Chapter 27 (Patreon)

Bram laid awake in his bed replaying the events of his hectic and hellacious afternoon. He couldn’t shake the dread and anxiety over what had happened between him and Sarah. It had been a long and arduous hour, but his mental anguish and punishment had only just begun. Deep down he knew that his torment wasn’t completely over once Sarah had her fun, but he hadn’t expected it to be as taxing as it had been. It took everything he had to keep up the weak facade that everything was fine.

Anna had been very clearly skeptical, but she never openly voiced it in front of the others. Still, Bram had spent enough time with her to recognize the looks she subtly shot his way. Sarah regaled them with a series of clever and boring lies about what happened between the two of them. Bram had been forced to corroborate her story out. Jessica didn’t seem terribly interested, but Peyton watched and listened as intently as Anna. Unfortunately, Bram didn’t know his almost Amazonian crush well enough to tell if she believed Sarah or not. However, he had caught her sneaking glances at him as the evening went on.

Sarah had held onto Bram for the first hour after their return. The way she playfully stroked his back with her fingers sent shivers down his spine. It was almost insulting after everything she’d done to him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that it was yet another sadistic mind game from her. Sarah eventually handed him off to Peyton, though, and that had been the only highlight of his horrendous evening. Being held in Peyton’s hands brought him a sense of safety and security, but his experience with Sarah had left a looming shadow of doubt and concern in the back of his mind. Undoubtedly, a sad and sour after effect of being taken advantage of by someone he’d only just met.

Eventually, Victoria had come to get him and take him to their room, and not a moment too soon in Bram’s opinion. Even as he rested in Peyton’s hands, he could feel Sarah sneaking peeks at him time and again. Feeling her eyes on him left Bram feeling more anxious and uneasy, so he nearly jumped into Victoria’s hands when she came in to grab him. He knew that Anna would probably question him later, but he didn’t care as Victoria carried him out of the room. He was just thankful to be out of the lioness’ den. While his sister could sometimes be distracted or forgetful, Bram knew she wouldn’t do anything to intentionally endanger him. He was just glad to be away from the threat of Sarah and her cruel whims.

Part of what was keeping him up was the thought of explaining things to Anna. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that she'd give him the third degree, but would coming clean help anything? Beyond that, Bram wasn't sure he could bring himself to share what he'd been through. It was humiliating, degrading, and shameful to just name a few key factors that kept him from wanting to open up about his experience. Even if he could find the courage to speak up, who was to say if Anna would even bother to help? Some part of him felt like she'd only mock him and laugh, but deep down he knew that was just doubt.

Despite how rough Anna was around the edges, Bram knew she cared about both him and his father. There was a time when he wasn't so sure, but she'd proven that she did, even if she tried to hide it. Anna enjoyed teasing the two of them, but she'd made it clear that she didn't want them to get hurt. No, Bram was more afraid of what she'd do if she found out. If she confronted Sarah, that meant that he'd have to worry about her sometime in the future. Sure, he was homebound for now, but what happened if he had to return to school? What if Anna said something to Sarah, and the clever girl was able to play it off as fiction? If she found out that Bram had confided in Anna, and was somehow allowed back into their home, she'd surely make good on her threats. The thought of being kept as a toy for someone as twisted and cruel as Sarah had been a fantasy not long ago, but now it was utterly terrifying.

"You okay, little brother?" Victoria asked, breaking Bram's train of thought.

"Huh?" he asked, having forgotten that his sister was still awake.

Victoria had been quietly reading for the last hour, but she'd been stuck on the same page. She'd noticed that Bram had been distracted and distant since she'd come to get him, but she hadn't asked why. She'd thought that he'd be elated and talkative after getting to spend time with Peyton, but he'd barely said a word. She didn't want to pry, but she was starting to get worried about him. Normally, he'd have asked to watch something by now, or at least tried to talk to her. Yet, it had been over an hour of silence from her younger brother.

