted around my face only to focus on my parted lips. He was doing it again.

Not wanting to get caught in a make out session in front of his little sister I turned my head. A flush overtook my cheeks. I've never seemed so interested in a jungle gym before.

"I see what you mean."

Lincoln's easy laughter had bumps rising again. "You understand now?"

"Yeah." And I'd be lying if I said I didn't know exactly what he was feeling.

Clearing my throat I redirected the topic of conversation. "I should finally be getting my car back in a few days. Phil called my dad this morning."

"Bet you can't wait." Lincoln mused as he helped me swing again.

"Ugh, I can't! I want my baby back. It's horrible having all that freedom only for it to be taken from you."

"So dramatic." Lincoln playfully sighed. I could picture him rolling his eyes at me.

"No way! You have to know what I mean."

"Not entirely."

Staring down at my boots I watched as I swung my legs forward. "How don't you?"

"'Cause as much as I don't want to admit it, I'm stuck."

Mulling over his words I thought about that he meant. It wasn't so hard to decode. He really was stuck. He was stuck caring for his mother and sister. Working, fighting, to earn enough money to keep them afloat. He was stuck in this town. Stuck in that house.

Lincoln really wasn't free.

The depressing thought had my mind rearing in another direction. The only thing that's been on my mind since it happened.

"Any more clues about that rock?"

Lincoln's touch faltered for a moment. "There's really nothing to go off of."

"Is your mom still refusing to go to the police about it?"

A sigh escaped his lips. "You know it. She thinks my sperm donor is the culprit. Guess I can't really blame her. She doesn't know about Silva, apart from our fall out years ago."

Digging my boots into the ground I anchored myself to a stop. "Who do you think it was?" The full silence caused me to pivot in my seat once more. Lincoln was no longer paying attention to me. Instead he watched Sadie play in the distance. I didn't know if this was him trying to tell me to drop the subject or if he was just keeping an extra eye out for his sister. "Silva?"

"If I'm honest it could be a lot of people. I don't make a lot of friends with what I do for a living."

"Who else could be after you?"

"Anyone from The Pit. Anyone I've beaten, won money off of. It's kind of a cut throat business." Lincoln tried a lame attempt at humour to lighten the mood.

Meekly I replied, "But what if it wasn't for you?"

Lincoln's eyes were back on me in an instant. "Why would it have been for you?"

"It was my car that was brutally murdered in the school parking lot... you never know."

His messy head of hair shook back and forth in refusal. "No... no. You haven't done anything wrong."

"Besides stick my nose into Lincoln Pierce's personal life."

"Besides that." A hardy chuckle left his lips. "But at the end of it all that was a pretty good thing." He paused, deeply in thought. "Even if that message was for you, you know I'm not gonna let anything hurt you, right?"

Lincoln's eyes were honest. I knew deep down that nothing was going to happen to me as long as he was around. Maybe that was the majority of the reason why I hadn't run away like a scared dog with my tail between my legs. Because I knew, that as long as Lincoln was in my life, no body was doing to be touching a ratty hair on my head.

"I know."

With my proclamation Lincoln's shoulders relaxed, a soft smile nudging up the corners of his cheeks. Not very many people had faith in a man like Lincoln. Not his teachers, not his peers, not even his own father thought too highly of him. Too many people underestimated him.

One thing people didn't realize, was that if you invested just the smallest amount in faith in him... he was never going to let you down.

The rest of the time spent at the park continued in easy conversation. At one point Sadie even convinced Lincoln to join her down the slide. After Lincoln's huge frame almost got jammed in the tunnel we decided to pause the fun for the night and head home. Our walk back lapsed quickly. In no time Lincoln and I were headed back up the pyramid of stairs. Together we hauled Sadie up, her tiny feet hovering over the steps as we climbed. Her laughter rung through the darkness of the night.

Sadie firmly planted her feet as we reached the top. It was only then I took my eyes off the little girl long enough to notice the open front door. The light breeze rocked the entrance back and forth.

Internally I wracked my brain; did we leave the front door open?

Lincoln's thick brows furrowed. He too had just noticed the light leaking through from the crack of the open door. Releasing his little sister's hand Lincoln pushed his way inside. "Mom?"

"What's wrong?" Sadie seemed so confused as he watched her brother disappear into the townhouse.

Unsure myself I didn't know how to reply. "Hopefully, nothing."

Frozen on the front porch, I contemplated what to do. It was eerily silent from within the Pierce residence. Something I knew wouldn't be possible if Lincoln's father was inside. But even with that threat out of the way, did I really want to chance a three year old's safety?

Staining, I waited for any hint of a sound. Anything that would suggest movement. To my distaste Lincoln's house was a sound proof as space itself. Nothing could be heard from within. Needing to make sure everything was okay I solidified my resolve. With Sadie's gloved hand still in mine I crept towards the door.

I stayed alert for any signs of conflict. There was no way Lincoln would ever forgive me if I put his baby sister in danger - there was no way I would be able to forgive myself. But I felt so useless from the concert slab of a porch.

Single handedly I shoved the front door open. The wafting stench of alcohol and B.O. curdled my blood.

There was no opportunity to move further into the threshold. Lincoln soon came barrelling out from the kitchen, blood littering his skin, tainting his jeans.

"Where's my phone?" Panic was evident, his breath tumbling out in huffs. "Give me yours."

Shock disabled my ability to think. All that resounded in my head was the images of blood stains spilling over Lincoln's faded attire. When my body refused to move he reached into the pocket of my coat. The blood from his hands transferred onto the surface.

"What the Hell is happening?"

"He was here."