Author's note: Towards the end of the chapter, some not so nice and politically correct terms are used. They in no way reflect beliefs of myself (Becky) or teal.
---
A few days passed. It seemed that Naomi was able to ease Trent's worries because the two seemed inseparable, much to Ethan's misery. She'd occasionally spend time with Ethan and the others, but most of her time was spent with Trent. Kimberly, Tommy and Trini seemed to be falling into the happy family routine. They had even gone to Dana and Carter's guest home to pick up the rest of the girls' things, leaving Dana and Carter to believe that "staying with Tommy for a little while" was more like "staying with Tommy permanently." Which didn't bother the married couple at all. The phrase "It's about time." Was muttered between them plenty times as they watched Tommy and Kimberly load his jeep and her car with bags. Kira and Conner were happy together, although Conner grew more and more anxious as the McKnight/Ford family dinner came closer and closer. Kira told him over and over that everything was going to be fine, but Conner was convinced that his mother would say or do something to completely mortify him in front of the love of his life and her parents. Eric was still behaving oddly, which didn't exactly reduce Conner's stress, but he decided to put Eric on the backburner and concentrate on the new identity he'd have to assume after the family dinner. And on this particular day, Saturday, to be exact, Conner was a wreck.
"Dude, chill out. Mom's not going to embarrass you in front of your future in-laws." Eric chuckled. He, Kira and Conner were at the mall. They were in the clothing store and Kira was in the music store buying new guitar strings. Conner went over to him and grabbed his shoulder.
"Dude, don't say that. What if Kira had come over and heard you?" Conner asked.
"She's not even in this store." Eric pointed out.
"Yeah, but with my luck, she would've been right behind us when you said that. Ever since that night were we narrowly avoided breaking up, we've left the whole 'love' subject alone, and referring to her parents as my 'future in-laws' isn't exactly leaving the subject alone." Conner said. Eric sighed and picked out a couple of jeans.
"Whatever, man. I'm sure that Kira's parents will get along with you and mom." Eric said.
"Well, what about you?" Conner asked as he followed his brother.
"What about me?" Eric asked.
"Well, you're going to be eating with us, right?"
"…..I didn't think I was invited." Eric shrugged.
"What? You're so invited." Conner said.
"Who's so invited to what?" Came Kira's voice as she suddenly appeared beside her boyfriend.
"Jeez!" Conner jumped, clearly startled.
"…Great to see you too." Kira said.
"Sorry, you just kind of caught me by surprise." Conner said, putting an arm around Kira's shoulder.
"I figured." She said. "So, who's so invited to what?" She asked.
"My brother for some bizarre reason thought he wasn't invited to dinner tomorrow." Conner said. Kira looked at Eric and gently swatted his arm.
"You're so invited." She said. Eric rolled his eyes.
"You two are beginning to sound alike. Quick, break up now while it's still reversible." Eric smirked. He grabbed some jeans and shirts and went to a changing room. Kira leaned her head against Conner's shoulder.
"Still no luck in finding out what's up with him?" She asked.
"I've suspended my investigation for now." Conner said. After a while, the three teens left the store with Eric carrying some bags. "Anyway, tomorrow night is a family dinner, you're family, so you've got to be there." Conner said, continuing their conversation.
"You just want me there so I'll run interference so mom won't bring out the baby pictures. Like the one with mom bathing you in the sink." Eric smirked. Kira looked at him.
"Awww." She teased. "Can I see it?"
"No." Conner said, turning to her and then looking back at his brother. "ix-nay on the ictures-pay." He growled.
"You know what, I'll go, just to make sure mom does show that picture." Eric grinned.
"Thanks a lot." Conner sighed.
---
Kimberly, Tommy and Trini were bringing bags from the two cars. Trini had taken her things up as Kimberly and Tommy brought things into the house.
"Hey, Kim?" Tommy said as he set a bag down.
"Yeah?" She asked.
"I was wondering, well, that room you and Trini are staying in just has one bed and it seems kind of silly to have you two share it, so maybe…" He said, his voice trailing off. Kimberly gave him a look.
"What are you suggesting, Dr. Oliver?" She asked. Tommy's face instantly matched the color of his former ranger suit. (A/N: Red…not green. He's embarrassed, not getting sick.)