"I asked if you're okay," Victoria repeated, eying him with concern, "You've been pretty quiet tonight."

"Yeah, I'm just a little tired is all," Bram replied, not wanting to open up to his older sister.

He could tell by the way she was staring down at him that she didn't fully believe him. To his relief, she didn't try to push the issue, though. "Alright, if you say so," she said before adding, "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Bram could hear the concern in her voice, but he simply couldn't bring himself to talk to her right now. "I know," he said, looking down at his makeshift blanket to avoid her eyes, "I appreciate it, sis, but I think I just need some sleep."

"Okay, if you say so, little bro," Victoria sighed, not wanting to force him to talk, "I was about to shut the light off anyways. Good night, Bram."

"Night, Victoria," he said, yawning as the exhaustion from his excursion began to catch up with him.

Victoria reached over to switch the light off on her nightstand, and Bram rolled over to try to get some sleep. Truthfully, he was quite tired. His mind was racing, but his body was sore after everything he'd been through. He laid awake in silence for another fifteen minutes before his sister started lightly snoring. It was something that had driven him mad when they were younger, but now he found it comforting. It reminded him that he wasn't alone, and that he had a protector nearby. It was like a faint white noise that lulled him into a slow slumber.

—-----

Bram wasn't sure where he was, or how he'd gotten out of bed. All he currently knew was that he was running scared and blind. He was on a massive expanse of white and pink, and his feet seemed to sink into the surface of whatever he was on. His legs burned, his chest was heavy, and he felt a panic that he couldn't put into words. What was going on? The sensation of being chased washed over his little body, but where was he? Who was he running from? Did it really matter? All he knew for sure was that he was afraid, and that he desperately needed to get away.

A familiar giggle filled the air around him, and Bram felt his blood run cold at the sound. No, it couldn't be. "Where are you going, little guy?" Sarah's voice boomed around him, "You can't get away from me!"

Bram felt his skin crawl as she continued to giggle and laugh at his efforts. Fueled by renewed terror, Bram quickened his pace as he raced to get away from Sarah. How was she here? Why was she here? He didn't know what was going on, but he knew that whatever it was couldn't be good. Bram swallowed the lump in his throat as he tried to find some way to escape. However, no matter how far or fast he ran, he couldn't see an end to the colossal expanse. Bram didn't have time to question it. All he could do was try to keep going. The shadow of a hand descended down over him. Then, to his horror, Bram tripped and fell onto the soft and plush surface he'd been running on. The shadow of Sarah's hand loomed overhead, and all he could do was scream as her palm landed on his little body and scooped him up.

Darkness enveloped him as her fingers tightly coiled around his body. Sarah was applying more pressure than normal. He wanted to scream for help, or even beat against her hand, but her grip was too strong. It felt like she was squeezing the life out of him as she brought him higher into the air. Just when he thought he couldn't take anymore, Sarah opened her hand to grin at him. He stared into her billboard like face with fear and apprehension. Meanwhile, Sarah's grin continued to grow like the Cheshire cat. Her eyes sparkled with a sadistic and gleeful light. Bram felt his body begin to quiver as he stared up at her.

"Naughty little boy-toy," Sarah said with another giggle as she smirked at him, "Whatever am I going to do with you, hmm? Bad toys need to be punished, especially after their Goddess has done so much for them."

"Sarah, stop!" Bram shouted, trying to appeal to her humanity, "Please, you can't do this! I'm a person!"

"People aren't as small as you, boy-toy," she countered, refusing to dignify him by using his name, "Toys are your size, and that's all you are now. A permanent little toy for women as beautiful and smart as me. I'm hurt that you'd try to run away after getting to be so intimate with me, but clearly you can't appreciate what your Goddess is trying to do for you."

