Family Ties Reunion
Written by Shannon Scote

This takes place in during the summer of 2002. The Keaton kids have all moved away (except Andy) none of then talk to each other anymore. Until an unexpected tragedy pulls them back together.

CHAPTER 1
"Okay, Jennifer that's great, now jut give the camera your perkiest smile okay?"
Jennifer was just not in the mood to give the world a corny smile right now. She was too upset. She had just gone through a nasty divorce and was having a custody battle over her 5 year old son Sammie.
"Why am I doing this?" She thought. Living in the suburbs of Philadelphia was not her idea of living life to the fullest. She would rather be in Chicago, singing in clubs, or be a lawyer. Not being some local news anchor. That was definitely not her style of work. She had to admit though that everyone did love her.
Being as niave as she was Jennifer had gotten married at age 19 to a man named Charles and moved to Pennsylvania so Charles could take over his father's business. Jen was just so excited to be married that she didn't think of the consiqeunces that would lay ahead for her in years to come.
Jennifer had no choice, she had to stay with this job, she needed the money to pay for ehr morgage, and for Sammie.
As Jen was revaluating her life the body guard come running up to her and interrupted her thoughts.
"Jennifer, Your phone."
"Billy, can't you see we are going to shoot in like a few minutes?"
"I see that jennifer, but you siad if it was really important to come get you no matter what. And this is importnat. it's your mother. She sounds upset."
"hey, Scott, I'm taking 5, there is an emgergancy."
Jen raced off the set. "Now what?" she thought. she figured her mom was just calling to bug ehr about the divorce and to make sure Sammie was okay. Like she had been doing for the last two months. "Why can't she just leave me alone!" Jen thought aloud.
Jen picked up the phone. "Mom what is it, don't you know I am working?''
"I know Jen, this is importnat."
"What's up?"
"Jen you need to come hoem immedialty."
"What? Why?"
"Somehting happened."
"What?"
"Jen, i'd really rather tell you in person, not on the phone."
"But mom..."
"Please Jen, make sure you and Sammie come right away."
'okay mom."
"Thanks honey. bye."
"Bye." Jen was stung. What would be wrong? Was everyone okay? She had never heard her mom so panicked before. She was usually so brave. "Good thing I have Sammie this weekend." She thought. Her mom sounded like it was extremely important not only that she come, but Sammie as well. Jen figured they would take the red eye to Columbus that night.

CHAPTER 2
'Mommy, Mommy!" Mallory looked at her 7 year old daughter.
"Honey can't you see mommy is on the phone?"
"Yes, but Josh tore my.."
"Jodie, what did I tell you before? When mommy is on the phone, you need to find something else to do. You can't interupt."
'I know but.."
Mallory looked sternly in Jodie's eyes. "Go upstairs now and I will be with you in a moment."
"yes ma'm." Jodie ran upstairs and started to cry.
"sorry mom", Mallory said, "It was Jodie agian. she just needs to learn pactince. Now what's up?"
Mallory spent about ten minutes talking to her mom on the phone. When she hung up the phone. she couldn't believe what her mom told her.
For the rest of the day, mallory just layed on the coach in a daze.
"hi honey, what's wrong you look stressed?" her husband said as he enetred the door.
"Hi Skippy. Listen we need to talk. My mom wants us to go back to Columbus as soon as possible. It is really important. she didn't tell me exactly what was wrong, but I have a feeling I know."
"Oh, sure honey, we will leave first thing in the morning." I will go help the kids pack."
"Thanks" Mallory was relieaved her husband was willing to help she just wasn't in the mood.
Mallory was happily married, livong in a pent house in NYC, and had three beautiful children.
Mallory had gotten married to Nick Moore, but a year after they were married he died in a motorcycle accident. she was pregnant with their child when this occured. During this time her parents were very supportive and helped her. After, her daughter, Tara (now 10), was about two months old she had enough money to move to New York City.
Skippy had followed Mallory and Tara to new York. Mallory didn't mind htough. Skippy had matured over the past couple of years and was very helpful towards her when Nick died.
After a few years in New York, Mallory and Skippy got married. Soon after, they ahd twins! Joshua and Jodie. they were a handful compaerd to Tara, who was a quite adjusted baby.
Mallory had finally established her fashion disgn company and it was the biggest chain in the north east. Skippy worked on the busy streets of New York as a contractor.
Mallory lay on the coach and siged. "Why is something tragic going on while my life is going so smoothly right now?' she thought. she felt another migraine coming along.

