The Marriage Project by Sonia (Seq to TNG)

[JRK Archiver]

This is the sequel to The New Girl. Please read it before reading this. If you want to email Sonia and tell her what a great fic this is, here is her email...

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[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 1

Amelia, Georgie and Maxie sat around a table at Kelly’s. It was after closing hours and the three girls were discussing the problems with men. With Georgie and Dillon’s wedding coming up there were a lot of things that still needed to plan, but this discussion could not wait.
“I find it kind of funny that our guys at Jake’s playing pool together.”
“ I know what you mean Maxie I never really considered either Dillon or Lucas to be bar type of guys.” Amelia said, she was amused that either one of them were going to be playing pool.
“When I left the apartment Kyle said that tonight was all about ‘men time’ in this overly macho voice.”
“Men time? I don’t think they’d qualify as men.” Georgie laughed picturing Dillon and ‘men time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kyle, Lucas and Dillon were playing pool at Jake’s. Each of them being a real man had a beer in their possession.
“Theres something we got to promise each other since one of us is getting married.” Kyle said nodding towards Dillon.
“What’s that?” Dillon asked while concentrating on the left corner pocket.
“That no matter what our chicks do to us we’ll always stay men.” Kyle said, raising his mug.
“Yeah we’ll always have our man hood.” Lucas raised his mug to meet Kyle’s.
Dillon chuckled, “I’ll drink to that.” The three ‘men’ clanked their mugs together.
“You know I can’t understand why chicks are so chick like. Maxie likes to eat dinner in candle light. I mean I do like being able to see what I’m eating.”
“Yeah and with Amelia she always makes me eat in the dinning room which means I miss the good international soccer games.”
Dillon attempting to join in said, “Georgie is so freakin girly, I mean she takes forever getting ready.”
“Maxie’s the same way, its light years before she can even pick out something to wear.”
“You think that’s bad? Amelia has so many damn pairs of shoes I trip all over them.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“I love Dillon, I mean I am going to marry the guy but why doesn’t he understand the phrase, ‘put the seat down’?”
“I know! Kyle never puts the seat down, it so annoying!”
You know what’s funny? It was 3am and I went to the bathroom, needless to say I fell in and Lucas fell out of bed.” The three girls laughed.
“You know what I don’t get?” Georgie asked.
“What?” Maxie and Amelia replied in unison.
“I don’t get why guys blame everything on PMS!”
“I know!” Maxie and Amelia shouted.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Neg, nag ,nag is all these women seem to do.” Kyle exclaimed.
“Especially when its that time of the month!”
“Ahh the dreaded PMS.” Dillon said before striking the eight ball into the side pocket.
~*~*~*~*~*
You’d think these guys would give us a break sometimes!” Amelia exclaimed.
“Amelia you’re brother is such a baby sometimes, but he is charming and cute and so great...”
“Georgie please I think Im going to be sick.”
“Yeah me too.” Maxie replied.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“If Amelia wasn’t so good looking I don’t think I’d put up with her, but with that body..”
“Hey thats my sister you’re talking about!” Dillon exclaimed.
Kyle took a swig of beer, “Dude that’s funny.”
Lucas looked at his watch, it was getting late. “Guys I better go or else I’ll hear an earful from Amelia.”
“Yeah I’m not the mood for Maxie’s nagging tonight.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Amelia and Maxie washed up their plates. Georgie straightened up the small restaurant making sure it was ready for the morning rush. Glancing at the clock she realized it was getting late.
“You know I better get going I want to be home before Dillon gets there, he’ll probably assume I’m clubbing or something.”
“Yeah my brother can be a bit presumptuous.” Amelia replied while wiping off the water on her hands with a dish towel.
“I can imagine Kyle if I got home too late, ‘babe where have you been, I missed you.” Maxie imitated Kyle flawlessly. The three girls laughed and exited Kelly’s. Georgie was the last to exit, she turned off the lights and locked the door behind her. Even with Dillon being a pain sometimes I love him either way.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 2

