Chapter 5

Two weeks before Amy's high school graduation she found herself behind the wheel driving herself and Dan up to Cambridge for what seemed the millionth time. This time was different however, they were going to meet Jake and Atticus' dad, Dr. Mark Rosenbloom, renowned archeologist who was home from his work in Indonesia. He had been secretive with Jake and Atticus about why he was coming home, but never-the-less, today was the day.

"I hope this doesn't take too long," Dan said from the passenger seat.

"Dan, I'm sure it'll be fine. You don't have anything to worry about. You and Atticus barely have to pay attention if you want." Amy said helpfully.

"Are you kidding me? Atticus is going to be all ears. He hasn't seen his dad in half a year, and he idolizes the dude." Dan said, adding, "I should have brought my micro headphones so I could play on my phone under the table and nobody would know."

"Right Dan, because seeing a teenager stare at his lap under the table is new and not suspicious at all." Amy said rolling her eyes.

"Well, it'll be better than watching you squirm in your seat while Dr. Rosenbloom gives you the eye." Dan snapped back.

Amy was worried about today's visit. The last thing she had heard from Jake's father was his desire for his children to get as far away from Dan and Amy as possible and never look back. Now the four of them were basically inseparable. Dan or Atticus would hitch a ride with their older sibling when the two of them met up each weekend. It was like the two younger boys were brothers now.

Amy and Jake were something entirely different. They had realized they were deeply in love with each other and the last 6 months had been nothing short of bliss.

Amy stopped the car in front of the Rosenbloom manor. Dan was humming along to one of his favorite songs as he got out. Amy got out and was instantly scooped up and spun around by someone she couldn't see. She had been grabbed from behind. She was about to elbow her attacker in the eye when she heard his voice. "There you are."

Jake set her down and she spun around to face him. He smiled at her and kissed her. She kissed him back.

"Barf-barf, barf, barf," Dan sang in time to Mendelsohn's wedding march. "Come on you two love birds."

Amy smiled at Jake and led his hand into the house.

"Ok, everyone, Dad wants to meet us at Benedetto in 30 minutes. We can make it there on foot by then, so let's go."

Atticus and Dan walked ahead of Jake and Amy, while they locked hands and walked closely to the restaurant. Amy had butterflies in her stomach.

"And you really don't have any idea why he wants to meet at this restaurant? Any reason why he's coming home from his dig?" Amy said fishing for any clues. "Are you really sure Dan and I should be here for this? I mean, he doesn't exactly like either of us."

Jake smiled at her, "Nope to the first one, yep to the second."

Jake said. "You'll win him over in no time. If I recall, I wasn't exactly your biggest fan when we first met either. I thought you were on a suicide mission and had a serious death wish. I didn't want anything to do with you. Now, I can't get enough of you." Amy blushed.

They chose a table on the patio near the sidewalk, it was just now 5:00, and their father would be there any moment. Amy looked around nervously.

"Just try to relax", Jake said reaching over to hold Amy's hand. At that moment, Amy spotted someone she never expected to see again. Her mouth dropped open.

Jake, having missed this entirely, thought her reaction was to his words. "Really, Amy, I promise, in a few weeks, you'll have a new fan. He'll love you almost as much as I do."

"LaCher?" Amy whispered. "LaCher Siffrite?"

"Jake followed her gaze and spotted the famous Voyniche scholar who had nearly been killed with them in Brazil a year and a half earlier. She was standing next to a distinguished middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair.

"Dad!" cried Jake, rising from his chair.

"DAD!" Atticus echoed.

Amy let out a big slow breath and glanced at Dan. He looked almost as miserable as she did. They made eye-contact and gave each other a small smile. They knew what was coming wouldn't be pleasant.