Bram felt something new and almost unexplainable hit him. His mind felt like it might split as an inexplicable force hit his psyche. He wanted to cry, scream, beg, and lash out all at the same time. The whirlwind of emotions and sensations culminated in a feeling that could only be described as hopelessness. He was powerless and helpless in the face of Sarah's cruel whims. Her words hurt, but what was worse was that Bram felt a part of himself start to believe them. Was he really just a toy for women like Sarah now? He couldn't stop himself from shaking and trembling in her hand. What was she going to do with him? He was absolutely dreading finding out.

"I was nice enough to take you in, give you a purpose, and even let you get close to me," Sarah continued, her grin slowly shifting to a frown, "And you repay me by trying to run away. You're an ungrateful little toy, and maybe I should just get rid of you, but how should I do it? Hmm, let's think here. Maybe you'd make a better insole, or maybe we should make you a permanent home in my ass. Then again, I could just gobble you up. What do you think, pipsqueak?"

Bram felt himself getting sick as Sarah continued speaking. "Please, Sarah, don't!" he begged, tears beginning to spill out from his eyes, "I'll be good, I swear!"

"No, it's too late for that, tiny," Sarah said, "I guess I'll just have to find a new toy to play with, but you tasted pretty good last time you were in my mouth. Your Goddess is feeling pretty hungry anyway, and you can take some pride knowing that your last act is feeding someone as perfect as me."

She wasn't serious, was she?! His answer came as Sarah started to bring her hand, and Bram, closer to her mouth. He fell to his knees in disbelief and screamed his pleas one final time, "No, Sarah, please! I swear, I'll do whatever you want, just don't eat me!"

"I'll miss that adorable little squeaky voice of yours, cutie," Sarah sighed, continuing to inch him closer to her waiting mouth, "But, you had your chance to be a good boy. Bye-bye, little guy, it was fun while it lasted."

With those final parting words, Sarah popped Bram into her mouth with a twisted smile. Bram's world suddenly became the hot, moist, and dark confines of Sarah's mouth. That horrible sensation he'd experienced only a short while ago returned as he landed on her tongue. He couldn't stand, and Sarah furthered his suffering by rolling him around her mouth. Fear and panic reached newfound highs as Bram was thrown from one side of her mouth to the other. She was toying with him still, even as she prepared to finish him. There was no point fighting back his tears any longer. He sobbed and screamed as he was thrown against the inside of Sarah's cheeks. Adding to her misery, Sarah purposefully clenched her jaw each time he passed her teeth. Did her sadism truly know no end?

"Sarah, please!" Bram screamed from the confines of his prison, "Please!"

His screams fell on deaf ears as she relentlessly toyed with him. His body was coated in her viscous saliva, and whatever hope he had was snuffed out. Every second felt like an excruciating eternity in her mouth. Then it happened. She pushed him with her tongue onto her bottom teeth. Bram tried to roll, screamed, and begged once again as his eyes adjusted. The last thing he saw were those teeth crashing down on him, and the last thing he felt was the pain of being crushed and his throat burning from screaming.

—-----

"No!" Bram screamed as he shot up in his bed in a cold sweat panting.

It took him a few minutes to realize that he was alive and in his little bed. Even after checking himself for injuries, bruises, and pinching himself to ensure he wasn't dreaming, he still wasn't entirely convinced. It wasn't until he heard Victoria's voice that he accepted that it had all been a nightmare, "Bram? What's wrong?"

His mouth was dry, and his body felt almost numb as he tried to respond, "Vic-Victoria?"

Victoria had been in a deep sleep when she heard her little brother scream. His voice was shrill and faint, but it had been enough to startle her awake. She checked her phone to see it was just a little after two in the morning, and she switched the light on to check on him. Even at his size, she could tell he was terrified and shaken. She hadn't seen him this scared in a long time, and she immediately checked on him. His voice was shaky, and she was reminded of when they were kids and her little brother had a bad dream. It had been a long time since she'd seen him as shaken as he was now.

"It's me," she said softly, leaning over and offering her hand out to comfort him, "It's okay, little brother. Breathe and take your time."