Georgie stepped out of her bedroom and went downstairs in search of her fiancee. On Amelia’s suggestion Dillon moved in, he slept in the guest room downstairs. Amelia had stated that this was a good way of finding out what married life would be like, if both Georgie and Dillon could handle living together and stand each other’s “little annoying” habits. Georgie found Dillon in the kitchen fixing himself a sandwich.
“Hey there beautiful.” Even after being together for as long as they had Georgie still blushed when he called her beautiful. She wrapped her hands around his waist and kissed him on is cheek.
“Hi handsome. So what’s the plan for today?”
“I’m going to head into ELQ today to finish some paperwork, after that I’m all yours. What are you up to?”
“Not much just shopping with the girls. I think we’re going to go pick out china patterns although that is the couple’s job.”
“Georgie I’m not one for china patterns whatever you pick out is good enough for me.”
“I was thinking we could work on the guest list when you get home later.”
“Sure.” Dillon replied before biting into his sandwich.
“So tell me how did it go last night?”
“Huh? Oh yeah it was fine, don’t worry none of us got into any bar fights. Although we did have an interesting conversation.”
“Oh really? About what?”
“Uh, nothing you’d be interested in hearing.”
“Right.” Georgie said with uncertainty ringing in her voice. It was probably about us girls anyways.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Hey Maxie what do you think of this pattern?” Georgie asked pointing towards a dish set that was ivory with a gold trim.
“They’re just dishes Georgie! Why do you need a china set anyways?” It was the thirtieth set they had looked at and Maxie was fed up with looking at dishes when the clothes section was just upstairs.
“The wedding etiquette book says that every couple should pick out a china pattern so they have formal dishes for formal dinner parties.”
“You’re taking that book far too seriously. I’m beginning to think that Dillon was the smart one by wanting to stay away from this aspect of wedding planning. And besides when are you going to host a formal dinner party?”
“Listen Maxie despite the fact that Dillon doesn’t act like a Quatermaine he is a Quatermaine. With that comes certain obligations and responsibilities. I just want his family to be able to come over our house and see that I’m not some ill mannered person.”
“Georgie, you have nothing to worry about. Edward already likes you and Lila just about loves you!.”
“Maxie it’s not them I’m worried about it’s Dillon’s mother.”
“Have you guys told her about the engagement?”
“No, but I want Dillon to invite her to the wedding.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Not really, but I don’t want her to think I’m only marrying him for his money.”
“No matter what you do that is all Tracy is going to think.” Maxie and Georgie were surprised by the third voice.
“Not to be a pessimist Georgie but just prepare yourself for the worst around Tracy. She doesn’t like the fact that her son can think for himself.”
“Thank goodness you’re here Amelia I don’t have to suffer alone.” Maxie said, she was absolutely bored with looking at china patterns, Who knew there could be so many?
“I’m going to assume Dillon doesn’t know you’re planning on inviting Tracy to the wedding.”
“Right you are Amelia.” Maxie confirmed Amelia’s suspicions. Amelia knew for a fact that Dillon would refuse to invite his mother but Georgie was doing the right thing by extending an invitation to the dreadful woman. It showed she, unlike Tracy, had real class.
“I was planning on telling him tonight when we go over the guest list.”
“Listen why don’t we finish what we came here to do, I could go for lunch , we can discuss how you're going to tell him then.” Amelia replied. They went back to selecting a china pattern, Maxie though went to look at the clothing section where there was a sale going on. The girls left the department store and headed to the PC Grill for a late lunch.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 3

