This fills in the years between Alex's and Brandon's gradution and thier first acceleration game.

Joan Mann- Alexs foster mother
Ted Mann- Alexs foster father
Judy Mann- Teds sister
Maria Mann- Teds mother
Irving Mann- Teds father
Sasha Miora- Joans mother
Wendall Miora- Joans father
Erin Caine- Brandons mother
Lana Griffen- Erins mother
Jared Griffen- Erins father
Greg Griffen- Erins brother
Noelle Griffen- Gregs wife
Gaile Griffen- Gregs daughter
Dusty Griffen- Gregs son

Chapter 1
Taking off

The graduation party was in full swing. Alex and his foster parents were talking. Brandons grandparents were talking to Judy. Gregs family were sitting outside on the patio. Brandon was helping his mom with the food. Everyone else was playing yahtzee. "I can't beleive Brandon has just graduated high school," Lana said, "It seems like it was just yesterday that Brandon was learning to walk."
"Time sure flew us by," Jared agreed.
"What is Brandon planning to do?" Judy asked.
"Well, I think he's planning to attend a local college with Alex.
They'll share a dorm room." Lana said. She looked down at her empty tea cup.
"I'm going to get some more tea. Would you like to come with me, Judy?"
"I'd love too." She said while getting up. Together they walked into the kitchen, where Brandon and Erin were.
"Brandon, come here. Give your grandma a hug." Brandon did as he was told.
"I can't beleive how fast you've grown," She continued, "Oh! that reminds me. Your grandpa and I have your graduation present in the car. I'll go get it."
"Sure grandma." He grabbed a plate of food and went out to the dining room.
"Hey Brandon!" Brandon turned to see 13 year old Gaile come running toward him.
"Whats that?" she asked.
"Just bagel bites."
"I'm happy that you graduated." Brandon smiled.
"Well, so am I. Why don't you take these to your family."
"Sure!" she said while taking the plate and running back to the patio.
Brandon sat next to Alex on the couch. By then, his foster parents were joining in the game of yahtzee. Lana returned and sat on the couch next to Brandon. She had two packages in her hands.
"This is a GI Joe action figure and this is a Barbie doll with matching hat and purse." Brandon's eyebrow twitched.
"Is that what you got me for gradution?" Lana looked at him.
"Huh? Oh! No, these are for Gaile and Dusty. I guess I forgot. I get yours next."
"It's alright grandma. You can give to me after the party." She got to join Dusty abd Gaile on the patio.
"Interesting party, isn't it." Alex said to him.
"yeah. I can't wait until this weekend. Five days of white river rafting. So, who's all coming?"
"Well, there's us, Monica, Jason, Peter and Tom."
"This trip is going to rock!"

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

The group seated themslves around the already-made campfire. Brandon turned to Jason.
"Man, I can't beleive you took your life-jacket off! That was crazy!" Jason grinned.
"Well, nothing bad happened."
"Until you fell into the water, that is." Monica replied. He laughed.
"You haven't lived until you've lived dangerously. You all wouldn't know about that." He leaned back.
"Well," Alex started to say, "All I know is that the rafting guide is very, very mad at you." The group laughed at that.
"Hey," Peter said, "Let's roast some marshmallows before dinner!"
That idea was quickly approved and they all got sticks and marshmallows. They were starting to roast them when a car pulled up.
"Was anybody expecting someone?" Monica asked. They all said no.
Then two people got out. It was Greg and Noelle. Brandon stood up.
"Uncle Greg, aunt Noelle, what are you doing here?" he asked nervously. They looked tired, and stressed.
"Brandon, can we talk to you alone?" Greg said.
"Um, sure." Brandon walked with them out of the campsite. When they alone Brandon said.
"Whats's wrong." Greg sighed.
"Brandon, I don't know how to tell you this..."
"WHAT'S WRONG?!" Noelle intervened.
"Brandon, it's your mother. She's dead." Brandon's mouth went dry.
"W-what?" he croaked.
"She died of a heart attack."

Chapter 2
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