What Comes Up, Must Come Down Chapter Fourteen

This will be the last chapter

In class the next Friday, David took a deep breath and looked over the homework list Peter had given him one last time. He had already checked it so much, but the last thing he needed was a call to General Ruxton.

Mr. Shaw cleared his voice. "Last week, some of you weren't doing to hot," he said and looked around the room. David grinned nervously and cleared his throat.

"However, I'm very happy to report that as of right now, there are no failing grades!"

David "whooped" and jumped into his chair. "WHAT NOW?! Who's your DADDY?!" He yelled. "I'm the man, who's the man? I'm the man!"

Everyone cracked up laughing as Mr. Shaw tried to reinforce order. "Mr. Ruxton! I know you're happy, but please save your 'whooping' for after class. I would very much so appreciate it."

"Sorry, sir," David said, still grinning. Mr. Shaw handed out the reports and David grinned. He was beside himself with pride; originally, he had thought he was doing it to avoid a screaming match with his father, but he sort of realized that he wanted to know what it felt like for someone to be proud of him. He would have rather it be his father; but Peter would certainly do.

After class, David raced for Peter's office and ran into the room without knocking. "David!" Peter scolded. He was at his desk, flipping through folders. "It's not like you're busy," David said eagerly. He shoved the piece of paper towards Peter and grinned.

"Your report?" Peter asked, surprised. David nodded. Peter had to laugh at David's eagerness.

Peter looked through the grades, his surprised look growing over each grade.

"David, man...I am so proud of you. You went above and beyond," Peter said, enclosing David in a tight hug. At first, David was embarassed, but then he returned the embrace. "I think this calls for a phone call home, eh?" Peter asked, winking. David shook his head. "Dad's probably busy. Just tell Sophie," David said, grinning, and walked out.

Kristin was playing around with Ezra and David the next day, a Saturday. She laughed and threw the football, aiming for David's head. It fell short and fell off his chest. "Brat!" David whined, rubbing his chest. Kristin just laughed and ran for the ball again.

She was about to try to aim a little higher when Peter and Sophie walked up to her. She dropped the football. "Hey, guys," she said nervously. Peter had told them to find something 'recreational' to do, and she wasn't sure if they'd think aiming a football at someone's head was recreational.

"Hey, Kristin. And no, throwing a football at someone's head is not recreation," Sophie said. Kristin's mouth dropped. "You are so weird!" She exclaimed.

Peter grinned. "Kristin, you have a visitor," he said.

Her grin dropped. "I don't want to talk to her," Kristin said immidiately and reached for the football again but Ezra had grabbed it. "You dork!" She yelled and charged at Ezra. "Kristin! It's not her. I think you wanna see this person."

Kristin sighed and glared at Ezra. "I will be bock!"

She walked between Peter and Sophie, wondering who it could be. It wouldn't be Uncle Martin, or Scott would have told her he was coming. It obviously wasn't...Lynn. She knew it wasn't Adam.

She gave up just as she was steered into where her visitor would be. Her mouth dropped open as she saw Kyle. "Kyle?" She exclaimed. Peter and Sophie quietly left.

"Hey, Kristin," he greeted her warmly, smiling. His eyes had bags under them, but he still hugged her. She couldn't help but hug back.

"What are you doing here? Are you going to say we shouldn't ever see eachother again...For the third time?" she asked sarcastically.

He shook his head. "Actually, quite the oppisite. I know I was a jerk, Kristin. I got to see Josh, though, this past Monday. He finally convinced his grandmother to let him. It was the best feeling, seeing my little brother. I realized that every kid needs a big brother, or an older someone-not neccessarily an older adult-to look up to."

"I'm happy for Josh, Kyle," Kristin said dryly.

"No, look. This time I promise...I'm gonna be here for you, okay? I wanna be like your big brother. I can't be your stepdad, but I can be a good big brother. I know you probably don't like the general term big brother, but you know I'm not like Him," he said, speaking of Kyle.

"Why should I believe you? You've told me twice that you didn't want to see me again and then you just show up? How are you not different than her? Popping up whenever?" Kristin asked, her voice on edge.

"Because you know I'm not like her! I'm serious! I've already talked to Peter, made out the plans. I can see you every other week, at least. I can even bring Josh here sometimes."

She didn't say anything for a minute.

"Do you really promise? None of this come-back-next-week-and-deny-everything bullshit?" She demanded.

"Watch your mouth," he warned, still smiling. "But yes, I promise."

She gave him one last hug. "If you break your promise, I will hunt you down and shoot you in the gonads," she retorted.

He grinned.

"Right."

Please review! I'm going to wrap up my other stories before starting a new one! Give me new ideas for HG stories!