“You want to invite who!?! Georgie I love you more than life itself but have you gone completely out of your mind!?!”
“Dillon she’s your mother, we have to invite her even if she does decline at least she can’t say I’m trying to take you away from her.”
“Georgie, she lives in another continent I think it’s the other way around.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Fine we’ll mail her the invitation.”
“I was thinking we could give it to her in person, you know I’ve never been to Europe.”
“That might not be such a bad idea. There are so many places I could show you.” Dillon’s contempt lessened with the thought of taking Georgie to all the places he loved in Europe.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“You’re going to Europe?” Maxie asked.
“Where exactly is Tracy anyways?”
“Yeah, we’re going to Europe, I think the last time she called she was in Madrid but who knows for sure where she is now.”
“Wow I can’t believe Dillon said yes to going but then again he does have a fond spot for Europe.”
“You’ve been there haven’t you Amelia?”
“Oh yeah I went to boarding school in Spain for a few years. My step mother tried to wiggle her way into the elite step mother’s club of Beverly Hills by sending me there, usually it was France where the rich sent their kids but Spain was beginning to become the trend.”
“There’s a boarding school trend?”
“Oh yeah it’s a shame that it ended so soon too because I was beginning to like it there.”
“You know Amelia speaking of the elite families, Georgie is worried about fitting into the Quatermaine family.” Georgie could just about kill Maxie for telling Amelia her fears. Even though she and Amelia were best friends she couldn’t tell her the fear she had of fitting into the Quatermaine family. When Amelia went to live with the Quatermaines she fitted in perfectly, she had come from money.
“Georgie the Quatermaines could never find fault with you. Especially since you two aren’t even going to live in the Q’s mansion. Dodging flying objects begins to strain your neck after a while.” Georgie laughed, she knew she didn’t have a logical reason to be worried, but ever since she was a little girl she had seen the Quatermaines as a powerful family. The tall gates that were at the estate’s entrance always scared her. When her mom, Felicia went to work on Lila’s memoirs she was always afraid she’d never come back.
“Earth to Georgie.” Maxie waved a napkin in front of her sister’s face.
“What?” Georgie snapped out of her thoughts.
“I was asking you when are you two planning on leaving?”
“Oh um next week, I think.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dillon and Georgie were in the living room watching a movie when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Georgie said rising from her position on the couch. When she opened the door she was greeted by Amelia and Lucas.
“What are you two doing here?”
“What? No hello?”
“Sorry. Hi, come on in.”
“Hey Lucas.” Dillon said as he got up.
“Hi Dillon.”
“Gee don’t I even get a hello? I mean I am your sister.” Amelia said with false indignation. Dillon chuckled, “Hey there sis.” He gave her a hug. Georgie closed the door. She was surprised to see the couple but she didn’t mind them stopping by.
“So you didn’t tell me, what are you two doing here?”
“We just decided to stop by and say hello.”
“Sis, why do I get the feeling that you have an ulterior motive for stopping by?”
“I don’t know Dillon, maybe its because you’re suspicious by nature.” Before Dillon could respond the door bell rang again. Georgie, being nearest to the door opened it. She was greeted by an unfamiliar face.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Yes you can, where is my son?” The woman asked barging into the room.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 4

“Mom?” Dillon asked recognizing Tracy.
“Dillon, oh my poor son living in this...” Tracy looked around her, obviously unpleased with the surroundings. Georgie was offended but decided not to say anything.
“What Tracy? Are you disappointed this isn’t The Four Seasons Hotel?” Amelia responded with scorn.
“What in the devil are you doing here? It doesn’t surprise me to find you in a place like this, you were never really Quatermaine material. Eckert yes but not Quatermaine.” Tracy said with obvious disdain.
“Mother, did you come here to insult my sister or is there a legitimate reason to why you’re here?”
“Yes I heard you’re planning on getting married and I’m here to tell you that it’s a big mistake.”
“Mother it’s not a big mistake I love her,” he motioned towards Georgie, “Mother meet Georgie Jones, my fiancé.”
Georgie smiled, “Nice to meet you Ms. Quatermaine.” Tracy gave the pretty brunette a quick once over, again displeased with her son’s choice.
“Hello dear, you understand my sentiments, don’t you? I mean no offense but you are simply not Quatermaine material.”
“Mother it was Georgie’s idea to fly to Europe and personally invite you to our wedding but as of right now I will not have you within 10 feet of her! If you ever insult her or anyone else I care about it, you will live to regret it!” Dillon shouted.
“Why I have never been so insulted in my life. I’m leaving, but I am not leaving town, you’ll see that I’m right. All this girl wants is your money I’m sure you told her about your trust fund, I’m surprised she hasn’t told you she was pregnant to get you to marry her sooner. Or is she? Never mind I don’t want to hear it. When you are ready to apologize you can find me at the family’s hotel.” Tracy left leaving the door open behind her.
Lucas was the first to reply, “That was intense.”
“Georgie I’m sorry for my mother’s tirade, you see why I didn’t want her at our wedding?”
“Yeah, um you know I think I’m going to go for a walk.” Before Dillon could offer to go with her she ran out the door.
“Dillon you stay put, I’m going to go after her.” Amelia left in search of her friend leaving Dillon and Lucas in an awkward silence.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 5

