((I haven't lost interest in this, but was waiting for Nickie to post, trying to take turns.  Then my Internet decided it wasn't going to work, which set me back by a long shot.  Things are up and going again now though, so I'm slowly trying to catch up on my group games, especially.  Here's hoping the two of you are still interested, because this story's one of my favorites.))<br/><br/>Becky smiled shyly, her cheeks heating with a slight blush from his praise of her, but feeling more than a little flattered by the compliment, all the same.  She was glad when he changed the subject though, relieved for the focus to be taken off of herself, glad for something else to focus on.<br/><br/>"She's always been there for us, and never complained about it," she said, when he turned the attention on their mother.  "You must be special, for her to agree to go out with you," she added impulsively, letting their little game relieve her of her normal self-consciousness, at least a little.  "She doesn't go out all that much, and I know it's because of us.  She needs someone who can make her happy, who she can talk to about things, and share things with.  I know she has us, but everyone needs someone special they can be with, and we really don't count," she said, wishing that Mom really did have someone besides the two of them to be with, and hoping her observation wouldn't bring down the playfulness and light mood.