Bram nodded, his head still positively swimming with flashes from his dream. When they were much younger, he'd often find himself running to Victoria for comfort after a nightmare. With their mother gone, he'd leaned on her for support whenever their father was busy. He took a moment to do as she said, but he climbed out of his bed and onto her hand once he'd managed to regulate his breathing. He hesitated for a fraction of a second in front of her hand; memories of being in Sarah's vice-like grip still fresh in his mind. Victoria's hand was warm and brought a familiar comfort, though. She cupped her hand just slightly before carefully moving it towards her face. Bram tried to keep himself from tensing up in the wake of the after-effects of his dream.

Victoria didn't push him to talk, but instead just held him while he collected himself. She used her free hand to gently stroke his back in an attempt to calm him down. They stayed that way for several minutes until Bram finally started to relax. "Bad dream?" Victoria asked once she saw he'd stopped shaking.

"Yeah," Bram nodded.

"If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you, little brother," she offered and added, "If not, that'd okay too."

Bram sat in her hand and debated on telling her what he'd seen in his dream. He didn't want to worry Victoria, especially after how she'd been with Anna weeks ago. However, he knew he'd feel better if he could talk about it. "I just had my first nightmare about life like this," he started, trying to find a way to explain without implicating Sarah, "All the reports on the news, stories dad has been telling me, and even stuff Anna has warned me about must have finally sunk in."

"Did she do anything to you today?" Victoria asked, her skepticism of their stepsister seeping back in despite their growing connection.

"No, no, she's been doing nothing except watching out for me," Bram shook his head, "She's just been telling me to be careful, sis, I swear."

Victoria frowned, feeling guilty about still having a hard time trusting Anna. "She was pretty worried and upset about the party last week," she sighed, remembering how Anna had come to her for advice, "You know you're safe with us, though, right?"

"I know," he replied, "I trust everyone here, and none of you were in my dream. It was a stranger that had taken me, and she…well, I'd rather not get into it, if that's okay with you."

"That's fine, Bram," Victoria said, "Do you wanna sleep up here with me tonight like when we were kids?"

It was tempting, but he knew there was a chance that he'd wind up under some part of her accidentally. Only a few short days ago, he'd have taken the chance, but now he'd seen the dangers of his new life. "No, that's okay," he said, "I think I'll be okay, but can we leave a light on? You know, in case I wake up again?"

"Sure thing, little bro," she smiled, gently and carefully placing him back on her nightstand.

“Victoria,” Bram said, making his sister pause, “Thanks, you know, for taking care of me.”

Victoria smiled at him, “Anytime, Bram, I’ll always be here for you. Good night, little brother.”

“G’night, Victoria,” Bram smiled back as he climbed back into bed and laid down.

—------------------

It took Bram a while to fall back asleep after Victoria sat him down. Thankfully, his dreams hadn’t been filled with anymore horrors. However, that didn’t mean his sleep was peaceful or even restful. While his dreams weren’t unpleasant, Bram still found himself periodically waking up. He’d gone to bed tired, but he felt more exhausted than ever when the morning finally came. It didn't help that he still didn't feel quite like himself. It wasn't his dream that was affecting him, though, that much he knew; it was his afternoon with Sarah still resonating with him. Worse, he still couldn't decide whether or not to tell Anna what happened, but he needed to talk to somebody about it.

Throughout breakfast, Bram had been distant and more reserved than usual. A facet that wasn't lost on his father. While Bram had spent his afternoon the previous day experiencing new and terrifying ordeals, Chad had actually had a relaxing evening with Pam. It had been something he'd needed for quite some time, and he felt more like himself than he had in a long while. However, he hadn't forgotten the fallout from Pam's drunken night of lust and passion, and he saw himself as he watched his son try to act normal. While he didn't have a clue what had happened, he knew something was amiss, but he also knew Bram wouldn't open up in front of everyone. After all, it had taken Anna pressuring and threatening him to make him talk. Of course, Chad intended to take a much more delicate approach with his son.

