Fear and Protection

by Wendymypooh

This story takes place in the MCAT AU created by tannertexaslady, but isn’t a part of the series.


Jason Tanner pressed his body against one corner of the living room wall in the Tanner residence, his blue eyes wide with growing fear as he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching the front door. He had awakened a few moments earlier to use the restroom and get something to drink. He had finished in the bathroom, and decided that instead of water, he wanted a sip of milk, the young boy had headed down the hallway toward the kitchen.

No sooner had he reached the living room, than he had seen a shadow pass by one of the windows. Both his mom and dad were away on MCAT business overnight, and Max and Walter were asleep, as well as his younger sister Andi, and twin brothers Trey and Bren. It was up to him to find out who it was sneaking about their house, before he ran to the room Max and Walter shared when they had to stay overnight.

A gasp escaped his lips as he realized that whoever the intruder was, they were on the front porch now. He was so focused on watching the front door, that he didn't hear anyone sneak up behind him, before a small hand reached out and touched his arm.

"Boo!" Andi said gleefully, watching in delight as her older brother jumped nearly a foot.

"That's not funny!" Jason exclaimed in a harsh whisper, his blue eyes flashing angrily at her.

Andi bit her bottom lip and great big tears formed on her cheeks. "I's sorry..."

"Ssh...it's alright.." Jason quickly said, grabbing her to him and holding her close as he turned her attention back onto the front door. The doorknob began to turn and he quickly told Andi,"Run...go wake up Max and Walter."

Andi did as she was told and scampered off while Jason continued to eye the door. His heart pounded in his chest as the door opened and he anxiously looked around for some kind of weapon to use to protect the people that he loved.

Just when he had decided to use one of the lamps as a weapon, his mother's recognizable figure entered the darkened room.

With a cry of relief, Jason scampered across the living room. He threw himself at his mom and heard her and his dad let out surprised gasps. As his mom held him close, his dad quickly turned on a light and both glanced down at him with worried looks. Questions came next, just as Walter appeared in the hallway with a loaded weapon in his hand.

"Looks like you've got things under control. I'm going to go to bed now." Walter said, turning around and heading back to bed, leaving a perplexed Vin and Kelli behind.

Jason quickly told them about his waking up to go to the bathroom and get a drink, then hearing footsteps and seeing shadows and his wanting to protect the family. Vin and Kelli praised him for being brave, got him the sip of milk he wanted, and then tucked him back into bed, before going to bed themselves.

The End

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