Author's note:

In the first chapter, I wrote the group hadn't heard from Carver in eight years (which I picked pretty arbitrarily). It's actually been more like 6 years. Just thought I would note that in case anybody notices any discrepancies in the timeline.

**************

"So you really want to do this?" Lor asked.

"You can't deny there's something big going on here. It feels like it's going to be really important." I said.

"Alright, Tino. If you're behind Tish on this one, I guess I am too."

"She promised us an explanation once she gets here."

"Okay, first thing's first. How do we find Carver?"

"Let's start with Carver's parents. I'm pretty sure they still live in the same house. And if they don't, we could probably dig up some promising leads from whoever lives there now."

"Listen to you, you're really hoping this turns into some kind of adventure aren't you?"

"It's about something arose to break up the monotony that is my life."

"C'mon Tino, everyone's got problems. You're just in a lull right now. It hasn't been that long since your last date has it?"

"It hasn't. I guess you're right."

I didn't really believe my life was so bad, but I take every chance to put myself down in front of Lor. I think it takes her mind off of her own problems when I show her mine. Not that I really thought I had, or have, a problem.

"Shall we go now?" she asked me.

"Really? Don't you have anything else you need to do? We could always go tomorrow."

What I really meant when I said that was: "Don't you need to get home before Thompson gets there?" But I never bring up her domestic problems when we talk. I think ignoring those problems is another thing that helps her feel comfortable. And I would always do whatever I could to make her feel comfortable. It was out of pity I guess. Or maybe I did it because it made me feel comfortable. "Staying in my comfort zone," as Tish would say.

"Still working up the nerve Tino?" she said in her half-joking way.

"Ha. If you really don't have anything to do, I'm ready to go."

"Good." she turned around. "NELL! LET'S GO!"

Nell came into the room holding my Discman. She had the headphones on, but I'm sure nothing was playing because she had popped the top.

"Tino. Is this yours?" Nell asked.

My heart stopped for a second and I said nothing. then I realized it was really no big deal. It wasn't exactly the height of technology and I wanted one that played mp3s as well. I could buy a new one easily, so I cooled off promptly.

"You can have it." I said.

She seemed happy, even though she couldn't use it as it was intended. Lor looked on and smiled, showing no surprise. Lor had once told me a story about a time that Nell had a simple cardboard box and she had more fun with it than any toy she got her hands on. That thought kind of depressed me, but it made Lor laugh.

"Okay." I said. "Let's go."

************

We went to Carver's old house, half-expecting his parents to be the same as we remembered them in our high school years. They had aged quite a bit, but they were immediately recognizable when they opened the door. We were relieved that they had still been living there, since our journey was shortened dramatically in that instant. I was feeling a bit nervous about the whole thing, so I let Lor do all the talking. How could I not be nervous? We hadn't seen each other for years. And worse yet, they probably know that we haven't talked to Carver almost as long as we haven't spoken to them. The specifics of that conversation aren't important, so I'll give you a breakdown.

To my surprise, they recognized us immediately. We exchanged formalities and got down to business, right after they spent 15 minutes talking about Nell. They were really smitten with her, and Lor seemed to enjoy the attention, so I didn't try to hurry them along. Apparently, they'd been suffering a bit of the empty nest syndrome since Todd left for college earlier this year, and they were really happy to have a kid running around in their big house.

Our only worry was the longshot that maybe Carver didn't even keep in touch with his own parents. It seemed a bit cold, even for Carver, but it was possible. Luckily, it turned out he kept in constant contact with them and they were happy to give us his number. They asked us why we wanted it and why we didn't already have it to begin with. We told them we were trying to reach Carver because it would be fun to catch up on old times. We conveniently left out the part about Tish and the worm from hell. We just decided that anything we could do that would give them the impression we were insane would be counter-productive in trying to get Carver's phone number. Not that we really believed it ourselves. The only answer we could give them to the second question was that we simply drifted apart during high school and when he left town he didn't leave any contact information. I don't think they were satisfied with that answer since me, Lor, and Tish were still close, but that was just the impression I got. With that, we said our goodbyes and left, our mission complete in a mere hour.

We left the house and walked down to the corner store for a drink. There was a payphone there and suggested we call him right away. I had butterflies in my stomach since we were handed the small slip of paper, and I just wanted to get it over with. Lor suggested we go back to my place since we could both talk to him at once using my phone. I obliged and we headed back. I wasn't still sore about my Discman, but I kept a close eye on Nell this time.

************

I was a bit nervous about calling Carver after all this time, so I let Lor take the point yet again. She didn't show any signs of anxiety as she dialed the number, so I assumed she was looking forward to it.

"SumShoe Company. Carver Descartes speaking."

"Um, hi Carver." Lor said faintly. "It's me, Lor."

"Lor?" said Carver, followed by a slight pause. "Hey... how are you doing?"

"I'm good. How are you?" Lor replied, feeling a bit more confident.

"I can't complain. I'm making a nice living here."

"I guess you made it huh? Working for SumShoe Company, it must be pretty sweet. Where are you living now, by the way?"

"Our company is located in Miami. It's a pretty happening place for clothing and shoe design these days. But... nevermind that. I just have to ask; what made you call me out of the blue, after all this time?"

"Well, we just wanted to say hello and catch up on old times."

"We?"

"Oh yeah. Tino is here too."

"Hi Carver." I said before he had a chance to think.

"Hey Tino! How you doin?" Carver replied enthusiastically.

"Well, pretty good, y'know, I uh.... Carver, a worm from hell told Tish that you and her have to come back to Bahia Bay!"

"Nice." said Lor.

"Tino, you haven't changed a bit. You don't have to make up something like that to get me to come back to Bahia Bay. I was planning on using some vacation time to visit my family anyway, so I'd be happy to catch up with you guys. I'm kind of surprised though. After we drifted apart in college and I moved away, I thought you would have forgotten all about me."

"Well, it mostly Tish's idea. I think she really does have something special planned." Lor said.

"She must have to make up a story like that." said Carver.

"She said you should be here by this Friday."

"Sounds good. Oh, I just remembered. You were pregnant around the time I left. How's your baby doing?"

"She's great. She's right here actually. Say hello, Nell."

"Hi." said Nell.

"I'm impressed she doesn't follow in your rowdy footsteps." said Carver.

"Well, I'm sure she'll be more talkative in person. Wait, was that an insult...?" said Lor.

"I'm sure it'll be great to finally meet her."

"I hope so. Your parents really liked her."

"My parents? Oh, that's right. You must have gotten my number from them, huh? Well, if they got along with her I'm sure I will too."

"Yeah."

"It'll be nice to talk to Thompson again too."

"...Yeah"

"Well, with so much to look forward to, I don't see what could possibly stop me from coming. See you soon!"

"Yeah..."