LbN: Sorry, I've been super busy. It seems like I'm saying that a lot this summer... Happy reading!

Kyle zipped up his duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder. He locked the door behind him and made his way out to the parking lot, where his dad was waiting.

"Howdy partner!" Mr. Meeks said when Kyle got into the car.

"Hey Dad," Kyle said. "What's got you in such a perky mood?" he asked when his father began whistling.

"Ah nothing. Just happy to have you home. Plus, your mom's making lasagna tonight!"

Kyle laughed and sat back in his seat.

"So, how's everything been going?" his dad asked.

"It's been good. Got a 98 on my trig test."

"Of course," Mr. Meeks chuckled. "What about those guys in your hall? They still giving you trouble?"

"It's nothing horrible. They call me names, but I've been through worse. Okay Dad," Kyle said, quirking an eyebrow. "The incessant grinning is getting creepy."

"Sorry, sorry!" his dad said, laughing.


"Kyle!"

"Hi Mom," Kyle said. "Can you tell me why Dad's grinning like the Cheshire Cat?"

"Because he's silly. Come on, let's eat," she said.

Kyle thought, for a moment, that he saw his mom shoot his dad a look, but he let it go. However, as they ate, he couldn't help but feel that she was trying to take his attention away from his dad—who was still smiling brightly. Halfway through his dessert, Kyle lost it. "Enough already," he said, glaring playfully at them. "What is going on?"

"I suppose we can tell him now," Mrs. Meeks said.

"Kyle, we er…." His dad paused. For all the excitement, he seemed unable to broach whatever subject was at hand. "We have a gift for you."

"A gift?"

"Come on," his dad said, getting up from the table. He placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder and led him into the garage.

"What the--?" Kyle yelped. A blue Ford Escape sat there, with a red bow on top of it.

"We thought it was about time," his mom said.

"But we did have a few selfish reasons behind it as well," Mr. Meeks said. "Bringing you back from school will be a lot easier with a truck, instead of our car."

Kyle was speechless as he followed his father around the truck.

"It's used, but only by a year. It's really safe, not too many miles…."

"It's great," Kyle said, finding his voice again. He hugged his parents and hit the garage door opener. As the door lifted, Kyle pointed toward it. "Can I?"

"Go see Jason," both his parents said.

Kyle grinned and ran back into the house. He tore through his duffle bag until he found his wallet. "I'll be back later," he said as his dad tossed him the keys.

"Don't go crazy, okay? We just bought it!" his dad said.

Kyle had a feeling, from the way his dad was smiling, that the older Meeks male fully expected him to speed all the way to Jason's house. Which is just what he did…

"Who's is that?" Jason called, coming out of his house.

"Mine!" Kyle said. He patted the hood. "My parents surprised me with it."

"Bad ass," Jason said. "So what are we doing tonight? Movies?"

"Sounds good," Kyle said. "Can I drive?"

"A little drunk with power tonight?" Jason asked, laughing. "Sure, you can drive. But let's go in for a second; Ma'll want to say hi."

As they walked into the house, they heard the sound Super Smash Bros. coming from the living room.

"Jason? Is that Kyle?" Mrs. Carrillo called. She was playing the game, and losing badly, with Melissa.

"Yeah, Ma," Jason said.

"Hi Mrs. C," Kyle said.

"How are you, Kyle? Doing alright at school?"

"Yes ma'am," Kyle nodded. "It's good to be home for break though."

"I'm sure. Are you boys going somewhere?" she asked Jason, who was grabbing his jacket.

"Si, just to the movies. I won't be too late," Jason said, kissing her cheek.

"Have fun! It was good to see you, Kyle."

"You too, Mrs. C."


Two hours later, Kyle and Jason were walking out of the latest Harry Potter movie. As they walked back to the car, they heard someone call after them.

"Yo Jason, Kyle!"

Kyle turned to see Jason's friend Odell hurrying toward them. He'd only met Odell twice before the ex-basketball player had joined the Air Force. "Hey man," Kyle said when he reached them. "How's it going?"

"It's going good!" Odell said.

"Dude, I haven't seen you in forever!" Jason said. "Nice hair! You definitely look like a military boy."

"Yeah, what can I say? I make it look good," Odell said, grinning. "We're heading back to the base now, but I'll be in town. We should get together some time."

"Okay, yeah."

Kyle took Jason's hand as Odell walked away. "Wow," he said. "I didn't think he remembered me…."

"Well, I did make out with you on live television," Jason said, grinning at him.

Kyle laughed. "Speaking of which, you haven't kissed me since I've been back."

Jason leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. "Before you say that doesn't count, you should know that I'm simply saving my strength."

"Well let's go home so you don't have to save it for much longer," Kyle said, starting the car.

LbN: The next chapter will be longer, I promise :). Send reviews!