The car ride to Johns' old house was... too quiet. Thirty minutes of driving, and not a word was spoken between John and Dave. The air in the car was tense when they pulled into the driveway. Here we go...

Unbuckling his seat belt, John sat and stared at the two story Victorian style house, there was a smug look on his normally happy face. Weird. Getting out of the car at the same time, the two boys walked to the door. The closer they came to the door, Johns' demeanor changed from that smugness he had in the car, to total freak out mode. H-how is dad gonna accept this? I don't want him to be angry... John grabbed Dave's hand and stared at the door ahead of them. "What's wrong John?" Dave asked quietly, John looked at him then back at the door, "I don't know how my father is going to take this...it's scaring me." Giving John's hand a light squeeze, Dave knocked on the door.

John fidgeted with the hem of his shirt as they waited for his father to answer the door, then completely froze when he heard footsteps approaching. The lock on the door clicked and it opened slowly, revealing a man, in his late 40's with graying brown hair and a pipe. Taking the pipe from his mouth the man looked at John then to Dave, then beckoned them inside, without so much as a word.

Leading them to the living room the man motioned for them to sit on the couch opposite an old chair, where he settled. As John and Dave sat on the couch, the man spoke for the first time since they arrived.
"Hello John." he said, "I've missed you son."

Nodding at his father, "Dad? I need to tell you something." John started rather nervously, "It's about my..." John trailed off as his father held up his hand and stated, "I already know. I've known since you were 12, you didn't exactly keep it secret. Now tell me, is this fine young man the one whose captured your heart?" Utterly speechless at this, John simply nodded. Looking Dave up and down Johns father assessed the man his boy had fallen for. "I'm going out on a limb here, but, if i'm not mistaken, you must be Dave. Youngest son of the late Derrik and Emily Strider." Blinking at John's dad, Dave nodded, "Yes... that's me. Nice to meet you Mr. Egbert." Dad laughed, "Go ahead and call me Dad Dave. there's no need for such formalities." Chuckling to himself, Dad leaned back in his chair and observed the two boys sitting across from him. "I'm proud of you John, chasing that dream of yours. Keep it up son, you'll make it. And Dave, do take care of my boy, he's my pride and joy." Dave smirked and nodded while John practically tackled his dad, hugging him happily, "Thanks dad, you're the best!"


Leading the way back to the front door, Dad talked about how much he had to do today and that he was sorry they had to go, but as John and Dave reached the car, Dad yelled, "You can visit anytime you want!" before closing the door behind him and going about whatever he had planned.

John looked up at the sky, which was darkening quickly as a storm rolled in, and shivered.


AN: Another rather short chapter, but, i like it. Enjoy!

With love, Nerds