A/N: Whew, this chapter took me longer than I anticipated. All my other chapters just flowed naturally out of my pen, but this one took quite a bit of effort on my part. I think that means I'm starting to lose some motivation on this story so please review and keep giving me motivation. I have an idea where I want the story to go, but I really want to know that people are reading it and know if I'm doing an okay job. What can I say: I have low self-esteem. Well, enjoy the chapter.

I was amazed at the transformation my house went through for dinner. All the clutter was cleared away and the kitchen floor was mopped. Dad and Rosemary looked like Ozzie and Harriet as opposed to their normal dysfunctional selves. Dad had even put on a tie and Rosemary wore a string of (I assume) fake pearls with her dress. Becca dressed up in her best skirt, yellow cardigan, and patent leather Mary Janes.

Unlike the rest of my family, I didn't know what to wear. On one hand I didn't want to look too sexy; it was after all a family dinner, yet I still wanted to be attractive for Tim. I decided to wear my tight jeans and a fairly respectable, but still semi low cut sweater. I loved the blue color of the sweater because it really made my eyes stand out.

At precisely 6:00 the table was set and my parents were waiting for Tim. 6:15 came around and Tim still didn't show. I was getting worried as my father was getting more and more upset with each passing moment.

Finally at 6:27 a knock sounded on the door. I ran and answered. Sure enough, Tim was standing there. I noticed that he had put on a clean black tee shirt and was freshly shaved. I was taken aback by how good-looking he was. I pulled him in the house and to my horror, I could smell some booze on him. Now, I was never a deeply religious person, but I made a quick, silent prayer to whoever was listening for good behavior on Tim's part. I brought Tim into the living room where the rest of the family was waiting. "Everyone," I announced, "This is Tim. Tim, this is my father, my stepmother Rosemary, and you've already met Becca."

Tim gave an awkward, small wave and said, "Hello." Rosemary nodded curtly and said " Pleased to meet you."

Dad, however, didn't even acknowledge Tim's presence. Instead he gave me a rude glare and asked coldly, "Can we eat now?" He rudely brushed passed Tim as he exited the living room; Rosemary and Becca followed.

I looked at Tim, but I couldn't read the expression on his face. "I'm sorry they were so rude," I apologized. I didn't want Tim to get angry because then I really wouldn't know how he was going to react.

Tim's expression on his face didn't change and he shrugged his shoulders. "Shit, I don't care. I guess I'd be pissed too if I had to wait for dinner. So whadda we havin'?" he asked.

I was about to answer, "Meatloaf," when he took a swig out of a flask that he pulled out of his belt. "Tim!" I practically yelled. "What are you doin'? Do you know how much trouble I'm gonna be in if you get caught drinking?"

"Sorry Kim. I just don't think I can make it through this meal sober. But if you don't want me to drink anymore I won't. Okay?" I nodded and he gave me a light punch on the shoulder. He laughed and followed me into the kitchen where my family was already seated, eating.

After a few silent minutes of eating, Dad said, "So, I assume you're a senior, like Kim. What are your plans for after high school?"

Tim replied to my father while still chewing his food. I saw the corners of Rosemary's mouth turn down; she put a lot of stock into a person's table manners. "Actually sir," Tim said, "I'm not in school anymore."

"Oh really?" my Dad acted surprised. He knew full well that Tim wasn't in school, I could tell by the angle of his questioning. "What year did you graduate?"

Tim shifted slightly in his seat. "I never actually graduated. I guess you could say I dropped out."

Dad got a sort of pleased look on his face, and I gave him a look, hoping he'd give the hint to lay off of the subject. My dad however ignored me and started to rip into Tim. "I just want to make sure I'm hearing this correctly. You're a quitter."

Tim started to turn red and get angry. "No. School just wasn't for me. I decided I'd be better off in the work force making my own way and helping support my mother."

"Oh. I apologize." Dad said and I gave a sigh of relief, that is, until Dad began questioning Tim just a moment later. "I wasn't aware that you were a working man, with a career. What kind of work are you in?"

Tim's eyes narrowed even further. Dad's words had a bite to them and Tim had a short fuse. I could see that pretty soon fireworks would really fly, but I felt powerless to stop it. Rosemary must have felt the same way too because she was watching the entire ordeal and not doing anything. "I am currently.in between jobs right now." I could tell Tim struggled to say it.

Dad got a look of grim satisfaction on his face. "I see. You're unemployed. So much for supporting yourself and your mother. You're a bum."

Tim stood up and loudly stated, "I ain't no bum, and you better not call me that again. I get by, and that's all I need to do. So quit givin' me the third degree." I pulled Tim down and tried to soothe him, but he resisted my efforts. His blood was really boiling, but so was my father's.

My dad finally got to his point. "So if you don't have a job, and you make enough just to get by, then how do you plan on supporting my daughter?"

Tim finally blew. "Jesus Christ!" he yelled. "I don't got to support Kim because I ain't fucking her. I don't know who she's fuckin' but it sure as hell ain't me! Now lay off!" After this short little rant, Tim stormed out of the house.

My family sat there in silence for a few moments until Dad stood up, gave me an evil look and said in a deathly calm voice, "I never want to see that boy ever again. Understood?"

I nodded. My father only used such a calm voice when he was really, really pissed off. Becca started crying quietly and Rosemary quickly left the table. I sighed and walked out the door. Becca followed, tears still running down her face.

I sat down on the curb and buried my face in my knees. Everything had gone so wrong. Becca sat quietly beside me and patted my back. At that moment I felt more love for her than ever before. In her own little way, she was trying to comfort me. I probably should have hugged her or thanked her, but I was too busy wallowing in my own self-pity to do such an act.

We sat there for a while. Periodically Becca would start crying again, but I refused to shed a single tear. Tim liked tough girls, and tough girls don't cry. I wish I could have allowed myself to cry; I would have felt much better. Instead I kept it in and resolved to not let this incident hinder my pursuit of Tim.