AN: Alright, new week. Gimme those POWERSTONES. And you shall receive bonus chapters.

  Today's Goal: 250: 1 bonus ch

  400 PS: 2 bonus chs

  600 PS: 3 bonus chs

  1000 PS: 5 bonus chs

  ---

  [1 week ter] [Richard Preston's office]

  Sarah Preston entered the office with a hardcover book in her hand. She sat on the couch and pced the book on the little coffee table. She looked at Richard, then at the book again.

  "You read it?" she asked.

  Richard looked up from his ptop and nodded. "Yeah. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Jack gave me a copy a couple of days ago."

  Sarah leaned back slightly, studying his face. "And?"

  Richard closed his ptop and turned fully toward her. "I finished it in one night."

  She smiled, the kind that meant she already knew the answer. "So did I. I stayed up way too te finishing it. I kept telling myself one more chapter, and then suddenly it was morning."

  "That's exactly what happened to me," Richard said. "And, I won't lie. I thought it was just going to be another one of those episodes where Jack pretends to be working hard just for show, and kinda expected this book to be a messy fiction, but to think he actually wrote something this good... And it's a fresh take on the magic world too."

  "Yeah, I had my doubts, but he's trying hard, isn't he?" Sarah said with a small smile. Her son, who used to party a lot and waste his time and potential, was finally getting on the right path. She felt a bit proud. At one point, she had given up on him, but he proved her wrong.

  "Yes. He's doing great, actually. He finished his voice recording sessions without any trouble. He started to go to school again, and I heard that he's applying for the school football team," Richard said as he stood up and walked over to the tall gss window and looked down at the busy city below.

  There was a moment of pause...

  Richard turned from the window and leaned against the frame, arms crossed. "You know, sometimes I feel like I barely recognize him anymore."

  Sarah nodded, picking the book up again and flipping it closed. "He's different, isn't he?"

  "Yeah," He said softly. "Focused, steady… not running from everything like he used to. It's almost like he's finally deciding who he wants to be instead of just coasting through life."

  She smiled. "It's about time, honestly. He's always had the talent, just never wanted to use it the right way."

  Richard shook his head. "It's weird seeing him finally take the reins. I can't help but think—what if we… I don't know, helped him a little? Maybe get the book in front of the right people. Push it a little. Make it a thing."

  She raised an eyebrow. "You want to promote it? Right now?"

  Richard rubbed his forehead. "I'm just thinking… this could be big. Really big. But I don't want to push too hard. I just… I want to give him a chance to reach more people. I just don't want him to get overlooked."

  Sarah leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Richard, don't do anything yet. Let him handle it himself first. He needs to learn how to stand on his own. If he asks for help, fine, then we step in. But if we push it, he'll just end up in our shadow again, and I don't want that for him."

  Richard sighed, letting his shoulders drop. "I guess you're right. I just… can't help thinking how fast he's moving now. It's exciting, but also… terrifying."

  She smiled. "That's what happens when you have a kid who suddenly decides to grow up overnight. But he's handling it. Let him show us how."

  He nodded. "You think he'll ask for help?"

  Sarah shook her head. "Only time will tell. If he does, it'll be because he wants to, not because we shoved it on him. And that's the only way it'll mean anything. He needs to know his own limits and face the hurdles. The life of a celebrity is hard... You know it more than anyone..."

  He agreed. "Yeah. You're right. I guess I just want to see him succeed… in his own way."

  Sarah nodded. "And he will. Just give him the space to do it. We'll be here if he needs us."

  Richard gnced at the book again, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "He really might have something here. Maybe one day, we'll look back and say this was the start of… everything."

  Sarah chuckled softly. "Or at least the start of a very long night reading a book we can't put down."

  Richard ughed, shaking his head.

  ...

  [Meanwhile...]

  Haley got her learner's permit, and now, Phil was teaching her how to drive.

  Phil squinted at the GPS screen. "I think this thing is broken," he muttered. He tapped a few buttons, but the little blue arrow stubbornly refused to obey.

  Haley gripped the steering wheel a little too tightly, eyes flicking between the road and the device.

  Phil gnced up and froze. Ahead of them, a group of kids was pying in the park. Frisbees flew, a soccer ball bounced across the path, and a skateboarder zoomed dangerously close to the car. "Oh my God, it is a park! Away from the kids! Aim for the ke!" he shouted, panic making his words jagged.

  Haley pressed the accelerator a little too hard. The car jerked. She screamed. A kid skating across the pathway shouted something, and before she could stop, the car bumped into someone. Haley smmed on the brakes.

  Phil's eyes widened. "Oh no. Oh no no no no!"

  "Was that Jack?!" Haley's eyes widened.

  "Oh my God," Phil whispered. "You killed him. You actually killed Jack Preston." He struggled a bit with his seatbelt before getting out.

  Haley's voice cracked as she panicked even more. "Oh my God. I ran over my boyfriend. Is he dead? Is he going to die? I can't go to jail. Dad, what do I do? Mom said it's, like, really bad if you kill someone." She unbuckled her seatbelt and got out.

  Phil shook his head. "They'll put you in juvi. And trust me, it is not a good pce. Not at all. There are mean girls in there who will steal your food."

  Jack slowly sat up, wincing as he rubbed his wrist. His ankle had a few scratches, but otherwise, he seemed mostly fine.

  "Really, now?" he said with a hint of disbelief. "You are driving in a park!"

  Haley rushed over to him. "Oh my God, I... I am so sorry!" She crouched down beside him. "I did not see you, I wasn't... The GPS was broken. Are you alright?"

  Jack flexed his fingers, wincing just slightly. "Yeah, a few scratches..." Then he felt pain in his ankle. "I think I twisted my ankle."

