Dana glared down Lizzie from ten feet away while Lizzie's eyes scanned the field for an open pass. She barely made the throw before Dana was trying - and failing - to tackle her to the ground.
"Go Lizzie!" Alaric shouted from the sidelines. MG caught the perfect pass, and Alaric ran down the side of the field with him, shouting and waving his arms the whole way. "Yes! Yes! My daughter made that throw! That's my daughter!"
Lizzie's cheeks burned as she watched him bounce around excitedly, wishing she could turn invisible - well, she could, but not in front of the muggles.
"Ooh … that's embarrassing," Dana remarked. "He must know you really need the extra confidence."
Lizzie's mouth fell open as she watched Dana walk away. When she turned around, she caught her father staring at her, confused as to why she wasn't celebrating too. Lizzie just rolled her eyes and turned away again.
"Here embarrassing your kids?" 
Alaric turned, meeting the blonde in the sheriff's uniform. She must be Matt's replacement. He just laughed. "I think I might just be." He looked at Lizzie's back turned pointedly to him and sighed. "Tell me, as an objective outsider, does it seem like I'm giving them space?"
"Whew." The sheriff said instead of answering. "She's in that phase?"
"Is it just a phase?" Alaric smiled hopefully. And will that phase end before twenty-two? he wanted to ask.
"Trust me: it lasts all of five minutes until they need money or a ride. Then you get to be bank teller and chauffeur." She laughed. "Don't worry. You love every second of it." She stuck out a hand. "My name's Mac, by the way. Mother of two."
Alaric shook her hand. "Alaric - Ric. Father of … three."