I Will Stand By You Forever

"Momm please! I'm sick of you two h-hating each other!" Sydney cried and ran out of the building.

Mike watched her go and sighed, quickly going after her.
"Sydney Hope Riley! Stop right now!"

"I want you to love each other again!" She sobbed, folding her arms. She hadn't ran far. She sat on the stairs outside of the church.

"He loves Lane now baby and there is nothing I can do about it." He sat beside her/

"B-but he loves you too momma! And you won't even talk to him! He misses you momma!"

"But baby he loved Lane more and.........I hurts me, I can't stand it, it kills me inside to look at him and know that."

She sniffled.
"Momma you never visit me anymore... you only go see Alex now. You hate me, daddy and Critter and theres nothin I can do about it!""

"I do not hate you, your daddy, or Lane. You should know that. I haven't been visiting him, the other day was the first I have seen him since I talked to you. I had to talk him into coming or it would have hurt your father. Now dont even pull that shit with me."

Sydney huffed and walked back inside. She stood by Critter and her father. If her momma wanted to talk he'd have to deal with them too.

Mike shook his head and gave Sydney one look before sitting back with Alex Jr and October.

Sydney screamed in frustration.
"Sydney baby whats wrong?" Alex asked, holding his daughter.
"Momma won't talk to you!"

Alex Jr looked at his sister. "Whats her problem?"
"Me..."
"Why is she mad? Does she not get that your...." Alex just couldn't say it.
"Dead? I dont know." Mike said it for him.
"She needs to love you while she can...."
"Let her do what she wants."

Sydney buried her head in her father's chest, pushing off Critter's comforting hand.

Alex stared at her before his wife hugged his mother and he laughed.

"Why are you laughing?!" Syndey snapped. She was very paranoid since her mother died.

"Nothing Sydney."
He yelled back as October let go and smiled as his mothers face went from pale to red and he looked down.

Then, the boy Sydney had been talking to walked over and patted her on the back comfortingly.
Alex stared at him incredulously.
"Rick? Rick McGuire?" He asked.
The boy chuckled.
"Hey, Lex."
He was Chris's little brother. Much younger. He was in his mid twenties.
"What are you doing here?"
"Ya want the truth?"
"Yeah."
"Chris heard you were getting re married. He was pissed and sent me to come spy cause he knew you wouldn't let him in. Oh, I also wasn't supposed to tell you... oh well." Rick laughed

Sarah came back and kissed Critter.
"I might leave and might not so if I do, I love ya Chrissy."
Critter smiled fondly. "Love you too Sarah. You taking Mike?"
"Maybe, if not he comes when he's ready. If not Daffy comes to get him. He probably wont because he had something to do." She shrugged.

Alex pulled Rick to the side after a few moments of watching them flirting.
"You like her?" He asked.
"Uh yeah."
"You be careful with her. She's my baby and if you hurt her like Chris hurt me I swear boy I'll kill you."
"Chill, Mr.paranoid pants." Rick chuckled. "Chris might be a total ass but I'm not. I'll treat her good if anything does happen between us."

Mike watched his.....he watched Alex and didn't really know what to think.
A song came on, October wanted to dance, Alex refused saying he would dance with her during the next song so she took Mike out and they dance.

This was bound to happen
It was just a matter of time
This town is just too small for
Us to really say goodbye
You're smiling that smile that
You get when you're nervous
Like you don't quite know what to do
But this is me you're talking to
This is me you're talking to

"Dance with me?" Alex smiled at Lane, hopefully. He knew Lane didn't really like to dance.

Lane nodded and got up, leading Alex onto the dance floor.

I've heard you met somebody
It didn't take you very long
And I'll admit it isn't easy
Knowing you've moved on
But I can see how you could make any woman
Fall deep in love with you
This is me you're talking to

Alex rested his head on Lane's shoulder.
"God, you always smell so good..." He whispered.
And Lane never wore cologne. Alex just loved the natural scent he had. That scent meant Critter was near. That scent meant he was safe.

"Yeah? I try." He chucked as he held Alex close.
"I love you...your mine and I wont ever hurt you."

"Better not. Or there will be hell to pay." Alex smiled up at him, capturing his lips sweetly.