Where he grew Up
Author Note: Yello! And blue! Those are two colors! I know, I know, it has been FOREVER sense I've updated, but I was getting over some painful writer's block. (Yuck!) But yes, this is ilikefriz, FINALLY writing again. Okay, this is after the war, and Mike and Emily are married. :D Enjoy!
"Na, na, na, na, na!" Mike and Emily's young son, Johnny, taunted a girl he liked on the third grade blacktop.
"John," she looked at him with those never impressed black eyes, "I think you're alright. But grow up!" She flounced away, her skirt bouncing and her pigtails flouncing high.
"No," he felt angry, "you grow up!"
The boy stormed away, though his heart was breaking. He was a kid and future Samurai. But how could he grow up and impress her?
He trudged in later to his home, long face and eyes showing he was thinking hard. He was so into it, he didn't even play his video games. Mike noticed, and confronted him.
"Starr isn't into me because I need to grow up," Johnny sighed, "but I don't know how to do that."
"I used to be a lot like you," the former Green Ranger smiled.
"Then how did you grow up?" Johnny asked.
Mike sat back and thought about that for a little while. He walked out to return with a guitar to explain in song. When he strummed, Johnny watched and listened with intrest.
Pen marks on the pantry door of that little house.
Where Sissy used to measure me.
I'm proud to say that's my home
Where I was raised.
But that ain't where I grew up.
Johnny raised an eyebrow.
See, I gained little on father time,
The summer my granddaddy died.
First time I saw Sissy cry,
Man, that sure was tough.
I felt like I put on a few years,
Watching Daddy wipe her tears,
In the little corner of town,
Standing in that cematary muck.
Hey, that's where I grew up.
"Thanks," Johnny started out, but Mike shook his head and sang again.
Senior year, a case of beer out on the riverbank.
Getting a head start on twenty one.
Now his son was listening.
That's the place that made me feel,
Just like a man.
But that ain't where I grew up.
See, I gained little on father time,
That night I crossed that center line.
I bet I rolled a dozen times,
Next thing I knew I was..,
Wakin' up upside down.
Praying God, just get me out.
Then I hit my knees,
And saw what was left of my truck.
Hey, that's where I grew up.
The third grader was all ears.
You learn as you go.
That's how you grow up.
The boy started to exit, but Mike pulled him back down on the bed.
See, I gained little on father time.
Me and her had our first big fight.
She packed all her stuff.
Johnny was alert now.
The boy in need said let her go.
The man in need said pull her close.
It was time to find out which one I was.
Standing in the doorway,
Holding onto love.
That's where I grew up.
The song was over, and Johnny asked, "So…did she stay?"
"Well, that was your mother," Mike grinned, "so she stayed."
"Wow," the boy hugged his father's neck, "that's just what I needed! Thanks, Dad!"
He raced out, and Mike chuckled.
What have I done? he wondered.
About half an hour later, Starr came into their house.
"What?" she asked Johnny.
"Look," Johnny was excited, "my dad told me about how you grow up." He sang the song Mike had sung, and Starr smiled.
"That's awesome," she smiled, "you're alright. Want to go get a shake?"
Looking giddy, his son led the way, holding hands with her. Mike chuckled from the doorway where he'd been watching.
"He's got a lot to learn," Emily commented, smiling.
"Yeah," Mike shrugged, "but if I can grow up, I'm sure he can too."
Author Note: Mike does need to grow up a little…lol. Oh, well. He is still one of my favorites. :D Review! :D
P.S. The song is Where I grew up by Kenny Chesney.