It was later in the afternoon when the opportunity presented itself for Chad to speak one on one with Bram. Victoria had left for a date with Stewart, much to Chad's surprise. Anna was helping in the kitchen with Pam, and the boys were once again spending time together on the coffee table in the living room. Unlike last time, though, Bram was still quiet and standoffish. He'd been this way for the bulk of the day, and it was killing Chad to see his son so removed. Anna had noticed it as well, and Chad wanted to catch Bram before she did. He didn't think she'd take such a brash approach with Bram, but he also didn't want to take the chance just in case.

Chad sat across from Bram on a small stack of coasters Anna and Pam had put down for them to use as seats. They'd put a movie on for the two of them, but Chad hadn't been watching it. Instead, he'd been watching his son closely and debating on the best way to approach him. Finally, Chad decided that the best approach would be direct. "You alright, son?" he asked, breaking the silence that had settled in between them.

"Huh?" Bram asked, having been lost in his own head.

Chad stood up and walked over to him, "I asked if you're alright. What's on your mind?"

"Nothing, just thinking is all," Bram replied, more defensive than usual.

Chad frowned, but he tried to be reassuring as he spoke, "What're you thinking about? Did things not go well with Peyton yesterday?"

Bram looked down and bit his lip as he tried to think of what to say. "No, it was fine," he shrugged.

Chad couldn't help noticing that Bram looked disappointed despite his claim. "So, what happened?" Chad asked, trying to steer the conversation in a natural direction, "Come on, I may be old, but I still know a thing or two about women. After all, Pam is way out of my league, and I managed to talk her into giving me a chance."

For the first time all morning, Bram smiled at his father's joke, "I don't know what to tell you, dad."

"Well, for starters, how about what you kids got up to?" Chad replied, "Something must have happened. You look like someone kicked your puppy, and we don't even have any pets."

Chad was being over-the-top, but he was doing it to try to get Bram to relax. It was good to see him smile, but it fell just as quickly as it came. "We just hung out," Bram said, "After we went to Anna's room, Peyton spotted my Playstation, and she found my copy of MK11."

"This is like pulling teeth," Chad sighed, although he kept his tone light, "You do know I'm a business owner, not a dentist, right? So, she's a gamer like you then. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you two didn't have a match."

Bram smiled again at his father's goofiness; grateful that he was trying to keep the conversation light. "No, kinda hard when the sticks are as big as me," he said, his smile starting to drop once again, "I just watched as they played. Sarah had an idea for a tournament between them all."

"A tournament?" Chas repeated, "So, what did the winner get?"

This was the moment of truth for Bram, and he still wasn't sure he could say it aloud. His smile disappeared as he looked at his father, "Me, the winner got to spend time with me alone."

That was when it clicked for Chad. He furrowed his brow for a moment, but he tried to keep from jumping to conclusions. "Okay, that's an interesting idea," Chad started, "So, who was the lucky lady?"

"Sarah," Bram replied, deciding that Anna would probably tell them if they asked.

Chad wasn't sure if it was disappointment, or something else that was bothering Bram. "Did something happen between you two?" he asked after a moment of careful deliberation.

"I'd rather not talk about it, dad," Bram replied, unable to summon the courage to admit what he'd been through.

Chad frowned, his mirth and levity fading in the face of Bram's reply. "Son, look at me," he said, his tone much more serious now, "If something happened, you need to tell someone. I understand it might be difficult, but keeping it inside isn't going to do you any good. I won't ask for details, but tell me the truth. Did something happen?"

Bram felt the weight of the day's events come crashing down on his shoulders. He stood up and turned his back to his father, his hand shaking involuntarily. "I just…" Bram began, trailing off before he could finish, "I just got a taste of what sort of problems we can face at this size, dad."

Chad's frown grew as he watched Bram's eyes look down. "Did she do something to you?" he asked, "I know I said I wouldn't ask for details, but did this girl hurt you, use you, or do anything intentional?"

