Chapter 10

"Hey Guthrie, Ford" Daniel leaned over to the seat in front of him where Guthrie was sitting next to Ford, "Christmas lists tonight. Better make up your mind about what you wanna ask Santa."

"Yeah," Evan said, "Don't wanna get those lists late to the old guy."

"Don't be silly, Daniel," Guthrie didn't even look back at his brother. "You don't gotta lie to me no more."

"Sorry?" Daniel was taken aback a bit by his little brother's response.

Now, Guthrie slowly turned so he could look at all three brothers, "You don't hafta lie. I know."

The two oldest boys exchanged a glance and Daniel carefully asked, "You know…what, Guth?"

"I'm not a baby, Daniel. And you don't gotta pretend either, Ford. I know, okay. And it's pretty mean that ya'll lied to me so long."

"Who…I mean..how," Evan was lost for words, but Daniel was a bit quicker.

"Did that Kevin kid say something to you?"

"Maybe," Guthrie shrugged.

"I'm gonna kill him," Evan mumbled to Daniel, but out loud he said, "He's a bully. Since when do you believe a word a bully says?"

"Yeah, come on, Guth," Daniel may have continued to try, but he had a strong feeling it was all for nothing. "What does it matter what stupid Kevin says?"

"Cause it's the truth," The normally easy-going boy, sounded pretty mad, "you all lied. At least he told me the truth, even if he was mean about it."

"But Guthrie," Ford quietly spoke up, "why are you so mad about it?" He couldn't remember being mad when he found out. He'd felt a little silly maybe, but that was it.

"I'm not mad. I just don't wanna be lied to no more!"

Suddenly the bus came to a halt and the boys realized they were at their stop. Guthrie was the first to get up and as soon as he was off the bus he started running. He didn't stop running until he'd reached the house, leaving his younger brothers to try and catch up with him.

"Guthrie! Hold up!" Daniel hollered as he ran, but it was no use. The boy may have been the youngest and shortest, but he was fast.

"Whoah," Adam caught Guthrie as he passed the barn. "What's the rush, kiddo?"

"Nothing!" Guthrie snapped and tried to continue on to the house.

"Watch your tone, Guthrie," Adam warned, but he didn't let the boy go. "Doesn't sound like nothing to me."

Just then the other three got to the yard, "Guthrie," Daniel was slightly out of breath – running and yelling at the same time tended to do that to a person, "Come on, why get so mad? So Kevin told you."

"I'm not mad, I just don't wanna talk about it," but Guthrie's tone betrayed his emotions.

"That's just Kevin, kid," Evan still held out hope that they could save this Christmas for their little brother.

"It's not Kevin. I don't listen to him. Brian said so too."

"Brian?" Daniel was stunned for a moment, "Brian told you there's no Santa?"

Adam felt like he was watching a tennis match, looking from one to the other, but at the last words he snapped out of it, "What? Why on earth….BRIAN!"

"What's up, bro?" Brian appeared in the barn door. "Where's the fire?"

"That's a rotten joke, mister," Adam glared at him and Brian had the decency to duck his head. Fire was one of their worst nightmares.

"Sorry, you're right."

Brian's quick apology mollified Adam, but then he remembered what he wanted Brian for in the first place, "You told Guthrie there's no Santa?"

"Don't yell at Brian," Guthrie protested. "At least he didn't lie about it when I asked."

"Whoah, Adam," Brian held up his hands as if to ward off an attack, "I'm not the bad guy here."

"I can't believe you!"

"I can't believe you!" Brian retorted. "Guthrie asked me and then he gave me his own hypothesis which I confirmed. I didn't do anything we haven't done with the others. He came with questions, so it was time he learned the truth."

"Yeah, Adam, I'm glad I know," Adam had let go of Guthrie and the boy was standing in front of the two now. "I just don't want no more lies."

"Anymore lies," Adam corrected automatically.

"Right," Guthrie refrained from rolling his eyes, although he wanted to, "Anymore lies."

"That's it, Adam," Brian put his hands on Guthrie's shoulders, "Guthrie's ready to be a full part of our Christmas tradition. No more excluding him, he even wants to get us some presents, right, kiddo?"

"Yeah Adam," Guthrie leaned against his older brother while he looked at Adam, "I like that I know."