CHAPTER 3

"keaton residence."
'Hi, Lauren, is Alex home."
"No, he's working like usual, is this his mother.?"
"Yes it is. listen Lauren, this is very important, you, alex, and the kids must come home immedialy."
"Oh, i don't know if we can. i mean Alex has work and..."
"Listen, this is very important. Somehting has happened. I Can't tel you on the phone, butI need oyu to come home as soon as possible. please."
"well if it means tha much to you than I will do my best"
"Thank you Lauren."
"No problem."
Just as Lauren hung up the phone Alex came dashing through the door.
"Great day on Wal Street dear."
"Thats nice, hey your mom just called, she needs us to come home as soon as possible."
"Laur, you know we can't I've got work. I've never missed a day."
"I know Alex, but somehting is not right, she wouldn't tell me on the phone but it is so important. I ahve this intuition."
"Oh, the kind only women get?"
"Not funny!"
"sorry. Does she really need me to go?"
"Alex, this is your family."
"Fine, we will go jusut to humor her. But it better be important."
Oh, Alex Keaton's life. Alex had gotten back togther with lauren, then broke up with her, then got abck togther, then broke up, etc, etc. about 5 million times. he fianlly got the nerve to ask her to marry him. They did.
They moevd to upper Manhatten. Alex was obviously working on wal street, and Lauren ran a private physcologist office in their mansion.
The Keaotns had two children. Francis Scott Keaton (a girl) who was 11 years old, and Regan Justice (whow as also a girl) 6 years old. They were great kids. However, they were worped into Alex's Republican rampage.
Alex and Lauren both knew their marrige could be better. They were always fighting and many times they were on the brink of getting divorced.
Alex was very mad at the situation that he had to go see his parents. he could care lesss of what was wrong.

Though they didn't know it at the time, they kids would soon be facing the biggest challenge of their lives-finding themsleves.

CHAPTER 4

"Last call for flight 119 to Columbus Ohio."
Jennifer raced throughthe crowdrd airport with ehr son's hand clutched in hers.
'Come on Sammie, we can't miss this plane." She said to her son.
They finally reacehd the gate, right as it was closing.
"Hello, I have flight reservations." Jen said out of breath.
"Oh, sure lady you better hurry up the plane is about to leave." The flight attendant said.
Jen and sammie got on the plane and made their way to the back of th airplane.
"Mommy, why are we in such a rush to see Grandma and grandpa?"
"becasue Grandma really wants to see us. She misses us sammie."
"Is it about the divorce."
No, honey it's not. She just wants some company."
Jennifer didn't want to worry Sammie and tell him somehting wasn't right. Sammie could get very emotional sometimes, and right now wasn't the  time for it.
The plane landed and Jen and Sammie got off looking around the airport to find Elyse.
"Jen, Sam, over here." A fimalir voice called.
Jennifer looked through the crowd and saw her mother standing their.
"Hi, mom!" Said jennifer. Huging her mother.
"Hi Jen. HI Sammie how are you?
"Don't worry Grandma, I'm doing just fine. i'm taking good care of mommy." Sammie said reassuringly.
"Thats good sammie, I'm glad to hear it." Elyse gave Jen a concerend look.
"so, mom," Jen said trying to change the subject, "what was the urgent news, that couldn't wait?"
"Oh, honey i'll tell you when we get to the house. It is much more quiter their. WE need to wait until Mallory gets in."
"What! mallory is coming?"
"yes, she is."
"Mom, you didn't tell me that! I don't want to see her." i haven't seen her in like 5 years!"
"I know honey, but it is important that all you kids are togther for this."
"Oh, Alex is coming too then?"
"yes, he is."
"Well, I realy don't want to see him, but I'd rather see him than Mallory."
"Honey, why don't you like Mallory?, you guys used to be so close."
"Well, not anymore! Comne on mom we might as well wait for her at her gate, lets go."
Jen was very mad. The thought that Mallory would be there hadn't crossed her mind. She was so mad at Mallory. They hadn't talked for five years and now they were going to see each other, and pretned like verything was ok?