"Dad, I really don't want to talk about it, not right now," Bram replied, "Please, just let it go."

Chad sighed and looked down. He hated seeing his son like this, but he knew how difficult it could be to talk about something traumatic. "Does Anna know?" he asked.

"She doesn't know anything other than Sarah had me to herself," Bram answered, "Please don't say anything to her, Pam, or Victoria, dad."

"Son, if this girl did something, Anna needs to know," Chad argued, "That's one of her friends, and if you don't say something she could very well end up back here. Is that what you want?"

"What am I supposed to do?" Bram asked, his defensiveness returning, "This isn't something that I'm comfortable talking about, and Anna would either laugh at me or make things worse."

"Bram, look at me," Chad said, trying his best to sound reassuring, "You need to talk to Anna about this. I know how she can be, but I've spent enough time with her over the last month to know she's not unreasonable. You're asking me to keep something from my wife, I might add. Knowing that this girl has done something to you, ignoring it, and letting her back into my house isn't something I'm comfortable with. I understand that you don't want to talk about whatever happened, but you need to trust Anna."

"Do you even hear yourself?" Bram snapped, surprising both himself and his father with his tone, "It wasn't that long ago that you were telling me to steer clear of Anna, and now you're asking me to open up to her!"

"Bram, calm down," Chad said, not wanting to further agitate his son, "I know what I said, and I said it for good reason back then. I'll remind you that it was your game night that brought everyone together, and Anna and I worked out our differences a little before it. I'm telling you to talk to her because she's your best shot at having this handled."

Bram clenched his fists as his embarrassment and shame turned to anger. "Dad, this isn't your problem to worry about." he said, trying to keep his composure.

"You're my son, which means it's my job to worry about you," Chad argued, "The last thing I want is for you to get hurt, be taken advantage of, or to suffer because of this virus. Whether you like it or not, this is the world that we live in. It means that sometimes we're going to have to ask for help, and sometimes that means talking about things that we aren't comfortable with or proud of. Anna might be rough around the edges, but she's got both of our best interests at heart."

Bram shook his head as he turned around, "What would you know about any of that?"

"I'm going to let that slide because I know you're going through a lot, but don't stand there and act like you're the only person who's suffered at this size," Chad replied, his own voice growing more stern, "Don't forget, son, I've been like this for a while now, and I know what can happen if you're not careful, if the wrong person gets their hands on you, and how powerless you can feel. It's easy to be taken advantage of, and it's hard to open up about when it happens. You need someone to be able to confide in, son. I get that you don't want to talk about it with your old man, that you don't want your sister to know, but you need somebody to talk to."

"And that person should be Anna?" Bram asked.

"Unless you want to talk to Pam or Victoria about it," Chad replied, "Anna knows this girl, and she can help make sure that she doesn't wind up causing more problems for you."

Bram took a deep breath and let his anger dissipate, "I don't think I'm ready to talk to anyone yet, dad."

"It doesn't have to be today," Chad offered, his tone softening, "I'm not trying to pressure you, Bram, but I know what it's like to carry something like this around. You don't need this at your age. Just promise me you'll try to talk to Anna about this, okay?"

Bram looked down and bit his lip. He didn't want to, but deep down, he knew his father had a point. "Okay," he finally said before adding, "I'm sorry I snapped at you, dad."

"Water under the bridge, don't worry about it," Chad smiled, clapping his hand on Bram's shoulder, "You're a teenager, and there's going to be times where we butt heads."

"I'm just worried about a lot right now," Bram admitted, "Everything yesterday was so new and intimidating, and now I'm worried that I might have screwed my chances up with Peyton."

"You didn't sleep well either, did you?" Chad asked, continuing when Bram shot him a curious look, "I remember the first time something happened to me. Nightmares are normal afterwards, and they can keep you up. For what it's worth, I wouldn't worry too much about your crush. I'm not saying I think she's interested in you, that girl was certainly a closed book, but one bad day won't ruin your chances."