"No, no, not that." He said quickly. "I mean…you can take my room, and I'll sleep on the couch." Kimberly crossed her arms.
"Nice save." She smirked. Tommy chuckled.
"Thanks." He said.
"Anyway, I'd never dream of banishing you to the couch." She then grinned. "And as for that," she said, pausing. "I'll think about it." She said, picking up a bag and taking it upstairs, leaving Tommy slightly surprised and of course, hopeful.
---
Saturday quickly ended. Sunday afternoon rolled around and Conner was running around like a madman. Eric and Mrs. McKnight were sitting on the couch, watching him with amused expressions.
"Hey, bro, you better slow down or else you'll be to exhausted for dinner tonight." Eric pointed out. Conner didn't listen to him as he straightened up the house. He then walked up to them.
"Mom," he panted out as he tried to catch his breath. "Where are the photo albums?" He asked. Mrs. McKnight gave him a puzzled look.
"In the bookcase, same as they've always been." She said. "But, why-" Conner didn't give her a chance to finish before he made a beeline to the bookcase. Mrs. McKnight followed. "What in the world are you doing?" She asked. Conner pulled out all the photo albums.
"Just some insurance, don't want you embarrassing me with a baby picture show and tell." Conner explained.
"Conner Alan McKnight, what makes you think I'd ever embarrasses you?" She asked innocently. Conner gave her a look. She sighed. "Oh, honey, I'm sure Mr. And Mrs. Ford would like to see them."
"I doubt it." Conner said, and with that he went to hide the albums in his room. Mrs. McKnight sighed and went to the kitchen to start cooking dinner.
"Eric, can you set the table?" She asked from the kitchen.
"Sure." Eric said, getting up. After Conner hid the albums he took a shower and changed into black slacks and a red sweater over a white shirt. He carefully combed his hair, wanting to make the best impression on Kira's parents.
"Well, look at you." Came Eric's voice. Conner turned to see him standing in his doorway. Eric was wearing jeans and a white button down shirt.
"You changed." Conner observed. Eric shrugged.
"Yeah, well you want to come off as the perfect guy to Kira's folks, and I guess your twin brother dressed in a t-shirt wouldn't really help. Especially since they might mistake me for you at first. I mean, we both know Kira did." Eric said with a smirk. Conner glared at him.
"I'd beat you right now, but I'd rather not mess up my hair. But later, you better watch it." He warned. Eric chuckled and walked out. Pretty soon the doorbell rang, indicating the arrival of the Fords. Conner quickly made his way downstairs, nearly colliding with his mother who was coming out of her room. "Sorry mom." He said quickly as he took the stairs two steps at a time. Mrs. McKnight chuckled softly as Eric joined her and the two calmly followed Conner. The three McKnights gathered around the door.
"Well, are you going to open the door?" Eric asked his brother.
"Can't..Too nervous." Conner said. Mrs. McKnight rolled her eyes and walked up to the door, opening it. The sight that greeted them shocked Conner beyond belief. There stood Kira, but she certainly didn't look like Kira. She wasn't wearing the black eyeliner and general normal Kira attire. Instead, she wore subtle makeup and a yellow dress with her hair pulled back in a hairclip. Behind her stood Mr. And Mrs. Ford. Mrs. McKnight smiled at them and greeted them as she stepped aside to let them in.
"It's so nice to finally meet you." Mrs. McKnight said to Kira's parents. Mrs. Ford smiled.
"Yes, it's nice to finally meet you too." She said. Kira smiled and walked over to stand by Conner and Eric. Conner was still in his shocked/nervous trance and had yet to say anything. Kira gently squeezed his hand, bringing him back to reality.
"Oh, uh, yeah. Thanks for coming over." He stammered out nervously. Kira's parents looked at Conner and Eric.
"So, which one of you two is dating my baby girl?" Mr. Ford asked, his eyes saying that whichever one of the boys answered would not be his favorite person in the world.
"Jake." Mrs. Ford reprimanded. She looked at them. She knew right away which was which. "You must be Eric, Conner's brother. Kira's told us about you." She said, shaking Eric's hand.