CHAPTER 5
"Okay guys get all your stuff togther, we are about to get off th plane now."
Mallory told her kids. She was so nervous to see her mother.. she tried to act all bracve in front  of the kids.
The Handlemans got off the plane to find Jen and Elyse sitting there waiting.
"Mallory!" Cried Elyse.
"Mom, oh it's been so long!"
"Too long Mal. Oh, Tara, Jodie, Josh, and Skippy! I'm glad you all could make it. So nice to see you all."
Jeniefr just sat there not saying a word.
'Hey, mom can i talk to you for a minute?" Mal said in a low voice, puling her mother aside.
"Whats wrong Mal?"
"Mom, Jennifer is here. You didn't tell me that."
"Oh, Mallory, I'm sorry it's just, all the kids are coming."
"No,no,no,no. You mean Alex is coming?"
"Yes he is."
"I can stand seeing Jennifer but not Alex, mom no!"
"it's too late Mallory, he is coming. Now lets get you guys back to the house."
No, one spoke the whole car ride home. Except, the children, who made friends with eahc other quite quickly.
Mallory kept thinkging about what she was going ot do when she saw Alex. she couldn't stand ot see him.

CHAPTER 6
Thye all entered the house, unpacked and settled in. Everyone saw Andy whow as now 17. He was still as sweet as ever.
Elyse called everyone downstairs. When everyone was seated she began.
"Now, I know a lot of you are wondering why I wanted you to come here so abruptly..."
"Mom, shouldn't we wait for Alex and his family to get here?" Andy said.
Mallory just rolled her eyes. "Who cares about Alex."
"No, i promised you all when you got to the hosue I would tell you and Alex will just ahve to wait. You see the reason i called you all to come is because your father, you see, he is very sick. Remmber in 1988 when he had is haertattack? Well, apparntly he never fully recovered from it, and the doctors don't give him any chance of survival. He is going to die." Elyse tried to remain calm during her speech.
"Oh my gosh, this is horrible. I knew when you called something wasn't quite right,and i ahd a feeling it was somehting liek this. Oh, mom I am so sorry." Mallory said, her eyes welling up.
"Mom, I can't believe it. i would have never guessed, not in a million years." said Jen, hugging her son.
Everyone was shocked.
"Well, where is he can we see him now?" Mallory asked.
"No, mal, he is at the hospital, and they won't take vistors past 9:00pm."
Mallory looked at her watch. it was already 11:30 pm. "come on kids time for bed.It is way past your bedtime." She said trying to break the mood.
"But mom," Josh said "can't we sty up a little longer?"
"Joshua, I want you in bed. Please, go upstairs and get ready for bed, now."
"Oh, Mom, Grandma, I am so sorry." Said Tara. "If ther eis anything I can do to help please let me know."
"Tara right now just go help your brother and sister get all ready for bed. thanks for caring so much." Mallory said,shocked at her daughters willing attitude.
The house was quiet that night, except ofr a few faint cries. No one knew what the next day would hold. And no one was looking forward to it. Especially Mallory, how would rather die than see Alex.
CHAPTER 7
"Mommy, Mommy! Get up,get up!" Jodie cried bouncing on the coach.
"Oh, Jodie what time is it?"
"I dunno, it's morining though. Aren't you excited Momy? Uncle Alex is comming today. i haven't seen him in... wait I have never seen him!"
"Yeah, it hasn't been a big loss Jodie. Listen, you go get dressed and stuff, and I will go make breakfast okay?"
"Ok mommy, but make sure that you cut the crust off my toast, my sauge is not over cooked,my eggs are sunnyside up, and the orange juice is fresh, okay mommy?"
'Okay, Jodie, anything to please you." Mallory said rolling her eyes. Yeah right! like she had time to cook all of that. Jodie was just gonna have to be satisfied with Frosted Flakes.
Everyone was in the kitchen eating breakfast when Alex came barging through the door.
"Hi, everyone!" Alex cried. "I hope this is important cuz I sure as hell don't want to be missing work jsut to see family."
"Alex!" Lauren nudged him and gave him a stern look. "You remeber what we talked about."
"Alex," Elyse paused, "why don't you have a seat next to Mallory. You can settle in later. i need to tell you something."
As soon as Alex sat down Mallory got right up and started doing the dishes. "Kids, why don't you go in the other room and play." mallory said. There were too many people around and she couldn't handle all the stress.
"Mommy, you guys are gonna talk about Grandpa again aren't you?" Josh said curiously.
"come on Josh lets go play nintendo." Andy said rushing him out.
"What, what does he mean this is about Grandpa?" Alex asked. "What's wrong?"
"Oh, Alex, it's shocking to see you care so much." mallory said with a sly smile.
"That's enough Mallory," Elyse said, "alex, your father is in critical condition. He might die. He had another heartattack you know."
"Oh no, this is awful. I can't believe this. Will he be okay?"
"We don't know Alex, it doesn't look good."
"Wow, I'm glad we came." lauren said. "when can we see him?"
"I don't know," Elyse said." probably later this afternoon."