"What if Sarah decides to say something, though?" Bram asked.

"All the more reason you need to talk to Anna," Chad replied, "You're going to want someone on your side in case it comes to that. Like I said, Anna isn't unreasonable."

"I hope you're right," Bram said.

"What are you two idiots talking about?" Anna's voice came from up above them.

"Anna, don't be rude," Pam sighed as she walked in behind her.

"What?" Anna asked with a shrug, "Knowing them, it's probably something stupid, or something pervy."

Chad smiled and shook his head, "We were just catching up, Anna. Not everything guys talk about involves sex."

"Right, I know that," Anna said, "Just ninety percent of what you talk about, right?"

"What am I going to do with you?" Pam sighed, sitting down on the couch with a smile.

"Somebody tell me I'm wrong," Anna grinned as she bent down to look at the boys.

"Moving on," Chad chuckled, "Did you two get everything done?"

"That's what I thought," Anna smirked, "Yeah, food should be done in about another fifteen minutes. Do either of you need to go to the bathroom?"

"I'm alright, but thanks for asking," Chad replied.

"What about you, pipsqueak?" Anna asked, looking at Bram and frowning when she noticed him flinch, "Ease up, dude, I'm just kidding around."

"I'm good for now," Bram replied and added, "Sorry."

Anna's frown remained in place for a moment before she shrugged and walked around the table to sit next to Pam. Chad knew that look, and he knew how perceptive Anna was. Bram was going to have a chance to talk sooner than he probably wanted. He just hoped that Anna wouldn't push him too far too fast. He'd grown to care for Anna more and more over the last month, but she was still far from tactful. As much as he knew that Bram needed to talk, he also knew that he needed to do it in his own time. However, Anna had repeatedly mentioned being fond of Bram before the two of them had found common ground.

"I hope things are going well for Victoria and that boy she's seeing," Pam said, drawing the attention away from Bram for a moment.

"I still think it's weird that she's trying to date a tiny," Anna said.

"I'm standing right over here," Chad shouted.

"Wasn't trying to be discreet, shrimp," Anna shrugged, "To be fair, I thought you were weird before you shrunk."

"I just hope that Stewart boy doesn't try anything with her," Chad said.

"He's literally the size of a bug, like you," Anna deadpanned.

"I saw first-hand how someone can use this size to their advantage," Chad argued, "I don't trust that boy."

"Wow, you sound like a cliché right now," Anna rolled her eyes, "And what if Bram ended up with Peyton? Would you be okay with that?"

"Would you think your friend is weird?" Chad countered.

"Yes, but that's because I don't have a double standard," Anna replied.

"I just don't want Victoria to be taken advantage of, Anna," Chad sighed, "It would be the same with you, and even with Bram. I don't want any of you kids getting hurt."

"Cue cheesy sitcom music," Anna scoffed, although her voice didn't carry its usual sarcastic edge.

"I'm sure that Victoria can take care of herself, Chad," Pam chimed in, "She's a big girl, and if she says he's okay, then we need to trust her."

"You're right, you're right," Chad admitted, "Like always, you make a good point. Still, I'm never going to not worry about my kids."

"And I think that's incredibly sweet, but they all have to grow up sometime, dear," Pam smiled, "I'm sure she'll tell us all about it when she gets home."

"Can't wait to hear it either," Anna said, "Now, can we watch something we can all enjoy?"

Everyone seemed to agree, so Anna grabbed the remote to search for something. For now, the McCallum family had a moment of peace together. Bram still felt the weight of yesterday's events on his shoulders, but his talk with his father had put him more at ease. He chose to settle in beside his father in a comfortable silence as Anna found a movie for them to watch. It was a welcome distraction from his otherwise tumultuous mind. He'd take his father's advice in time, but now he simply wanted to lose himself in a moment of fiction.