"Really? Because Kira never mentioned she had a lovely younger sister." Eric said with a smile, laying on the charm. Mrs. Ford giggled softly.
"Why don't we all go sit…..in the living room?" Conner blurted out, his voice quivering slightly. Mrs. McKnight bit her cheek to keep from laughing.
"Yes, why don't we do that?" She suggested. The two families made their way to the living room. Conner sat in the loveseat. Kira went to sit beside him but her father "accidentally" blocked her way, making her sit on the couch with him and her mother. Mrs. McKnight sat beside Conner and Eric sat on one of the easy chairs. The parents began making idle chitchat, with Eric chiming in every so often, leaving Conner and Kira sitting there, both feeling embarrassed and awkward. Mrs. McKnight saw that the two of them were quiet.
"Kira, why don't you help Conner get some drinks for us all?" She suggested.
"Sure." Kira said, standing up. Conner looked at his mother. He mouthed 'thank you' and got up, leading Kira to the kitchen. The two of them went into the kitchen and she stood by the counter as Conner brought out six glasses. "You okay?" She asked, seeing how Conner was avoiding her gaze.
"Uh huh, yeah……Just dealing with the fact that your dad most likely wants my head on a stick." He sighed. Kira gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Sorry about that." She said. "Ever since that…well, you know……thing happened, he's been very protective of me when it comes to boys." She said, referring to her near death experience with Harold. Conner looked at her.
"It's okay. I understand." He said. "Wait, how many other boys have their been?" He asked warily. Kira bit her lip.
"Not a lot, since they get scared off by my dad."
"I'm looking for a number here." Conner said, crossing his arms.
"All right, all right, it was just one other guy, a couple of months after it happened. It was just some guy who was in my band."
"And what happened to this guy?" Conner asked.
"We never went out again, he left the band, and I think he joined a monastery." Kira joked. Conner let out a breath.
"So not helping in the make your boyfriend feel better department." Conner said. Conner began putting ice in the cups.
"Oh, my mom doesn't like ice in her drinks." Kira said after he had put ice in all of the cups. Conner took one of the cups and dumped the ice out in the sink. He turned back to Kira.
"Anyway, don't worry. I have no intentions of joining a monastery." Conner said. Kira smiled and walked over to him, putting her arms around his waist.
"I'm pretty sure that after my dad sees you for the decent guy you are, he'll ease up." Kira assured him. At that moment, they heard Mr. Ford laugh at something Eric had said.
"Either that, or he'll wish you were dating the other brother." Conner sighed as he poured soda in all the cups. He grabbed a tray they had nearby and loaded the cups onto it. Kira held the swinging door open for him as he carefully brought out the drinks. Before he made his way out, he looked at her. "By the way, love the outfit." He smirked. Kira gave him a mean look.
"Haha." She said dryly. Conner chuckled as he walked to the living room. Kira grabbed the ice-less cup and handed it to her mother.
"Thank you." She said. Kira handed another cup to her father and took one for herself as she sat down. Conner handed Eric and his mother cups and then took one for himself.
"So, Conner," Mrs. Ford began. "Kira's told us you play soccer." She said. Conner took a sip of his soda and set it down on the coffee table.
"Yes ma'am."
"Football is more of a man's game, isn't it?" Mr. Ford asked.
"Dad!" "Jake!" Both Ford women said at the same time. Conner simply laughed softly and let it roll off his back.
"Ya got me." He said. "I'm not one for the whole killing each other factor from football." He smiled. Kira gave Conner a smile.
"Well, I know I've enjoyed knowing that any injuries he might get in soccer are minimal, unlike football." Mrs. McKnight said, patting her son on the knee.
"You're right, football is a bit of a brutal game." Mrs. Ford said.
"Here, here." Mrs. McKnight said. She took a sip of her drink. Mr. Ford looked at Eric.
"What about you? You a man's man?" He asked. Mrs. McKnight choked on her drink. She coughed.
"Mom, you all right?" Conner asked, patting her back gently. She set her drink down and nodded.
"Yes, yes, sorry." She said. Eric looked at her then back at Mr. Ford. "Why don't we go and start dinner?" Mrs. McKnight suggested.
