Alanur held onto Frank's previously coffee-burned arm as they left the hospital, ever protective of her son. "I suppose that you're wondering where your team is."

Frank nodded, as they walked to his car and got in it.

"I lied to them."

Frank frowned, looking at her as she started the car.

"I told them not to come to the hospital yet because you were still asleep and I'd let them know when you woke up," she smiled as she pulled out of the parking lot. "I wanted some time alone with my son."

Frank smiled back at her.

The trip back to Frank's place was short, with Alanur telling Frank some wacky jokes that Cody had told her. Frank had to admit that they were funny, even though laughing hurt his mending collarbone.

When they reached Frank's door, Alanur opened it and they stepped inside.

"Hungry?" she asked.

"No," Frank told her, heading for the couch.

She followed him and they sat down, Alanur watching her son intently. "I know what you're thinking," she suddenly said.

Frank looked at her.

"That man didn't hurt me," she told him. "He didn't even touch me, after tying me up."

Frank sighed inwardly, relieved.

"Despite his gun, I was never in any real danger," she said. "I know that sounds ridiculous, but he never made any real threat towards me."

Probably because of your age, Frank thought. You weren't a source of entertainment for him.

A hand touched his face, and he turned to look at his mother.

"Do not dwell on it, ibnee," she said. "There is no point! I am alive and well."

Frank gave her a smile.

"Now," said Alanur, looking around the living room. "What can we find to occupy ourselves with before your team gets wind of my fabrication…"

********************

"You knew all along?"

Monica nodded guiltily. "Alanur told me that she wanted some time alone with her son. There's no crime in that."

"Can't blame her," said Alex. "She—and Frank—just went through a terrible crisis."

Everyone was silent as they walked to Frank's door and knocked.

"Come in!" Alanur called.

Her voice had laughter in it, and Jake opened the door to see something he didn't expect.

Frank was sitting on the couch, and Alanur was in a chair on the other side of the coffee table, which contained a stack of playing cards and a pile of poker chips.

Frank was concentrating on his cards and didn't look up.

Everyone was silent, seeing that they appeared to be at a crucial point in their game. They all wondered how Frank was managing to play with only one functional arm.

"I call," said Frank.

At that, Alanur laid down her cards...face down, and rose from her seat. "Good morning," she said to the team. "Would you like a drink, Dear?" she asked Frank.

Frank nodded.

"Anyone else?" she asked.

The team shook their heads. "We just had breakfast."

"All right," she said, going into the kitchen.

"How you feeling, Frank?" Alex asked, looking down at him.

"Not too bad, considering," Frank told her.

"Yeah, considering he's probably still full of hospital painkillers," Cody whispered to Jake. He suddenly saw Alanur's cards, and bent down to pick them up. "You winning?" he said to Frank.

Frank shot a look at him, and Cody wisely straightened up without touching the cards.

Alanur came back then, and set two glasses on the coffee table.

"Chocolate milk?" said Monica.

Frank looked up at his team, wincing inwardly.

"Ovaltine," Alanur said, taking her glass and drinking half of it down.

The team members couldn't help but chuckle. Alanur was a woman that they all loved, and they greatly enjoyed her spunk.

"I guess we'll be going," said Monica, catching a look from Alanur. "Let us know if you need anything."

"Thanks," said Frank. "We'll be fine."

Cody nudged Alanur's arm. "Let us know who wins."

Alanur smiled, wiggling her eyebrows as if to name herself the winner.

Crossing to the door, the team heard Alanur ask, "Where were we?"

"I called," Frank said.

"Ah, yes," Alanur replied.

Closing the door behind them, they stopped at the sound of Alanur's laugh. "Beat that!"

"Looks like we know who won!" said Cody.

THE END!

LOLOL I know, funny ending. Thanks SO MUCH for all the reviews, everyone! Next, I'm trying my hand at a LOTR story! *gasp* I admit, I never thought I'd end up in that fandom, and I have Karri and Ruse to thank for pulling me into it! :)