“There you are!” Amelia found Georgie sitting on a bench facing the harbor.
“I’m sorry for leaving so suddenly I just couldn’t stay there.”
“Hey, no need to apologize I did the same thing after my first encounter with Tracy too.”
Georgie smiled, “I’m beginning to think she’s right, about me not being right for Dillon.”
“Georgie, did you think that when you first started spending time with him, five years ago?”
“No, it didn’t matter back then but now we’re engaged and that changes everything.”
“No it doesn’t. It doesn’t change the fact that you love each other and that is all that matters, is your feelings for each other.”
“You’re right. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says. Hey are you ok?” Amelia looked like she was going to pass out or worse. ‘Yeah I’m fine I think that Chinese food we had for dinner was a little too greasy.” Amelia grimaced. “Listen if you’re ready why don’t we head on back to your place I forgot to leave a coloring book and crayons for the boys.”
Georgie laughed, “Lets hope they’re still in one piece.” Georgie got up from the bench, she was ready to go back to Dillon, no longer worried whether she was worthy of Tracy or anyone else’s approval.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 6

“Maxie are almost ready to go?” Georgie yelled, knowing Maxie could hear her. Maxie was getting ready to go out with Georgie and pick out the invitations. She and Amelia were sitting on the couch surrounded by clothes and papers.
“Hmm I wonder who their cleaning lady is.” Amelia said with a serious expression.
“Maxie was never one for cleaning, and I doubt it’s Kyle’s specialty either.”
“Do you think these clothes are clean?”
“From the smell I’d say no.” Georgie wrinkled her nose, hoping her sister could hear her.
“My house does not smell and yes those clothes are clean. I think.”
“Tell me Maxie who does your housekeeping? I’d love to get them to pick up after my place.”
“Shut up Georgie, not everyone is a wannabe Martha Stewart like you.”
“That was low Maxie.”
“If you claim that your house doesn’t smell then what is that unique scent?” Amelia asked, she always loved teasing Maxie.
“What smell?” Maxie was becoming irritated.
“Never mind lest just get going.” Georgie ordered everyone out the door.
The girls arrived at a local stationary store. Dillon would meet them there later after work.
“Georgie would you just pick out the invitations already?”
“I told you Maxie everything has to be perfect. Amelia what do you think of these?” Georgie asked showing her friend a simple white card that was embossed with flowers.
“How many people are you inviting?”
“Well excluding you, Lucas, Maxie and Kyle, fifteen people.”
“Mac’s going to walk you down the aisle, right?”
“Yeah and Kristina is going to be our flower girl.”
“That little girl is adorable. I love taking her shopping, that’s the only thing Skye and I have in common. When I lived at the Quatermaine’s we would always take her shopping.”
“It amazes me Amelia how good you are with children, I bet you’re going to make a fantastic mom one day.”
Amelia laughed nervously, “One thing at a time Georgie. I think you should go with those invitations they are simple and yet elegant. And with the mom thing, Georgie I’ve seen you with Kristina too and she just about adores you.”
“You guys are freaks, talking about kids it’s not like we’re going to have them anytime soon.” Georgie and Maxie turned towards Maxie. “You know Maxie you’ll feel differently one day.”
“Right Georgie, I’m not one for watching brats who spill everything and make messes I have enough trouble with Kyle.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dillon was busy typing away on his computer when a knock came to his door. He wasn’t expecting any meetings and since his secretary didn’t buzz him he assumed it was Ned.
“Come in.” His assumption was right, his older brother Ned entered the office.
“Hey I was just wondering if you were almost done.”
“Yeah I am, why did you need this file tonight?”
“No, no I just wanted to talk to you about your impending wedding.”
“Well are you ready to get married?”
“Yeah the wedding is in a couple of months.”
“If you need anything at all don’t be afraid to ask.”
“Thanks a lot Ned. Have you seen Tracy?”
“Yeah actually she came by the mansion a few nights ago wanting me to change your mind about marrying Georgie, I told her it was your life and your decision to make.”
“Thanks Ned, I just don’t want her to ruin this for me. This is going to the be the most important occasion of my life and I want it to be perfect. Actually Ned I do have a favor to ask you.”
“Sure what is it?”
“I was wondering if you’d be my best man at my wedding.”
“I couldn’t be more honored.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Maxie knocked on the stall, “Amelia are you ok?”
“I’m fine, just give me a minute to compose myself. She exited the stall and washed her hands.
“What’s wrong?” Georgie came into the ladies room.
“Nothing I was just feeling a bit nauseated, but I’m fine now.”
“Are you sure?” Georgie’s voice ebbed with concern.
“Yes. So what’s next on the agenda of wedding plans?” Maxie who had been designated the official list keeper dug into her purse. Receipts and makeup fell onto the marble counter.
“I know it’s in here somewhere.” Maxie mumbled. She knew Georgie would murder her if she lost the list. “Aha! Here it is.” She said as she pulled out a piece of paper from amongst the pile of papers and what not on the counter.
“Ok, the next thing on the list is center pieces.” Georgie and Dillon had decided on Edward’s insistence to use the PC Grill to hold the wedding reception.
“So did you mail an invitation to your mom?” Felicia had visited from Texas time to time, she had left to live there permanently when Georgie had graduated from high school. Mac moved back into his old apartment but still maintained a close relationship with the girls and Felicia.
“No, I called her. She’s flying in a few days before the wedding.” With the wedding two months away Dillon and Georgie had yet planned a location for the event.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 7