"Great idea, mom." Eric said quickly. Everyone stood up and went to the table. "Mom, why don't I help you bring in the food?" He said, going to the kitchen with her, leaving Conner and the Fords.
"So, Conner, are you planning on making a career of soccer?" Mr. Ford asked.
"Well, that is a dream of mine. But I know that professional sports can be a fickle thing, not to mention very hard to get into, so I'm keeping my head in schoolwork for now." He said, silently praying that was an acceptable response.
"Well, that is very wise and responsible of you." Mrs. Ford said with a smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Ford." He said. Soon Eric and Mrs. McKnight came back in, bringing in the platters. After all of them were on the table, they sat down.
"Mrs. McKnight, dinner looks delicious." Kira said.
"Why thank you, Kira." Mrs. McKnight said. They all began filling their plates with food and began to eat.
"Hmmm, it doesn't just look delicious, it tastes wonderful." Mrs. Ford said.
"I agree. Margaret, you should definitely get the recipe for these mashed potatoes, they're amazing." Mr. Ford said.
"Are you suggesting my mashed potatoes aren't amazing?" Mrs. Ford asked. Mr. Ford's face paled, not meaning to insult his wife cooking.
"I.."
"Mrs. Ford, I'm sure your potatoes are simply to die for." Eric said. Mrs. Ford smiled.
"Thank you, Eric." She said. Kira leaned over to Conner.
"Is it just me or did that just sound so totally wrong?" Kira whispered to him.
"Nope, I picked up on it too." He whispered back. The two families continued their meal. After they were done, Mrs. McKnight began to clear the plates. Kira slid her chair back.
"Let me help you with those, Mrs. McKnight." She offered. Mrs. McKnight smiled.
"It's all right, dear, you're our guest. Just sit and relax." She insisted.
"Are you sure?" Kira asked.
"I think mom's implying that we help." Eric said to Conner. Everyone laughed as the two McKnight boys help clear the table. The three of them disappeared into the kitchen. Kira turned to her father.
"Dad, can you please tone down the hostility towards my boyfriend?" Kira hissed.
"Yes, really Jake. You're scaring the poor boy." Mrs. Ford said.
"That's the plan." Mr. Ford said.
"Dad." Kira said, making her voice stern. "Look, I really like Conner and I don't want you scaring him off."
"Is it a crime for a father to be concerned for his daughter?" Mr. Ford asked innocently. Kira groaned.
"Mom, help me out here." She pleaded.
"Jake, dear, if you're so concerned about Conner, why don't you talk to him?" Mrs. Ford said, trying to play peacemaker between the two important people in her life.
"I've been talking to him." Mr. Ford said.
"No, you've been attacking him." Kira pointed out. "Don't make me make the face." She warned. Mr. Ford looked at her.
"Kira-"
"You better listen to her." Mrs. Ford said.
"I'm not-" Mr. Ford began, objecting to this. Kira cut him off by frowning and making big puppy dog eyes at her father. It was the one perk that came with being an only child, plus an only daughter-her father melted when she made that face.
"It's not going to work." Mr. Ford said, holding his ground. "Mar-" He began, looking to his wife for support, only to see her making the same face. "Oh, come on!" He groaned. It was one thing for his daughter to do it, but for his daughter and wife to do it was just torture. He couldn't say no to that. "Fine." He said. Kira smiled.
"Great, I'll go get Conner." She said. She got up and went to the kitchen. The McKnights were busy loading the dishwasher. "Conner?" She said. Conner looked up.
"Yeah?" He asked.
"My dad wants to talk to you." She said. Conner's face instantly filled with fear.
"Is that code for he wants to kill me?" He asked. Kira rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand. "Come on, just go for a walk with him." She said. Conner looked at Eric.
"Good luck, bro." Eric said. Conner sighed and let Kira lead him out.
---
Conner and Mr. Ford left the house and were walking down the street in silence.
"Just so you know, Kira insisted that I talk to you." Mr. Ford said. Conner sighed.
"I figured."
"My daughter likes you a lot." Mr. Ford said. "But I don't."
