After breakfast, Chase helped Rocky get his school bag. Rocky said goodbye to everyone, hugged Skye and they both walked out to the car. Rocky sat down and pulled his seatbelt on. Chase sat and did the same. "I'm proud of you," Chase said.

Rocky looked over at him. "Me?" he said. "For what?"

"For making a decision and standing behind it," said Chase. "I know you have thought about this alot. You asked me last night if they cared about you."

"Y-yes sir," said Rocky looking down at his hands.

"W-well," Chase stuttered. "I-I should have told you that they do in fact care about you. It's true that they have made some bad decisions." He placed his hand on Rocky's shoulder. "But deep down, they do care about you."

"Thanks, Dad," said Rocky with a smile. "Will you and mom go with me?"

"We will be as close as they let us," said Chase with a smile. With that, the duo drove off towards school.

As Chase pulled into the parking lot, Rocky eyed him curiously. "You can just drop me off," Rocky offered.

"It's okay," said Chase. "I'll walk with you up to the door."

"So you can accidentally find a reason to go back to work?" smirked Rocky.

"Your mom put you up to that, didn't she?" laughed Chase. Rocky, too, chuckled. "I'll just stop in the office and say hi to Principal Ryder."

"Oh, okay," Rocky laughed rolling his eyes.

Ryder was standing at the front door as they approached. "Good morning, Rocky," said Ryder. "And good morning to you too, Mr. Shepherd."

"Oh, come on now," said Chase sounding hurt.

"It's awfully nice to see your son to the door," smile Ryder. "But you still can't return to work."

"I was just going to see how things were going," said Chase.

"We're managing," said Ryder "Enjoy your vacation."

Ryder turned to walk into the school with Rocky without another word. Chase stood there for a moment and then smiled. His friends knew him too well. Chase returned to his car and drove back to the station.

***

"So, Rocky what have you decided about the accelerated program?" asked Ryder as they walked down the hall.

"I'm interested," Rocky admitted. "But I'm a little worried too about what it would mean for my future."

"That's a smart young man," said Ryder. "No one should jump into anything without finding out what's involved. Why don't we go to my office and discuss it?"

"Okay," said Rocky. "But, what about my classes?"

"I'll give you a pass," said Ryder, smiling. "We'll call it school counseling."

The two walked down the hall amidst the bustling students getting to their starting classes. They walked into the office and Ryder turned to the secretary as he walked by. "Hold my calls for a while, I'm meeting with a student."

"Yes, sir," said the secretary.

Rocky and Ryder sat down at his desk. He explained that at first, the program would involve a lot of testing. Essentially, Rocky would be required to take the final exams of all the main classes he would be skipping, such as Math, History, basic sciences and English.

Then, he would have the chance to test out of other classes that he would normally take in the early years of high school. That would allow him to move into the more advanced classes immediately or he could simply skip grades to whatever he felt was more challenging.

He also explained that many of the advanced level course counted for dual credit meaning he would get college credit for many of the classes as well as high school credit.

"Well, that's certainly a lot to think about," said Rocky standing and shaking Ryder's hand. "I'll definitely need to talk with my parents."

"Take your time, Rocky" said Ryder. "This is a big decision and no one would expect you to jump into something without thinking it through." Rocky waved goodbye to his principal and continued on to class.

***

Chase walked into the station and found Marshall sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. "So you got kicked out of school," laughed Marshall.

"Shut up," Chase replied with a smirk, sitting down.

"Coffee?" asked Marshall getting up.

"That would be great," said Chase.

"So, do I have to ask or are you going to tell me?" asked Marshall setting the cup in front of Chase.

"What?" Chase asked, sipping from the cup.

"The fact that Rocky signing the form has you upset," replied Marshall. "Don't act like I didn't notice."

"Well, how am I supposed to feel?" sighed Chase. "He wants to see his parents."

"Exactly like you are," said Marshall. "You wouldn't be a good parent if you weren't a little concerned."

"So you think I should tell him to change his mind?" asked Chase.

"That's not what I said," Marshall said as he sat back down. "In fact, just the opposite. You should back whatever decision Rocky makes and support him through whatever comes of it."

Chase nodded, taking another sip. "When did you become so philosophical?" he smiled.

"Living in this nut house?" laughed Marshall. "I've picked up a few things."

"I guess I have to agree with you on that," laughed Chase.

"Look, Chase," said Marshall, lowering his voice. "Rocky actually needs this." Chase simply gave Marshall a raised eyebrow. "Rocky needs closure whether decides he's completely done with them or decides to forgive them. I think you might be surprised overall how this turns out."

"That's between him and them," started Chase. "I've already spoken with a judge and, let me tell you, I've got a few choice words for them."

"See that's your attack dog side," said Marshall. "Don't get me wrong. I'd probably do the same thing. But, before you do anything, just listen to what Rocky has to say, if they let you. You might be surprised."

"I sure hope you're right," said Chase as he finished his coffee.

"So when does he go?" asked Marshall.

"This weekend," said Chase, looking at his cup. Marshall got up and grabbed the pot refilling Chase's cup. Chase nodded his thanks, taking another sip.

"You want to go chop some more wood?" smiled Marshall. "You could always start on next year's pile."

"Shut up, Marshall," laughed Chase.

***

Rocky had buzzed through his classes and finally was his favorite. Physics. He walked in and sat down. Mr. Peters called him to his desk. Rocky walked forward, a bit nervous and concerned. "I understand you've been offered the accelerated program," said Mr. Peters. "What have you decided?"