“There is no way you can sit A.J. near Courtney and Jason.”
“Why does your family have to be so..” Georgie struggled to find the appropriate word.
“Insane?” Dillon finished her sentence.
“Hold on let me see if I can find a placement for everyone. Run the Quatermaine list by me again.”
“Edward, Lila, Monica, Alan, A.J. , Jason, Courtney, Ned, Skye, Kristina, Emily, and Nikolas.”
Dillon thought to himself, “Ok we can have Alan, Monica, Jason, Courtney, Emily and Nikolas at one table together. The other table on the other side of the room can be for Edward, Lila, A.J. Skye and Kristina.”
“Ok that will work, Mac, my mom, Bobbie and Luke can sit at this table together.” Georgie said pointing to a table near their own.
“So have you decided on who’s going to be your best man?”
“Yeah my brother Ned. He’s offered an immense amount of support especially with giving me the job at ELQ and understanding my feelings towards our mother.”
“Great. I’m having both Maxie and Amelia be my maid of honor.”
“We have the reception planned now we just need to have a location for the marriage.”
“Yeah, that’s the hard part.”
“How about we do something different than getting married in a church or a chapel?” Dillon suggested.
“Like what? Get married at the park?”
“No, not that exactly but how about we get married on the beach?”
Georgie’s eyes lit up at his suggestion, “That’s perfect!” Dillon was glad Georgie had approved of his suggestion, after their first failed date five years ago he had taken her to the beach one late night and they danced underneath the stars. He had a battery operated cd player waiting at a spot that was hidden from view by a stone pile, where they danced to jazz music from the 40s.
“That sounds perfect, I’ll call the minister tomorrow and tell him about the plan. Are you still going with Lucas and Kyle to get fitted for your tux?”
“Yeah. So tomorrow you pick out your dress, it’s a shame I have to wait so long to see you in it.”
Georgie smiled, “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her gown before the wedding. I’ve told you that.”
“Yeah I know but still.” Dillon pretended to pout. Georgie leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“That kiss more than makes up for it.” Dillon smiled.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 8