"Again, I figured." Conner said. The two found themselves in the park. Conner stopped and looked at Mr. Ford. "Mr. Ford, sir, I understand that you want to protect Kira, really I do."
"Well, glad you understand that." Mr. Ford said.
"I do. And, I hope you'll understand that I really care about Kira." He saw a bench and led Mr. Ford to it, he gestured for the man to have a seat. They both sat down. "Kira told me about what happened between her and that guy, Harold, and I just want you to know that I would never do that. I mean, when Kira told me what he did to her, I felt sick to my stomach."
"Kira told you?" Mr. Ford asked.
"Yes sir." Conner nodded. Mr. Ford sat back, processing this.
"Kira wouldn't just tell anyone about this. I guess you mean a lot to her." Mr. Ford said. The fact that Kira had told Conner what had happened drove it home to him. Conner wasn't just some fling. It looked like he might be around for a while.
"And she means a lot to me." Conner said, bringing him out of his thoughts. Conner sighed. "But I know you're her father, and I'm just her boyfriend, so of course the two don't compare." Conner added. "I don't want to cause any problems between you two, and if you aren't comfortable with this, I'll….." Conner took a deep breath. "I'll respect your wishes and stop seeing your daughter." Conner almost had to force that sentence out. He loved Kira, there was no part of him that wanted to let her go, but he didn't want to make Mr. Ford uncomfortable or angry. Conner leaned against his knees, preparing himself for the worse. Mr. Ford looked at him. He realized that Conner meant it.
"Well, now, I can't have that. I mean, if you do that, Kira would most likely be miserable and never speak to me again." Mr. Ford finally said. Conner's eyes widened and he looked at him. "Now, I can expect you to treat my little girl with respect, right?" Conner nodded fiercely.
"Of course, sir." Conner said. "The utmost respect."
"Well, I guess we should head back." Mr. Ford said. Conner smiled as they headed back to the house. As they went to open the door, it swung open to reveal Eric.
"Just so you know, I had absolutely nothing to do with this." Eric said.
"Nothing to do with what?" Conner asked.
"Oh, how precious!" Came Mrs. Ford's voice. Mr. Ford and Conner walked in. Conner paled at the sight before him. His mother was sitting on the couch with Kira and Mrs. Ford on either side of her. She had a photo album on her lab and the other two women were looking at the pictures.
"How.." Conner asked, his voice coming out in a squeak.
"She had one of the albums hidden." Eric said.
"I knew I should've taken inventory before I hid the other ones." Conner groaned.
"She's showing them pictures of both of us." Eric said. Mr. Ford couldn't help chuckle.
"And this one is my favorite. Eric and Conner were being my little cowboys." Mrs. McKnight laughed.
"Oh no, not that…" Conner groaned.
"Oh yeah, that." Eric groaned. Kira stood up and walked over to Conner and Eric, wrapping her arms around Conner's waist.
"Any particular reason you two are wearing just the hats?" She asked them. The two of them remembered that picture well. They were both lying on their stomachs on a blanket, barely one year old, with little cowboy hats on their heads.
"I'll tell you after I tell Ethan about what you're wearing now." Conner countered.
"Okay, shutting up now." Kira said.
"Figured as much." Conner said, kissing her forehead.
--
"Wait, let me get this straight, his mom brought out the baby pictures?" Ethan asked between chuckles. He was sitting in the lunchroom with Kira the following day.
"Uh huh." She laughed. She looked up and saw Conner and Eric walking over. "Shh, shh!" She said, quieting him down so they didn't know she had told Ethan. Conner sat down next to her and Eric took the spot next to Ethan.
"Hey guys." Conner said. Ethan snorted, his laughter escaping.
"Howdy cowboys!" He laughed. Eric and Conner glared at Kira.
"You told him?!" They both said.
"Sorry, it slipped." Kira said. Conner narrowed his eyes and looked at Ethan.
"Well, you should've seen what she was wearing last night." Conner said. Kira chuckled.
"You're too late." She said. "I already told him that my mom forced me to be all girly."
"Bro, I officially hate your girlfriend." Eric said.
"Right there with ya, man." Conner groaned. Kira laughed.
"You don't hate me." She said to Conner.
"Oh yes I do." Conner said. Kira leaned in and gave him a passionate kiss.