"He just doesn't like that he didn't and he doesn't like the idea that we lied about it even though we have all been in the same shoes," Brian explained further.

"Gosh, Guth, it's not real lying, it's just a part of Christmas," Evan looked at the others for support. "Ford didn't get mad when he found out."

"I think," as usual, after speaking without thinking, Adam had quickly come to his senses again, "part of the reason Ford didn't get mad was that he was now a part of the grown up secret and got to keep it for Guthrie's sake. Whereas in Guthrie's case, it tells him we don't see him as anything but the youngest."

"The baby," Guthrie said with disgust and the others laughed.

"You're far from a baby," Evan grinned, "Kevin's big brother is in my class and apparently you gave him a black eye." Before Adam could say anything he continued, "Yeah I know, he shouldn't have punched another boy in school, but I can't help thinking he was very brave for doing that. Nowhere near a baby!"

"Let's not go there, Evan," Adam sighed. "But you're right, Guthrie, you're not a baby. I'm just…" Suddenly he found himself blinking against tears. He tried to pull himself together, but it was difficult, "Well, still need those Christmas lists from you all, so after dinner, we'll get to it."

"From you too, Adam," Guthrie insisted. "And Brian."

"Well, all Brian wants is a good looking date, doubt you can fix that, buddy," Adam teased, not realizing that once again he was insulting his partner in parenting.

Said younger brother let it roll off his back this time and just shook his head, "World peace might be a good one too. Or a new tractor. Gosh, I'd love a new tractor."

"Wouldn't we all," Adam sighed.

"And you Adam?" Ford looked at their oldest brother. "Are you going to make a list too?"

"You bet I am. Top of the list: peppermint sticks!" Adam grinned. It was what he'd put on his list for the past six years, but he did love peppermint, so he was always happy to get it. "Okay, guys, go and get changed and get to those chores. The quicker they're done, the more time for fun."

"And for Diablo!" Evan was already on his way, followed by the rest, leaving Adam and Brian behind.

"I'm sorry, kid," Adam looked his brother in the eye, "I shouldn't have yelled."

"No, you shouldn't have," Brian agreed, "But it's okay. It was a shock, I'm sure."

"No kidding," Adam looked at the door to the house as the boys disappeared through it. "I knew it was coming. I'd just hoped…"

"for one more year," Brian finished Adam's sentence, "Yeah me too. He asked me last night in bed and I hedged a bit, but I wasn't gonna lie to him. I asked him what he thought was the truth and he had it, spot on. There wasn't a trace of hesitance in his voice. No wish to be reassured in his belief. And I felt like crying."

"He's growing up," Adam sighed.

"Yeah, and fast too. Getting into fights, no more Santa," Brian shuddered, "Before we'll know it he'll hit puberty and start to raise hell."

"I'm not ready for that, bro," Adam walked back into the barn, "It feels like yesterday that I was still changing his diapers."

"You?" Brian figured a little humor would help Adam more than commiserating, "I don't recall you changing many diapers. You had me doing most of that."

"You were just so good at it."

"That was your excuse for everything you didn't want to do."

"Perk of being the oldest, little brother, just one of the perks."

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I –

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

"Well recited and well memorized, Michelle," Emily Morgan looked at her class room. It was clear most of her 9th grade students had little interest in Robert Frost. Their minds were on football, cheerleading, the upcoming weekend and other more fun things. In fact, anything but poetry probably sounded good to them. And here she was, trying not only to teach them the technical side of poetry, but convey her love for it as well. She realized it was a lost cause, but she refused to give up. Her mother always did say she was the most stubborn of her children. So she continued on, "Who can tell me what it means?"

It was almost funny to watch them look at each other, willing someone else to raise a hand and by doing so saving their classmates from having to answer her question. No one wanted to be the one to say something about a poem. Not in front of their peers. Finally, she looked at the one girl in the front row with her arm raised high in the air: Mandy. There was always one in every class. One who always had an answer. One who always raised her or his hand. And although every student wanted someone else to do it, there was little gratitude when that particular student did it.

"Mandy?"

"It means that you shouldn't always look for the easy way out, miss. When you have a choice between two roads, it's tempting to take the road that everyone else takes. It's not easy to be different, to go against the grain. But sometimes you have to. You have to do what's right, not simply do something because everyone else does it." Mandy seemed pleased with her answer and most of her classmates were nodding dutifully.