Georgie walked outside the bride's quaters of the small chapel in search of her maids of honor. Amelia and Maxie were in a corner of the lobby talking in hushed whispers.
"What's going on?"
"Georgie! Oh hi there." Maxie said trying hard to smile.
"Is Dillon here yet?"
Amelia answered, "You look amazing in that gown Georgie."
"You didn't answer my question." Georgie got the feeling that they were trying to hide something from her.
"Dillon isn't coming." Amelia looked at her best friend with pity.
"What!?!" Georgie asked in complete disbelief.
"He left a note for you." Amelia handed Georgie a small slip of paper. Georgie took the note in her trembling hand.
Georgie, I'm sorry for not being here. I know we had waited so long for this day but I cannot marry you. You deserve better than what I can offer.I love you and that is why I'm leaving, I'm sparing you the heartache that one day I know I'll cause. You'll get over this in time, and move on to someone who is more deserving of you love. Yours Truly, Dillon
Georgie let the note slip from her hands.
"Someone has to tell the guests that there isn't going to be a wedding." She managed to whisper.
Maxie looked at her sister, knowing she was beyond hurt, "Georgie the Quatermaine's didn't bother showing up. They sent a message saying they didn't approve of Dillon marrying you."
"I'm so sorry Georgie, I mean I didn't think my brother was capable of this. It turns out he left for Europe this morning."
Georgie went back into the bridal room where she was greeted by her refelection in the mirror. She looked at herself in her wedding gown and collapsed in tears. The pain was unbearable, "Why Dillon, why did you leave me. I thought you loved me!" She shouted in vain knowing he couldn't hear her screams. The man she was going to marry and pledge her undying love had abandoned her. Georgie couldn't find the strength to breath. "Why Dillon, why?" She whispered.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 9

Georgie awoke with a start. It had all been a dream, a horrible nightmare. Her heartbeat returned to normal as she wiped away the tears she had shed in her sleep. The wedding day was fast apprpaching, there was one last dress fitting that was to take place later that week. She made her way downstairs where she found a note waiting for her on the coffee table.
Georgie, Hey sweetheart, I'm having breakfast with Amelia today. I'll call you later so we can meet for lunch.
Love, Dillon
Smiling to herself Georgie placed the note back onto the table. Her thoughts drifted back to her dream and a sense of forboading filled her. Her old fear of not meeting Quatermaine approval had returned.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dillon knocked on the door in front of him. He heard footsteps approaching quickly. Amelia had been on the edge of her seat waiting for him, dreading his visit.
"Good Morning!" Dillon greeted as soon as she opened the door.
"How can you be so cheerful?" Amelia asked embracing her brother.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah let me just grab my purse."
"You don't look so good, why don't I just pick something up for us at Kelly's and we can eat here. Is Lucas here?"
"No he's helping Kyle with something. You know Dillon eating here sounds like a great idea, I don't feel like going out."
"Well then you stay here and I'll be back shortly." After Dillon left Amelia breathed a sigh of relief, a wave of neasuea hit her stomach and she to the bathroom.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dillon placed his to-go order with the waitress and sat at a table near the door.
"Hey what are you doing here?" I thought you were taking Amelia to breakfast." Dillon looked up and saw Georgie standing in front of him. She sat in the chair across from his.
"She's not feeling well so I've decided to bring breakfast to her."
"Is she ok?"
"I'm not sure. So are you waiting for Maxie?"
"Yeah and as usual shes late."
"Here is your order Mr. Quatermaine." The waitress placed his order on the table.
"I'll call you later Georgie. It's about time Amelia tells me whats going on." Dillon kissed Georgie goodbye.
"Goodluck!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Amelia rearranged the food on her plate. Dillon had already finished his plate.
"What's wrong? You're not on some fad diet again are you?"
"No, I just don't feel in the mood like eating."
"When was the last time you saw a doctor?"
"What? I don't need a doctor, I'm fine just a bit tired." DIllon wasn't stupid, he knew when his sister was lying she had the habit of chewing her bottom lip when doing so.
"Why do I get the feeling that you're not being completely honest with me?" Amelia stood up and began to pace nervously.
"I don't know. I have nothing to hide." She stopped pacing and began to feel dizzy. The room seemed to spin. Dillon stood up and moved towards his sister, she fainted and Dillon caught her before her body could hit the floor