12


The way home was probably one of the lowlights of Cedric's life. HalloweenTown residents didn't like him that much to begin with...they were very angry that they wasted their Halloween night looking for him.

Dr. Finklestien was especially irate. He stopped Jack and Cedric walking home. "So, you found the lad did you? You ought to have left him. Just shows he has his mother's genes of reckless and irresponsible behavior..."

It was lucky that Jack and Jake was there, or he would have gone on, but Jack wouldn't stand for him to insult his wife and son.

"Doctor, I really must be going home...and I would appreciate it if you were to leave my wife and son out of this." Jack said, fire in his sockets. The doctor backed down.

When they finally got home, it didn't get much better. Sally rushed to Cedric, and gave him such a hug Cedric was worried his ribs were broken. When she had finished, she too glared.

"I've been so worried Ceddie! What were you doing?!" Cedric hung his head. "Just lost track of time..." he mumbled.

"I'm so disappointed Cedric." said Sally. Cedric winced. Not only had she called him Cedric, which meant he was in trouble, but she had told him she was disappointed in him.

'Well, that makes everyone now...everyone is disappointed in me.' thought Cedric. He headed upstairs to his room, certain he would be grounded for quite some time.


When Jake, Jack, and Sally were sure Cedric was out of earshot, they discussed.

"I best be going. Suzy will be up until I get home...night Mom, Dad." said Jake, taking his leave.

Jack collasped on the sofa, his skull in his hands. "I don't know what to do anymore." he lamented.

Sally collasped next to him. "I don't know what got into him...he's usually so responsible."

Jack got up and poured himself a glass of crimson wine. He took a sip. "Do you think its our fault? Did we do something? What could possibly drive him this far down? I don't know what to do with a child who doesn't yell back at me."

"I'm worried for him Jack...it can't be good for him to always be like this..." Sally said sadly. Jack put an arm around her.


Cedric undressed angrily, throwing his clothes on the ground, and practically stomping across the room.

"Its not fair! Its not fair that when I finally have some happiness its wrong!" Cedric said to himself. He calmed himself and collasped on his bed, putting his skull in his hands.

"Nothing ever turns out like it should..." he mumbled unhappily, thinking of Vanessa. He had promised her he'd find a way to see her again, and he would! By God, he would think of something.

"But what?" he asked himself, pacing around his room.

Still without an answer, he heard his parents talking downstairs. Curiosity finally got the best of him, and he snuck to the top of the stairs, where he could hear them.


"I just wished he hadn't caused that whole incident...the doctor talked to me while Jake and I were taking Cedric home." Jack said.

Sally sat up. "Wha...What did he say?" she asked. Jack waved a hand irritably. "That his irresponsible actions were the fault of your genetics..." Sally slouched sadly. "No no no...Sally you know the doctor better than I. And I know he's wrong. Therefore you should be sure of it. I couldn't care less what he thought in any case."

"Anyway, it was humiliating walking through town...having to call a search party for your own child. He said he lost track of time, but that's not like Cedric at all. I wonder what he was up to..." Jack muttered.

"Jack...the scary part is, he's our own son, and we know so little about him..." Sally said quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, his hobbies...whats he do when he goes to his room? How he feels...why he hates school...who his friends are...girls.." Sally pointed out.

"Hmmm...touche dear Sally..." he put his hand to his forehead. "We really don't know that much about him..."

"But, what do you mean 'girls'?" Jack asked.

Sally let out a breathless laugh. "Well, we can't pretend to be ignorant forever...he's fifteen, I'm sure he's having feelings about girls...but he never talks to anyone. He's so quiet..."

Jack gave a small laugh. "Well, look who's talking." he jested.

"I'm serious Jack...I was miserable when I was with Dr. Finklestien...I'm still quiet today...I just hope Ceddie isn't feeling as hopeless as I was..."


Cedric had heard enough. He tip-toed back to his room.