"Yes you do what?" She asked after they pulled apart.
"What was I saying again?" Conner asked. Kira giggled and leaned her head against his shoulder.
---
A week passed and Conner had taken up the investigation on Eric again, but he had yet to find out what was going on.
"Maybe there's nothing going on." Kira said. She and Conner were talking by the soccer field in the park on a Saturday afternoon.
"I don't buy that. He's hiding something, I know it." Conner said. "I just wish he'd tell me what it was." Kira put an arm around his shoulders.
"If there is something going on, I'm sure he'll tell you." She said, kissing his cheek. "Hey, how about I go get us some hotdogs?" She suggested. Conner smiled.
"Sounds good." He said. He reached into his pocket to get money. Kira shook her head.
"I got it." She said.
"Are you sure? I mean-"
"Conner, if you're going to pull the whole 'I'm the guy, I must pay' thing, I'll be forced to hurt you." She said, cutting him off. Conner laughed.
"All right." He said.
---
Naomi and Trent were sitting in his house, watching T.V. Trent was busy flipping channels, not really acknowledging her. Naomi looked at him.
"Well, as stimulating as watching you channel surf is, I think I'm going to go." Naomi sighed, standing up.
"Going to go hang out wit Ethan?" Trent asked, his eyes still on the T.V. Naomi sighed. He had been doing this jealousy dance for days.
"Trent, I'm not going to dignify your jealousy with a response." She said. She went to the door. In an instant, Trent was right by her. He grabbed her wrist in a tight grip, making her turn to face him.
"You're not going anywhere." He growled. Naomi struggled to pull out of his grasp.
"Trent, let me go, you're hurting me." She said, scared. Trent ignored her.
"You're my girlfriend, and you're not going to go behind my back with some other guy." Trent hissed.
"I haven't gone behind your back about anything." Naomi said, still trying to get out of his grip. "Now let me go." She ordered. Trent blinked and quickly let her go. Naomi stepped back, rubbing her sore wrists. Trent stared at her. "I'm out of here." Naomi said as she quickly left the house. Trent took several deep breaths. What just happened? He asked himself. Since when have I felt possessive of Naomi? It's not like I have actual feelings for her. Trent sat down with a sigh.
---
Kira paid the hot dog vender at the park as she picked up the cardboard carrier that held the hot dogs she got for herself and Conner and picked up the two soda cans.
"Thank you." The vendor said as he handed Kira her change.
"Have a nice day." Kira said. She went to go back to Conner when she almost bumped into someone. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry." Kira said, stopping short. She looked up to see a man who looked like he was middle-aged with dark short hair that was speckled with a few gray hairs.
"That's quite all right." The man said. He stepped aside and kept walking. Kira walked to the soccer field and sat down beside Conner. She put the hotdogs between them and handed him a can of soda. Conner smiled.
"Thanks." He said. He leaned over and kissed her on the lips softly. Kira kissed him back and the two began eating their lunch. Later that night, the two of them went back to Conner's house and were now in his room with Eric. She sat with them on the floor as the two brothers played video games.
"Where's your mom?" Kira asked the two of them.
"She went to some business dinner or something." Eric said, his eyes still glued to the screen, shrugging.
"Oh." Kira said. Kira sat back and watched them play for another hour or so. They decided it was enough for the moment and shut off the game. Conner turned to the other two.
"So, should we order pizza?" Conner asked.
"Sounds good to me." Eric said.
"Uh huh." Kira said. The three teens made their way downstairs. Just as Conner was about to pick up the phone to order, the doorbell rang.
"Whoa, that was weird." Conner said. He walked to the door and opened it, and was shocked to see who was there. "D-Dad?" He stammered. Eric and Kira heard him. Eric looked down and sat down at the kitchen counter. Kira went out to see a man walk into the house. Kira was a little surprised to see it was the man she had nearly bumped into in the park. The man smiled at Conner.
"It's good to see you, son." He said. He caught sight of Kira. "Oh, hello." He said. Conner looked over at Kira.
"Oh, sorry, this is Kira, my girlfriend." Conner said, still trying to get over the shock of seeing his father there.