  Phil helped him up. "We are so sorry. I should've paid more attention to the road."

  Jack said. "Yeah, it's alright..."

  "No, it is not alright. It's our fault and we'll take care of the medical expenses," Phil said as he helped Jack walk toward the car. "Haley, grab his skateboard."

  And so, Phil drove Jack to the nearest hospital, and everything looks fine. His ankle wasn't fractured, just swollen from the impact. The doctor prescribed a relief gel and told him to take some rest.

  ...

  [Night]

  [Back at the Dunphy House]

  //Confession time//

  Haley and Phil sat on the couch. Haley's hands were clutching a throw pillow, twisting the corners nervously. Her legs were tucked under her.

  "I swear," Haley began, voice tight but relieved, "I think I nearly had a heart attack. I have never been so scared in my life." She let out a shaky ugh. "And all because I didn't pay attention. I thought I was careful, but… oh my God, Dad. Jack is okay. He is actually okay." She took a deep breath and hugged the pillow tighter.

  Phil leaned back, running a hand through his hair, shaking his head. "I know, sweetheart. I know. I really should have been focusing on the road. GPS, park, kids… I let everything distract me. That was on me. I should have been the responsible adult here, making sure nothing happened."

  Haley tilted her head, still gripping the pillow. "Jack… he is fine. And he is alive. That is what matters. I can't stop thinking about how awful it would have been if—" She cut herself off and exhaled slowly. "I mean, I am just so happy he is okay."

  Phil sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He looked forward. "You know what this does to me? I won't be able to face him anymore," he said. "Every time I try to get that autograph from him, something happens. First it was the stairs, then Luke, then that time I stubbed my toe. So, I pnned to invite him for dinner but..."

  He simply shook his head. "Every single time I try, there is some distraction, some disaster, some… I do not even know. And it is like the universe is telling me, 'Not today, Phil.'"

  Haley looked at him. "You are really worried about the autograph?"

  "I am sorry. I can't help it," he admitted, gncing down at his hands. "I wanted it so badly. That Ranger Mecha figurine, limited edition… but every time I think I have a moment to ask Jack, something goes sideways. And now after this…" He shook his head slowly. "I am just so grateful he is alright. That has to come first."

  Haley nodded, her fingers finally rexing around the pillow. "Yeah. Autograph doesn't matter. Honestly, I almost cried when I thought I hurt him. I just… I just want him to be okay. That is all."

  Phil looked up at her and gave a weak smile. "You know what, Haley? You are right. That is all that matters. I messed up. I need to be better. Focus on the road, focus on the people in front of me. Not on my collectible dreams."

  They sat there quietly for a few moments, letting the relief settle in. Haley still hugged the pillow, but now with a small smile. Phil leaned back with his hands behind his head, both of them catching their breath and appreciating the calm after the storm.

  //Confession End//

  ...

  [After dinner]

  [11:00 PM] [Haley's Room]

  Haley y on her bed, propped up on one elbow, phone in hand. She was texting. Alex was still reading for tomorrow's test.

  Jack, in his house, was lying back on his couch, legs stretched out, phone banced on his chest. He was watching a movie when he got the text from Haley.

  Haley: Are you doing alright? Does it hurt? ??

  Jack: Hey, I'm fine. A few scratches and a swollen ankle, but nothing serious. Don't worry, you didn't actually kill me. ??

  Haley: ?? I literally almost had a heart attack! I can't believe I hit you…

  Jack: Rex, Haley. It's not like I wasn't keeping an eye out for crazy drivers in parks. But… maybe next time, aim for the frisbee instead of me. ??

  Haley: Ugh, I feel so bad. I keep thinking about it. ??

  Jack: I know, but honestly… seeing you panic like that is kinda cute. In a terrifying, nearly-murderous way. ??

  Haley: Cute??? I nearly crushed you! ??

  Jack: Yep. Cute but deadly. Honestly though, I'm okay. Your driving skills just… need some work. Promise me you'll slow down next time. ????

  Haley: Deal ?? I swear I'll never drive in a park again. That was traumatic enough for one week.

  Jack: Good. And don't worry… I'll forgive you. Maybe. After you make it up to me somehow. ??

  Haley: Oh really? And how do you suggest I do that, Mr. Nearly-Crushed-Ankle?

  Jack: Hm… maybe slushy, cookies, and lots of apologies? Extra points if you bring your charming smile. ??

  Haley: ?? You are impossible… but fine. I'll do it. Anything to make sure you don't hate me forever.

  Jack: Hate you? Never. Just… maybe invest in some driving lessons first and remember that the accelerator isn't the brake. ??

  Haley: Deal. And just so you know… I feel way worse than my text makes me sound. ??

  Jack: I can tell. Don't worry. I'm still standing… mostly. ??

  Haley: You better be. Otherwise, I'll never forgive myself.

  Jack: Then it's a good thing I'm stubborn. ??

  They lingered in the chat, sending a few more teasing messages back and forth. Haley's chest felt light, her earlier panic fading completely. She smiled, feeling that bance of warmth, worry, and excitement that only Jack seemed to bring out in her.

  Haley: Thanks for talking. I feel a lot better now. Really. ??

  Jack: Anytime. I mean it. Sleep well, Haley.

  Haley: I will. You too, Jack. And don't forget to ice that ankle. ??

  Jack: Already done. Goodnight. ??

  Haley: Night. ??

  Haley set her phone down, curling up under her bnket with a small, lingering smile.

  "Aww, look at you," Alex said, noticing her smile. She was done for the night. "So happy after hitting Jack."

  "Shut up, Alex. Don't ruin the mood," Haley said, pulling the bnket over her face.

  ---

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