"Then how come the second stanza says both roads look just as worn? Sounds to me like they're equally traveled."

"You didn't even raise your hand, Daniel McFadden," Mandy snapped at the boy behind her. "Don't you know your manners?"

"While Mandy is right that you should have raised your hand," Emily spoke up, "you also raise a good point, Daniel." Mandy glared, but kept her mouth shut. Daniel seemed to have a small smirk on his face, but Emily wasn't sure. "For Friday, I'd like you all to think about that. You have all memorized it now and that was fine. But poetry is about more than memorization. It's about more than rhyme schemes and meter. So now read it again and this time, use your mind for more than that. Really read it. Daniel's comment about the second stanza is something you should keep in mind whilst reading, as well as the first two lines of the fourth and last stanza. But there's something much more important. Something most people forget when they read, whether it's a novel or a poem: the title. Robert Frost gave this poem a title."

Mandy's arm flew up again and even Emily had to work on not rolling her eyes. "William?"

The straw blond boy in the last row looked confused, "Miss?"

"What is the title of the poem?"

"Oh eh, it's called The Road Not Taken, Miss."

"Exactly. That's your other clue, people, the title. So for Friday I would like a 500 word piece from each of you on the meaning of this poem. No references or research needed, just close reading and some thought." A collective groan sounded and she glanced around the room, "I could make it a 1000 words." The sick look on their faces was comical, but they all started writing their homework down. "Good, I'll see you all Friday then."

As the students filed out and Daniel passed her, she couldn't resist saying something. "Well done, Daniel. At least one of you was thinking today."

Daniel blushed and looked away as he mumbled, "Thanks, Miss." He couldn't leave the classroom quickly enough and she sighed. Daniel seemed uncomfortable around her all of a sudden, more so than normal for a student. She hoped it wasn't because she'd been on a date with his oldest brother. Not that Adam had called her for another date yet, at least not formally. He'd called the next day to thank her for a wonderful evening. She'd hoped he would ask her out again, but when she'd tried to give him a subtle hint in that direction, he'd changed the subject. She shook her head as if to literally get rid of all thoughts about mister Adam McFadden. She had another class to teach before the school day was over.

Outside Frank gave Daniel a friendly push as he teased, "Well done, Daniel….well done…."

Mandy wasn't so friendly, "Teacher's pet."

"Am not!" Daniel gave her a disgusted look.

"Are too: at least one of you was thinking…" Mandy's impression of Miss Morgan was not a favorable one. "You make me sick!"

"You're just upset Miss Morgan didn't like your explanation," Frank couldn't stand Mandy and although he felt he had the right to tease his best friend a little, he'd immediately jump to Daniel's defense if someone else did it. And if that someone else was Mandy he did it with pleasure. "Good luck with your essay, you're gonna need it."

"I'll get an A, you'll see," Mandy was used to getting A's.

"Sure," Daniel pulled Frank along. "We're gonna be late for history if we don't hurry."

"Don't let her get to you, man," Frank tried as they hurried to their next class, but in Daniel's mind all his fears were being confirmed.

"Hand me a couple of nails, will you?" Adam had just slammed the last of his nails into the piece of fence he was working on. "I wish we had more durable fencing. It sure gets old fixing these..thanks," He took the nails and hammered away.

"Dad liked these," Brian took his water bottle and gulped some water down.

"Yeah well, dad was old school."

"In more ways than one," Brian put the water bottle back and resumed work as well. "There's nothing wrong with it and we don't have the money anyway."

"No kidding. Don't even know how we can afford Christmas presents."

Brian grinned, "Like we always do. You say this every year, Adam, but when it comes down to it, we always manage."

"Good thing Crane got a full ride to Davis or this year really would be different." Adam wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve. It wasn't warm by any means, for California anyway, but working hard did make you sweat. "I worry about him, but at least the financial worries haven't gotten worse."

"True. Damn, that boy is smart. Smart as you."

"You're just as smart, Brian. If things had gone different…well, you could have gotten a scholarship as well, I'm sure."

That line of thought was too much for Brian to handle and he quickly changed the subject, "So, you're going out with Emily again this weekend?"

"Haven't asked her."

"You're kidding!" Brian was so surprised he nearly dropped his hammer. "Why on earth not?"