CHAPTER 8
Everyone had gone tot he hospital to visit steven. they were shocked to see the condition he was in. He looked so awful. Elyse was still at the hospital.
Skippy and Lauren had taken all the kids golfing, except Tara, who wanted to stay home and read.
Jennifer was sitting on the coach watching TV, when Mallory came in and sat right next to her.
"hi jen, can i talk to you?" mallory asked.
"What do you want. Can't you see I am trying to watch the news?"
"you don't want to watch that depressing stuff, do you?"
"Mallory, I work as an achorer!"
"Oops, i forgot."
"Get to the point, Mal."
"Okay sorry! It's just that Alex has really been getting on my nerves." isn't he annoying you?"
"No, but you are!"
"I am?!"
"So," Alex said out of no where, "I get on your nerves, do i Mal?"
"Oh, alex I didn't know you were there."
"I see, Mal, oh and Jen I see you give such great advice."
"alex, you just butt out! This wasn't your conversation to begin with!" mal snapped back.
"No, Mal, you shut up." Jen screamed.
Elyse walked through the door and heard all the screaming. She was appalled.
"Everyone Stop it now!" She yelled.
Everyone was quiet.
"Now,w hat is all of this?"
Everyone started at once.
"No, you know what, I don't want to hear it. You all are acting like a bunch of immature toddlers. You know better than this. It tears my haret apart to see you all fight like this. Do you know the real reason your father wanted you all to come? It wasn't because he wanted you all to see him die, it's because his last wish was to see you all come back together, and to love each other again."
The kids sat there astound. No one said a word.
"Now, I am going to take a nap, and when I come back, i want you all to have made up!"
Tara ran down the stairs.
"Mommy, I heard all this commotion, is everything ok?"
"Shhh, Tara, it's fine. WE are just in an argument like you get with Josh and Jodie sometimes."
'but mommy this has been going on for a long time. You all have been fighting since I was like a baby. You all are being selfish. You know, i never get ot see my aunt or uncle or cousins, because everyone is always fighting."
"You know she's right." Said Jen.
"Okay, Mommy, you go first, tell Uncle Alex why you are mad at hime, and then Alex will go,and so on and so forth. okay?"
"When did you get to be so smart?"
"I learned it from you mommy, plus i always do this when Josh and Jodie fight. now start!"
"Okay, Well, Alex, I am just mad at you because you don't care."
"don't ccare what do you mean?..."
"Uhhh now Uncle Alex, you will have your turn to talk, let herfinish first." Tara said confientaily.
"anywat, Alex I am just so mad cuz when Nick died and i ahd Tara, you just didn't even help. I mean jen helped out, and mom and dad, but I didn't even hear from you. you didn't even send a sympathy card."
"Oh, Mallory, I am so sorry. it's just that I wasn't even aware that you were having problems until afetr you moved to New York and then I figured it was too late."
"You didn't know when Nick died?"
"no, Mal, no one told me anything."
"I thought mom and dad told you?"
"Nope. I guess htye must of figured you told me."
"Oh my gosh Alex, I am so sorry, i have been judging you all this time, and you didn't even know. I am so sorry. I feel so bad."
"It's okay Mallory. I love you. I forgive you. Don't worry about it. It was jsut a misunderstanding is all."
"Okay, now Uncle Alex you tell Aunt Jen why you are so amd at her." Tara said, happy that one set was already made up.
"Okay, Jen, I am mad because you didn't come to Lauren and my wedding. Everyone else did. " (they had married  before Mallory was mad at Alex)
"Alex, i didn't come to your wedding because I didn't think you and Lauren should have gotten married."
"I know, but it really hurt me."
"Sorry Alex, I didn' think it would hurt you that much. I was just making a statemant."
"Well, it did hurt."
"I am sorry, I really am. Please forgive me. it's been like thirten years ok."
"Okay Jen, i forgive you."
"truce?"
"Truce."
"Good, two down, two to go. Aunt Jen, I belive it is your turn." tara said.
"Alright Mal, I am mad at the fact when I  asked oyu for money and support a few years back you never responded."
"What are you talking about Jne?"
"You know the letter I sent you asking for help?"
"jen, I never got a letter."
"You didn't?"
"No. What adress did you send it to?"
" Isn't it to 25 oak Street box# 19, Manhattan, New York.
"Oh, jen, thats why. i don't live in Manhatten, Alex does. I live in New york, new York. Also, it is boulevard not street."
"Oh, I feel like such a dumb blonde now! I am so sorry. I just thought you didn't care."
"Of course I acre, i will always be there for you. Oh Jen, it's okay don't worry about it. It was just a silly misunderstanding."
"As I look at it, all of are grudges were misunderstandings." Said Alex.
"Well, let's all amke up and start over again okay?" mallory said.
"Oaky" They said in unison.
That afternoon, was spent catching up on one anothers lives. There were a lot of tears shed,a nd hugs. Elyse was very happy to see ehr kids reunite and be kind to one another. She was also shocked because hse didn't expect to see them so nice to each other after her nap. She didn't even think they would listen to her.
That night as Mallory Tucked in Tara she thanked her for helping them amke up.
"Your welcome Mommy. I enjoyed doing it. I am glad to see you all back toghter."
"Me too, Tara."
"It's a shame that their ahve been a lot of wastd years from this."
"Yeah, it is a shame. You are very mature for your age Tara, I am very proud of you."
"Thanks mom."
Mallory slowly walked out the room.
"mom?"
"Yes, honey?"
"I love you."
"I love you too Tara. veyr much."

