Mariel's parents arrived.

You heard the sound of a deep voice - someone clearing his throat. You and your father let go of each and turned to see a handsome African American couple standing at the door - Mariel's parents, you assumed. They looked to be in their early fifties. The man was a good head taller than you and definitely outweighed you - though he was more stocky than muscular. You felt a little intimated by his stern glare, but fortunately it lightened when he saw Mariel's face. "Mariel, what's going on?" he asked in a curious tone.

At the same time, the woman rushed forward to hug your father, crying out "my baby girl! I was so worried." She was about Mariel's height and still rather attractive. You could see the family resemblance.

You stood back quietly while they greeted each other. Your father was a little nervous but seemed to handle himself very well. If you didn't know who he really was, you would have believed that this was a young woman reuniting with her parents. Watching your dad and listening to him deftly answer the Lane's questions, you wondered how he had picked up so much about Mariel's life. 'Maybe he spent the last week researching her,' you said to yourself. But you recalled the doctor saying something about transplanting the 'bulk' of your father's brain and couldn't help but wonder if it was more than that. Was there a part of Mariel left in there? Did your dad have access to parts of Mariel's memories. You wanted to question him some more but couldn't really talk about that in front of Mariel's family.

Finally the conversation turned to you. "So who is this young man," asked Victoria while Michael looked you over as if sizing you up.

'Mariel' - you tried to **** yourself to think of your dad that way to avoid revealing anything - answered. "Mom, Daddy, this is Tim Connors. He was caught up in the same wreck. We met in the hospital and have got pretty close. He's really helped me through this." She blushed at that. You weren't sure if that you on purpose - your dad adding to the act - or if she was uncomfortable at having to fake a relationship with you. Or if she was genuinely embarrassed in front of 'her' parents.

Mrs. Lane immediately took to you. "Were you hurt, son? You look very banged up."

"I'm okay now, I think," you answered nervously. "But, uh...." you trailed off and 'Mariel' took your hand, stepping into the conversation. "Mom, Tim's dad was killed in the accident, so he's had it rough."

That news seemed to pierce Michael's hard demeanor. He clasped your shoulder with one hand while shaking your other. "Tim, thanks for helping take care of our daughter. I'm sorry for your loss. If there's anything we can do to help, just ask."

Victoria looked back and forth at you and 'Mariel'. By her expression, you could tell that she recognized the affection and love you shared - though obviously not knowing the truth, she mistook the parent-child bond for romance instead. "Michael," she said gently, "I think we're going to be seeing alot more of Timothy."

Michael gave you another appraising look. "How old are you, son?" he asked.

"18, sir," you responded.

"Are you in college?" he continued.

"No sir, I'm graduating high school this year. But I plan to go on to college!" you hastened to add.

"Hmm," he murmured. He looked back at his wife and 'daughter'. "Well, Mariel, you're 21 and a grown woman, so you can make you own choices. I think I like Tim - he seems like a good boy. I believe you'll find seeing a high school student awkward. But if you two are serious, I'm fine with it."

Your dad let out a sigh of relief. She grabbed Michael around the neck and kissed his cheek, saying "thank you, daddy!"

Victoria asked you "So, Tim, what do you plan to do now?"

You shrugged. "I...I'm not sure. I guess go home and try to sort through everything. Dad's papers, funeral arrangements, legal and insurance stuff. And I still have the rest of the school year to finish."

The Lane's asked some more about your life and future plans and offered to help if you need any advice or a assistance in the coming weeks. You were impressed with their generosity - your dad would be well-cared for, and that made you feel some better.

Eventually a nurse came by to discharge 'Mariel' and you had to say your goodbyes. You embraced and promised to see each other as soon as you could - but you had to speak carefully, not wanting to be too open in front of the Lanes.

Finally they left and you are were alone. You keenly felt the absence of your father; he had always been there for you. He made a point of calling you every day, strange as it felt, you found the sound of his new voice always lifted your spirit.

Some friends did come by to see you but fortunately the hospital kept you for only a few days more. The next week or so was very difficult, however, as you had to deal with your father's funeral and all the various paperwork. As you worked through it all, you stayed in constant communication with your dad. After much discussion - and some disagreement - you ultimately decided that you would