The Zoo was a giant success. Not just because Bethany managed not to lose any of the kids either (although Mackie did hide on her once), but because Zoe really seemed to be warming up towards her.

Zac, however, was another story.

"Can I have some more ice cream?"Zoe asked her, smiling widely.

Bethany laughed."Maybe later."Apparently the key to Zoe's heart was through her stomach.

"I wish I could just buy Zac a popsicle or something,"she murmered. Maybe before it would have worked, but not now. She'd let too much time pass.

"Is it time to go yet?"she looked up to find Avie looking expectantly at her. Bethany glanced at her wristwatch."Yeah, probably. It's almost four."

Zoe was now leaning her sticky face upon Bethany's shoulder. It was definately time to go, she thought, looking at the sleepy child. Seeing her now made Bethany feel guilty for all the time she'd stayed away. She'd missed six whole years of Zoe's life.

Then again, she thought with a smile, there were probably hundreds of hours on videotape. Taylor always had gone overboard with the home videos. Jessi had told her they had a whole "video room" at home.

There was so much to learn. At one time, Isaac and Kari had been two of her best friends.

Now all she could hope for was a second chance.

* * * *

Taylor's eyes were red and bloodshot, Diane noticed. That combined with the circles underneath his eyes was not going to make a good impression when the pictures from that morning's press conference came out.

There had been a time when her sons confided in her, told her about their lives. Now she seemed to know nothing.

For example, why had Zac been crabbing at everyone who so much as spoke to him, including Talia? Why had Isaac been unusually silent all day? Normally there was a mild competition during interviews over who was going to talk. Today, Taylor had handled the brunt without any complaints from Isaac or Zac.

At least she didn't have to worry about the younger four right now. Jessi was in the best mood she'd seen in years, and the other kids seemed happy too.

Diane didn't think she could ever thank Bethany enough. There were perks to her position, but she'd also been forced to sacrafice a lot. They were only back in the Tulsa area twice a year, and Bethany had only been able to bring so much of her belongings with her. Diane didn't even know what she had done with the rest of her things.

A wave of nausea passed over her. Diane closed her eyes and leaned back against the chair. This was going to be one stubborn child, that much she knew. She'd only exprienced nausea with those of her children who were extrememely stubborn. With this pregnancy she was having double the amount she'd ever had, so he or she would probably prove to be the most difficult.

Another Zac, she thought smiling. That should be fun.

* * * *

Bethany hesitated outside the room door. Talia wasn't even there yet, she was still with Zac, but it still made Bethany nervous to enter the room. This was Zac's girlfriend.

Maybe she could just pretend to be asleep.