A/N

Hey guys, so I feel like my collaboration with StilinskiStyles amazing story Bounds and Leaps hasn't been explained very well. So I'm just going to give you a short authors note before I get started with this very awesome chapter that I am super excited to write for you. first of all- 5K? What tha hell? This is so amazing. Honestly, bless you guys. You make my day everyday!

Secondly, Bounds and Leaps is a Stiles fanfic meaning that around now in my story Stiles and Veronica should be hoo-oo-oo-hookin up! So I'll write a little bit about that. I know that their is Stalia but in this they are just good friends.

Anyway, thanks so much! Love you guys so balistically much. Also please don't hesitate to leave me some cray cray comments down below!

xxx _That_Zombie_Girl

By ten, almost everyone had gone home. All except Newton and Veronica. Veronica had told me that her brothers shift at the Sheriff Station wasn't over until 10:30, so I was happy to let her stay until then.

Oh and there was Newton who I think my mom planned on holding back a little longer so Chris and myself could get to know him. Except I had decided I didn't want to put myself through that tonight so I took Veronica's hand and led her to my bedroom where we sat on the bed.

"So...you and Liam? I remember like second day of school you guys were scoffing about Bianca. Now you're sucking faces"

I laugh, hugging my pillow.

"You can talk, you could practically cut the tension between you and Stiles with a knife. What's going on?" I ask.

Veronica's cheeks go red.

"I dunno. He's just weird"

I laugh. "Boys...right?" She points an index finger at me.

"Second that"

She inspects her nails, picking what's left of the French manicure off.

"I mean, I've know how I've felt about him for ages. Him on the other hand... I just don't want to pressure him into feeling feelings for me that he doesn't sincerely feel. So I'll leave him alone until he's sure"

I shrug.

"Ronnie, you're so kind, not to mention hot. Stiles walks around the corner and gawks over you. I bet"

Veronica grins at me.

"I'd say the same for Liam. I also remember him telling me how stoked he was that you said yes to going on a date with him"

"He was stoked?! Jesus I'd been crushing on him since I first seen him"

I blink rapidly, feeling quite happy in this moment.

"Well I'd rath-"

But my speaking is interrupted by knocking on my door.

"Come in!" I call to whoever stands outside my door. Moms tired and tall body opens the door slowly, obviously feeling dazed.

"Veronica honey? Jordan's here"

Veronica stands up, swinging her handbag over her shoulder and giving me a warm hug. I smile into her shoulder.

"Thanks for inviting me over" she whispers. I gawk.

"Thanks for coming. I don't know if I could have made this night without a little bit of gossip"

She pulls away, clicking three times, each in a different vertical line.

"I said it once, I say it twice. SECOND THAT!"

I laugh, walking down the wooden stairs and into the after party state of a hallway.

Jordan Parrish stands by the door engulfed in a conversation with Chris. They seem to be smiling- so at least Chris isn't grilling him.

As soon as Veronica see's her brother she throws her arms around him.

I'd never thought about what it would like to have a big brother. It must be nice though, to have someone stand over you and protect you. Yell at you when you were being annoying, clap for you when you made them proud.

It all seemed like the full package. Yet my father had died before having another child came in view. And despite how young mom was, even if she was head over heels for Newton- I don't think I would be getting a new sibling anytime soon.

I waved goodbye at Veronica as she disappeared through the door. By the opening of the hallways stood Newton.

"I think I'm going to go too." He says, kissing my mother on the cheek.

"Oh. You haven't even properly met Jolie yet though."

I put up my hand slowly.

"With all due respect mom, it's been a long night. I'm going to bed"

Mom glares at me as I make my way towards my bedroom. Feeling super exhausted myself.

I sit down on my bed, taking in everything. I didn't feel like discussing Newtons appearance with my mother tonight but I knew I would have too.

So as suprised, in a matter of time the door opens and mom walks in. Without a knock she comes stomping in and leaning against the wall. It's not a smile plastered on her face. It's more of a scowl.

"Newtons gone." She says, looking everywhere in the room except me.

"Good." I quickly reply. Her eyes revert to me for a second so she can glare at me.

"Look. I know seeing him come out of the blue was hard, that was wrong of me, I admit."

"It wasn't that" I whisper loud enough so that she can hear me.

"Then GOD! Tell me what it was!" Mom yells.

My voice still soft and quiet.

"Chris, you and I. We were the three musketeers. We told each other everything. And in case you didn't notice- we love each other."

She bites her lip. "Nothing's changed Jolie. Nothing changed"

I take a deep breath, slowly exhaling.

"Except the fact that you've already started looking for new men in your life. You're already trying to replace my dead father, your husband. And it's too soon mom. How could you possibly expect me to be okay with that? Expect me to call a man dad anytime soon? To call him dad when my real dad died so recently. Honestly, how could you?" A tear trickles down my cheeks. Everything has risen to the surface. Mom looks to me, her eyes staring directly into mine.

"Don't you get it?" She whispers, a tear making its way down her cheek.

"I knew what I had to do, the morning you came home with that boy a couple of months ago. Luke was his name? You wanted me to meet him. Figures I had to say what the father was suppose to say. I had to tell him to look after you. All up until this month, I've had to be a father and a mother. I can't do this anymore Jo! I can't be both. You need a fatherly figure in your life!"

I get a lump in my throat as I watch her break down.

"No- don't YOU get it? I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED RIGHT NOW!!!! I have a family who I love to death! You and CHRIS. I have friends who I love! EVERYTHING IS PERFECT MOM! Everything is perfect!"

She wipes her tears away.

"Ive already had the best father. I don't need another one mom." I whisper.

Mom nods, looking down at her shoes.

"I just- it's hard. And I miss him too. Now more than ever"

I nod. Pressing my lips into a thin line to keep more tears from coming out.

"Come here mom" I say. She sits down beside me and wraps her arms around me. I feel better almost instantly.

"Mom-," I whisper. "I love you"

She smiles, squeezing me a little tighter.

"Sweetheart, I love you more then life. And I'm sorry. So sorry"