CHAPTER 8

The next morning at breakfast, everyone was cheerful and happy. That afternoon they all wnet to the hospital to see Steven. Dr. peters came by and told and warned them.
"He is doing very poorly, I don't know if he has a chance."
"But,but, he ahs to be okay. He just has to be." Elyse cried.
"Sshh mom it's okay, it's okay. He'll be fine. He is very strong." Mallory said soothing her mother.
They all piled in the tiny hospital room to see him.
"hey, dad you awake?" Alex asked patting his dad's arm.
"Hi, guys, how is everyone." Steven said in a whisper.
"We are doing just fine day, really. All's good." Jen said cheerfully.
"Well, what happened? Yesterday all of you were full of anger, and hated each other."
"Well, thanks to Tara, we all talked to each other and realized our fights were big misunderstandings." Jen explained.
"Oh, I see. I am so glad you all love each other again. You know that is why I asked you all to come. It is my last wish."
"Oh, Steven, don't talk like that." Elyse scolded."
He started losing breath, and faded into a deep sleep quickly. They all filed out, a little depressed. No one thought there would be any hope for him. This could be the last time they ever saw their father/husband again.
Francis couldn't believe them. "Why are you all so sad?" She asked.
"Honey, isn't it quite obvious that Grandpa just might not make it? His chances are very slim?" Explained her dad.
"I have confidence that he will amke it though daddy."
"Well, so did I until I saw him today, he looked so pitiful."
"Yea, but have a little faith. All of you, I mean you all look so depressed. He might make it you never know. Daddy, didn't you say that was the one thing Grandpa taught you kids was to always believe no matter what?" Well, I believe he ahs a chance, an so should you!" She stompe dout of the room, humiliated by her familys disbelief.
To a nine year old the world seemed so hopeful and optimistic. But they all knew that this was reality and it was hard to believe, especially in a day and age liek today.
"Wouldn't it be nice, if we all thought like a nine year old." Skippy said.
Alex was gonna say a smartass reamrk, but he thought about tit and figured now wasn't the time and place for it. Besides Skippy did have a good point.
Later that evening, theywere all in the living room, sipping coffee and reading books. The phone rang, and they all jumped startled because it broke the silence. Everyone knew who was calling, but they were too afraid to answer. It was obvious what the doctor would say. He would tell them Steven wouldn't make it and it was all over. two,three, four times it rang. They all sat looking at the phone dumbfounded.
"WEll, Mal, your closest to the phone, you answer it." Alex said very anxiously.
Mallory slowly reached for the receiver, her hands shaking.
"Hello?" Sh said, voice cracking.
"Yes, hi. This is docotr peters, it's about Steven."