"Don't know. Just haven't."

"For someone so smart, you sure can be dumb, big brother."

"Hey, you seldom date the same girl twice."

"Assumptions, assumptions." But there was truth in the statement, Brian did rarely date the same girl twice.

"Just observation, little brother."

"We were talking about you, Adam. I thought you liked her. You had a good time, didn't you?"

"Of course I did."

"So…ask her again."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"It's just…I have too many commitments. I have responsibilities."

"You're not alone in this, you know."

"I know. And I'm glad you're here, but I can't help it. Part of me feels like it's all on my shoulders. Like it's my responsibility. Like you had a choice, but I didn't."

"So, if you were a widower with kids, would you never date again?"

"I don't know…it's not like I've got two young kids. I've got teenage brothers I'm raising. And one of them doesn't seem too thrilled at the idea of me dating her."

"Dan'l will get over it."

"Maybe…maybe not."

"No maybe about it. One way or the other, he'll get over it. You can't let that stop you, Adam."

Adam sighed and leaned on the fence post. "Maybe I'm just scared."

"Even more reason to call her." Brian got a mischievous look on his face, "Or I'll call her and set you up again. You know I'd do it too."

"Don't you dare!"

"Then do it."

"Okay…okay, I'll call her." Adam glanced at his brother, "You've got a date this weekend?"

Brian shrugged, "Was thinking of calling Suzy, but we hadn't set anything in stone yet. You call Emily, see if you can get that all important second date and I'll work my own party life around it." He grinned, "Things could get interesting around here with both of us going out all of a sudden. We'll have to be careful."

"Well, Crane'll be home soon, for two weeks anyway. We'll just make him babysit while we're out every night." Even though it was just talk, Brian couldn't help thinking it was good to see Adam a bit more lose.

"Are we going to put up the Christmas lights this weekend as well, Adam?" Ford handed the last of the plates to Evan to dry and started cleaning the counter top.

"I'm pretty sure we'll be gone all day Saturday, so if we do, it'll be on Sunday." Adam looked at Brian to see what his thoughts were.

"Yup Sunday will be the big day. This year, I want NASA to see our house on their photos from space." Brian laughed, "I just might have to buy more lights when we're at the mall."

"No way!" Adam warned, "We have enough lights. We don't need the extra expense."

"Stop worrying, I'm just teasing you." Adam wasn't a fan of too many lights and Brian knew it. Brian on the other hand, could go a bit over the top, but he, too, liked things a bit simpler.

"And the tree?" Guthrie carried his books into the kitchen, "Are we getting a tree as well?"

"We always get a tree, silly," Ford playfully shoved his younger brother.

"I meant this weekend!" Guthrie shoved back.

"No, not this weekend, buddy," Guthrie's face fell at Brian's words. "We'll get a tree the week before Christmas. That way it'll still be nice and green and fresh."

"But all the good ones will be gone by then," Guthrie remembered their search for a good tree the previous year. It hadn't been easy to find one.

"Last year we went and bought one, but we could just cut a tree ourselves. Wouldn't be the first time." Brian hadn't talked it over with Adam yet, but he figured the man wouldn't disagree. He wasn't disappointed.

"Why not? Like you say, we've done it before. Don't even know why we didn't last year."

"That was because when we got the tree home the year before that, there was a huge spider in it and someone here got scared." Daniel looked at their littlest brother.

"Me? I'm not afraid of spiders," Guthrie protested.

"Well, you were when you were 6."

"Well, I'm all grown up now, so I'm not afraid no m..anymore."

Adam laughed, "You're growing up, let's put it that way. Okay, we'll go and cut our own tree. Which means our weekends are filled." All the dishes put away, coffee made as well as tea and biscuits put on the table, they were set for home work hour. "Who needs help with their homework?"

"Can you quiz me, Adam?" Ford asked, handing Adam his topography worksheet.

"Sure."

"I don't have homework…all I gotta do is practice my spelling words again." Guthrie had to practice his spelling every single day, but it usually didn't take him more than 10 minutes.

"I've got math…." Evan had opened his book and was already at it. On the other side of the table Daniel was rereading his poem. It wasn't due until Friday, but it was still fresh on his mind. Since he'd memorized it, he'd been able to put some thought into it while doing his chores, and so now he was writing down his thoughts on the poem. He actually liked it. It was better than Emily Dickinson, that was for sure. He didn't like reading that death poem they'd studied. Frost he could stomach better. And he felt like he actually got what the man was saying. So despite his upset over Adam dating his teacher, he put some honest hard work into his short essay.