"I, uh, I still need to talk it over with my parents," said Rocky. "I'm interested but nervous, too."

"Smart man," said Mr. Peters. "Always weigh you options and make an educated decision based on facts."

"What would you do?" asked Rocky

"Figuring things out for yourself is the only freedom anyone really has. Use that freedom. Make up your own mind, Rocky. I know you're smart enough and will be capable of the work. The real question is do you?" The bell rang and Mr. Peters gestured for Rocky to sit down.

Class continued, although Rocky had zoned out and no longer heard anything for the rest of the day. He gathered his stuff and walked outside. Chase was sitting near the end of the pickup line. Rocky smiled once he noticed him and sat inside. "How was your day?" asked Chase after Rocky got buckled in.

"It was... thought provoking," replied Rocky.

"Really? About what?" asked Chase as he pulled out on the road back home.

"Just trying to decide what direction to go with this accelerated program," answered Rocky.

"Have you decided?" asked Chase.

"Maybe? I don't know, I'm still going to think about it a little more," answered Rocky.

Chase began to reply but decided to let him think it through. 'He'll come to us when he's ready,' he thought. He drove on and reaching the station pulled into his spot. They both got out and walked into the station. Skye was waiting in the kitchen as they walked in.

"There's my handsome men," smile Skye. "Honey would you like a snack before you start your homework?"

"Yes please!" answered Rocky.

"Can I have one too?" quipped Chase. Skye rolled her eyes laughing.

Rocky took his snack and walked back to his room. He sat down at the desk to work on his homework. He turned, looking at a picture of him, Chase and Skye at the park. 'I can't believe all this is working out this way,' Rocky thought. 'What have I ever done to deserve Chase and Skye as parents? What am I going to say to my parents this weekend?' Rocky gulped. He shook his head and turned back to his books. He quickly finished his Math and English.

He began reading his History assignment and before he knew it Skye was calling him for dinner. Rocky looked down and realized he had inadvertently read an extra 25 pages. Rocky got up and walked to the kitchen where everyone was already seated at the table. Skye handed him a plate and he began eating. Looking at his plate he was unaware Skye had been talking to him.

"Earth to Rocky!" shouted Marshall, grabbing his attention.

"What?!" Rocky yelled, startled back reality "I-I'm sorry, I was thinking. Sorry I wasn't paying attention."

"Lost in your own little world?" laughed Zuma. "I miss those days."

"You still have those days," Rubble chuckled. Zuma shot him a glare, but also laughed along.

"I was asking how your homework was going," said Skye.

"It's fine," said Rocky. "I was reading my history assignment. I just have to finish my Physics." He continued playing with his food, never looking up as he spoke.

"Are you ok?" asked Skye with concern.

"I'm fine, Mom" said Rocky. "Just thinking about the school stuff."

"Well if you're sure," said Skye with obvious concern in her voice. She looked over and noticed Rocky had looked down and tears were running down his cheeks. The table grew quiet as everyone noticed.

"Well, I'm full!" Marshall said. "Hey, guys, why don't we go check on the rigs? I think it's time for an oil change." Rubble and Zuma immediately agreed, clearing their plates from the table.

As soon as they left, Chase and Skye both sat down on opposite sides of Rocky. "Sweetheart," said Skye. "Did something happen at school? Are you not happy?"

"No nothing like that," whispered Rocky.

"What is it son?" said Chase. "You can tell us anything."

Rocky looked up and took a deep breath. His cheeks and eyes were red from sadness. In that moment both Chase and Skye's hearts sank but they held it together. Rocky began "Mom Dad? I don't know how to explain how I f-feel. M-my parents wanting to see me brought back a lot of memories. Some good and o-others... Well, y-you know..." Chase grabbed one of his hands and squeezed it reassuringly. Skye brushed his hair back, kissing his forehead.

"A-anyway, I just don't know what to think about how everyone has treated me here. I-I've never felt this cared for in my life. I-I love it when you two tuck me in at night. I feel so- so l-loved..." He struggled to control himself. Skye took his hand into hers. He now had Chase and Skye both there, comforting him.

Rocky continued. "I think I'm just overwhelmed with my parents and school and how good I feel when I'm home. I never thought I would ever know happiness like this. When I was dropped off at the o-orphanage, I r-really thought I was on my own."

Now Chase and Skye both had tears in their eyes. "Some of this is even too much for me," Chase admitted. "I can only imagine what it feels like to a twelve year old." Rocky only nodded.

"And honey," Skye said, wiping his tears. "No one expects you to make your decision immediately. If you don't think you're ready just say so. No one will think any less of you if you decide to wait. You're in seventh grade, it's a big step."

"I know I smart enough," said Rocky. "And the work isn't really that big of a deal. But... I don't know." He groaned in frustration.

"Well, we have fall break coming up," said Chase "Your Mom and I were thinking about a vacation. Just to get away from everything and enjoy ourselves. No matter what, you have until the end of the semester to decide. Months away." He hugged Rocky and Skye followed suit. "Whatever you decide, we will always love you."

"We'll always be here for you," Skye said. "Always."

A/N: Everyone, please give MarshalB a loud howl for writing this as well as the other chapters! Even with his job, he still finds time to work on this as well as his own stories. Please, go check him out! Thanks, MarshalB! :)

~Dox