CHAPTER 9

Mallory gulped. "Yes." She said stammering.
"He is gonna live. Well, that is for about six months. He isn't too strong and he just might now make it."
"Oh ok. Well um thanks doctor." mallroy hung up the phone.
"Well!" Everyone said at once.
"the doctor give shim six months max to live."
"oh no! this is awful." said lauren.
It was an awfully emotional evening for all of them. popel crying, and memories flashing by.
Steven came home the next day. the doctor had broke the news to him the day before. He was very depressed and didn't want to do anything. he just sat theire moping around.
Francis couldn't stand it! Popel were coaxing him and babying him. It was time she took a stand. What Francis was about to say to ehr granpa could just chnage verything at once, that is if he gave in.

  CHAPTER 9

"hey Grandpa."
"Oh, Hi Francis I'm really not in the modd for company right now." Steven said a little agitated.
"I know, but this is kinda important." Francis siad as she pulled up a chair next to her grandpa.
"Okay, what is it?" He asked.
"Well, when I was about six years old I broke my arm. I got hit by that mustang remeber? Well, anway, i had to get this cast on my arm. It was a lime green cast. My arm hurt sooo bad. I mean it really hurt. It throbbed and throbbed. ..."
"Francis," he interupted,"What is your point?"
"I was getting there. Well, I was really scared to go back to school because I am left handed and that was the hand I broke, so i was afraid I would do really poorly inschool for bad penmenship, of course Daddy was happy because he wanted me to be right handed, you know like with politics right winged people? I don't know he thought it would make me more political. But, I was scared too that people would make fun of me. The night before I went back to school, my mom read me this book, that gave me the courage and determination to go and suced. Lemme read it to you."
"Once upon a time, in a far away land, where everything was perfect and the sun shone everyday, lived the Gooli People. ......"

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Francis read about the Gooli people and how little Gool Goli had the determination to do anything he wanted, even though he was critized for being "different." Gool looked past his adversity and everyday tried to work hard overcome it . Eventually he did and the whole town was shocked about how much Goli had changed and how he was "Normal" now." After that, all the Goli's helped all the other "different Gooli's" and gave them the power to change and overcome their adversities.

"see Grandpa," Francis said as she closed the book,"Gool ahd the strength to overcome his problem, and you should too."
"I knwo Francis, but it is so hard. it is harder than it looks. I ma so weak, I don't know if I can do it." He stated.
"But Grandpa, if a fictional character can do it, I think a human can too. Just put your faith in God, and if you don't believe in God put your faith in something you do believe in and try hard to overcome your problem with your faith, and know you aren't alone. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your family. Grandpa, you gotta, do it for them, for the people you love. We hate to see you like this. Please Grandpa." Francis begged.


CHAPTER 10
The family was gathered inthe living room. Francis pushed her grandpa in the room.
"Everyone can I have your attention, Grandpa ahs something he would like to share." Francis exclaimed.
"I am sorry for the way i have been acting. I have been really stubborn the last few days that I have been home. I want to get better I really do, it just took a reminder form a nine year old. I want you guys to help me, so i can walk again. I want to. I am going to go to support therapy.I can't do this alone though, I need everyone's love and support. I know you all have to go home and live your own lives, but at least stay in touch and encourage each other. the most important way you can help me stay strong is if you all stay strong as a family. Communicate, love, protect, help each other. Be close like you were n the 80s. I want you all to stay that way, and don't you EVER forget, we are family no matter how diverse, or stubborn, or pompous, we love each other,We have to. This is what made us so strong for so many years and is what is going to continue to keep us strong for years to come. That is all I ask for." Steven said as the family circled him for a big hug.
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Webmaster's note: I am aware that this fan fiction contains a number of typos and spelling mistakes. I have published the story in the same form as I got it, and I simply don't have time to fix all typos throughout the story - I hope you all can understand and live with this.

Last Updated (MM-DD-YYYY): 02-23-2003