"Adam?" Guthrie had wrestled with the question for a while now and wasn't sure how to broach the subject, "Do we get our pocket money before we go shopping Saturday?"

Adam looked up from Ford's worksheet, "Don't you get your pocket money every Saturday morning?"

"Yeah…." Guthrie looked back down again. "Sorry."

"It's okay, Guth," Adam reassured, "I know why you want to know, but I promise you, you don't have to buy anyone presents."

"I want to," Guthrie kept his head down so no one would see the salty moisture that was pooling in his eyes, "I wanna buy you guys something."

"Ford wrapped up his last Math's test last year and put it under the tree. Nothing makes me happier than things like that." Adam's words made Evan look up.

"He also likes it when you do his chores for him."

"I can't do Adam's chores," Guthrie couldn't picture himself doing the heavy and more complicated things Adam did, at least in his mind Adam's chores were much more special than his own.

"Boys, no one has to buy us anything, right Brian?"

"Adam's right, guys, just knowing you're all happy and enjoying Christmas is enough. But if you really want to do something, do an extra chore, or sing us a song, put some extra work in something for school or make something. I've treasured that drawing Evan made when he was about your age."

Guthrie sighed, "That's not real presents."

"They are to us. It meant more than anything I'd gotten growing up." Evan's drawing had actually caused Brian to bawl his eyes out once he'd made it to bed that night and no one could see the tears. Their parents had only been gone one year and his drawing of their family, with Adam and Brian taking care of everyone while mom and dad watched over them from a spot in the sky, had not only been beautiful, but had spoken volumes of their new and changed situation. But also of the legacy Adam and he were trying to continue. "Make me a drawing of something you love, kiddo, and I'll be over the moon."

"Or make a new Christmas ornament. Anything. Really." Adam added to Brian's suggestions. In fact, Guthrie should know that his oldest brothers felt that way, because Adam and Brian had made Christmas lists along with the rest of them and their lists had consisted of things like that. Both of them had always bought each other one regular gift and although they did put some thought into that as well, it was often the little things their kid brothers gave them, that meant the most.

"Kay," Guthrie wasn't convinced, but it was clear he wasn't getting anywhere so he went back to his spelling.

Soon the youngest three were in bed and Brian and Daniel were strumming their guitars in the living room for a bit longer until it was time for Daniel to head up as well, and Adam figured now was the best time to place that all-important phone call. He knew he'd put it off too long. She'd probably think he'd lost interest. Or maybe she thought he was rude. That thought made him cringe. Mom would have been disappointed if she knew someone would think him rude.

Adam picked up the phone and held it in his hand for a few long moments while he tried to find the right words in his head. Everything sounded trite to him. Taking a deep breath he pulled out the piece of paper with her number and slowly dialed. Maybe she wouldn't be home. Then he could say he'd tried. Was he really hoping she wouldn't answer the phone? Of course not! He would love to go on another date. If he'd been a regular 24 year old he would have called her already. This was all about his specific situation.

"Hello?" Her voice startled him.

"Oh eh hi…I mean…It's me, Adam."

"Hi Adam, didn't know just the sound of my voice would make you stammer."

Adam cleared his throat, "I was trying to do something while I waited…no, in all honesty, I was just trying to think of what to say to you and you startled me."

"I should think I should be the startled one. After all, you're the one who called."

"Finally called," He said softly and there was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

"Yes, I have to admit I was starting to think you wouldn't call anymore."

"I needed to work up the courage, believe it or not." Adam didn't realize that, although he'd walked as far as the cord would let him, he was still easily within earshot and Daniel had looked up.

"For someone who looks bold and strong, you sure are shy at times," Emily laughed and Adam couldn't think of a more beautiful sound.

"Well, I'll have to get over that if I want to ask you out again."

"Ah….so you do want to go out again," she couldn't help teasing him a little.

"Yeah, I mean, yes, absolutely. If you want to as well."

"I think I can clear my schedule for you."

"I was thinking maybe…well, maybe grab a bite to eat some time?"

"Well, on Fridays I've got an extra-long lunch, so maybe.."

"I could drop by school and pick you up. There's this nice little Italian place that does a great lunch."

"Sounds great. Last class in the morning ends at 11:50."

"I'll see you Friday at 11:50 then," Adam missed the sharp intake of breath from the living room. "Looking forward to it."

"Me too."

The phone call ended and Adam stood there for a long moment, just trying to steady himself before walking back to put the phone back. It wasn't until he had the receiver back where it belonged that he noticed the quiet in the room. "Isn't it your bedtime, kiddo?"

"You're taking Miss Morgan out again? For lunch on Friday?" Daniel couldn't care less about his bed time right now.

"Yes, I am. I'm picking her up at school." Finally noticing the dark scowl on the teenager's face Adam walked over, "Something wrong?"

"You're picking her up at school!" The pitch of Daniel's voice rose to great heights. "Everyone will see!"

"Well, I don't see how it can be avoided that people will see. And I'm not about to go into hiding with her. I like her," Adam reached out to try and rub Daniel's back but the boy pushed his hand away before he could reach that far. Instead, the boy jumped to his feet and faced with balled fists. If Adam didn't know any better he'd think Daniel was about to fight him.

"I can't believe you! This is exactly what I was afraid would happen!"

"Lower your voice, mister." Adam's tone got real low as he issued the warning.

"Daniel…remember what we talked about," Brian got to his feet as well and firmly placed his hands on Daniel's shoulder. "Talk, don't yell."

"You said it wouldn't be bad."

"No, I said that it was no use worrying over things that hadn't happened yet. Tackle it as it comes. Same applies now. You have no idea whether anyone will see. You have no idea what they'll say about it."

"Stupid Mandy is already calling me teacher's pet. Just cause Miss Morgan paid me a compliment about my participation today. What do you think she's gonna say if she sees my older brother picking her up for a date? You think she'd just ignore it? She hates that literature and poetry isn't something she can just memorize and get a straight A. She hates that others are better at it than she is."

"You finished ranting now?" Adam looked down on his brother with a treacherously calm face. "Because if you are, you can get ready for bed."

"You're not even listening! Brian said you'd listen." And with that Daniel ran off. He stomped up the stairs.

"Don't slam the…" but before Adam could finish his sentence a loud bang rang through the house as Daniel slammed the door to his room closed. "Damn!"

Brian shook his head, "Well, that went well."

"Don't lay this on me, Brian. He shouldn't have yelled at me."

"I know he shouldn't. There was no easy way here. Except maybe not meet her at school.." Adam interrupted before Brian could finish.

"It was her suggestion, what was I to say?"

"Like I was going to say, before you interrupted me, if it works out that way, it works out that way. Daniel can't expect you to hide under a rock with her, even though there's fun in hiding out," Brian winked, trying to lighten Adam's mood.

"I'd better go up and talk with him."

"If you'd rather I do it.."

"No, you already talked with him, Crane even talked to him on the phone…it's time I had a little talk with him."

"A talk or a talk?"

"I know he was warned, but I can really see why this would upset him. If I were in his shoes I'm not sure I'd be able to stop from blowing up."

"You're going to let him off the hook?"

Adam had to laugh at the surprised tone, "Yeah, I know, not like me at all."

"I can't remember you ever letting any of the off the hook."

"No," Adam gave Brian a sad smile, "I learned from mom and dad to always keep my word, good or bad."

A wry smile played on Brian's lips now, "Yeah, dad never made threats, he made promises."

"Exactly. But even he let us off the hook once or twice. If the situation called for it."

"I know." Brian glanced at the stairs, "I'm glad you're not going to punish him. I think he really is upset about it. But it doesn't give him the right to be disrespectful, so he's definitely had his very last warning, as far as I'm concerned."

"I agree…" Adam took a deep breath, "I'd better not let him stew too long. You know how he gets. Should be back soon, fancy a game of checkers and a beer?"

Brian grinned, "Sure…especially the beer sounds good tonight." They didn't often drink on week nights, especially not at home, but every now and then, when all the kids were in bed, Adam and Brian enjoyed a quiet beer over a game of cards of a simple conversation. While Adam climbed the stairs, Brian set up the game and got two beers from the fridge in the basement. Then he took his guitar and went back to strumming it while he waited for his brother to return.