"We met in the park." Kira said. "Well, I mean, I didn't know he was your dad." Kira added. Conner looked at his father.
"So, what are you doing here?" He asked. "Did you want to talk to Eric?"
"No it-"
"I'll get him." Kira said. She disappeared into the kitchen and came back with Eric. His eyes were glued to the floor.
"I actually came to talk to you." Mr. McKnight said to Conner. Kira noticed that he didn't even look at Eric.
"I'll be in my room if anyone needs me." Eric muttered. He couldn't have walked up those stairs any faster. Kira stared at his retreating form with a confused expression.
"Oh." Conner said. "Do you want to sit?" Conner asked. Mr. McKnight nodded and the two sat in the living room.
"I'll leave you two alone." Kira said. She went to go talk to Eric. Mr. McKnight watched her leave and looked at Conner.
"She seems nice, a little to much eye makeup though." He said.
"Dad, I'm sure you didn't come to Reefside to meet and criticize my girlfriend." Conner said.
"You're right, I'm sorry." He said. "Quit acting so suspicious. Is it a crime for a man to want to see his son?"
"Sons, you mean." Conner said. "Right?" He asked. Mr. McKnight remained silent.
---
Kira walked into Eric's room to see him shoving clothes into a duffel bag.
"Eric?" She asked. "What are you doing?"
"Packing, what does it look like?" He said, not looking at her. His voice sounded off, as if he was on the verge of an emotional breakdown. "I don't think I'm going to be wanted around here much longer." He said. Kira made another confused face and walked over to him.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, touching his shoulder, forcing him to look at her. Eric stared at her. His chin quivered as he sat down on his bed. He held his face in his hands and started to cry. Kira sat beside him. "Eric, what is it?" She asked.
--
"Fine, I'll admit, I did have another reason for coming here." Mr. McKnight finally said. Conner looked at him, waiting for him to continue. "I was wondering, how would you like to move to Blue Bay and live with me?" He asked. Conner's eyes widened and his mouth fell open, unsure how to respond to that.
"Wh-What?" He asked. "Wh-Why?"
"Can't a father want his son to live with him?" Mr. McKnight asked. Conner narrowed his eyes.
"What, is this some McKnight son switch-up? You had Eric for nearly a decade, and now you're bored with him and want the other twin?" Conner asked.
"What? Of course not!" Mr. McKnight said.
"Well, I can't go. My friends are here. My school is here. My girlfriend is here." Conner said. Not to mention, I'm a power ranger here. He thought to himself.
"You'll get new friends, new school, and a new girlfriend." Mr. McKnight said. Conner glared at him.
"I don't want new friends or new school, and definitely not a new girlfriend." Conner said. Mr. McKnight was beginning to get angry.
"Conner, I don't want you staying here."
"What are you talking about? I live here!"
"Well, I don't like how things are in this house now." Mr. McKnight said.
"What? I don't know what the hell you're talking about. I think you should leave." Conner said. Mr. McKnight jumped to his feet.
"I will not just go and leave you here to be corrupted by your brother!" He yelled. Conner looked at him.
"What?"
"Eric is a sick disturbed boy, and I'm not going to let him influence you."
"What are you talking about?" Conner asked. Did his father know what was going on with Eric?
"The fact that your mother thinks it's perfectly all right to have him here makes me sick." Mr. McKnight rambled on, completely furious.
"Mom knows?" Conner said, letting his curiosity get the best of him.
"Of course she knows. Your sissy brother told her after I kicked his ass out of my house."
"You kicked him out?" Conner asked.
"Of course I did, why the hell would I want that freak in my house?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Conner demanded, not understanding what was going on at all. Mr. McKnight turned to him.
"What? You mean, you don't know?" He asked.
"Know what?" Conner asked, getting frustrated.
"Your brother is a sick pervert."
"What? What do you mean?" Conner asked.
"He's a fucking faggot!" Mr. McKnight yelled.
---
Kira and Eric could hear what was going on downstairs. Kira's eyes widened as she looked at Eric who sobbed into his hands even harder. Conner was right, there was something up with Eric. She thought.
"Eric." She whispered softly. She put her arms around him. "It's okay, it's okay."
----
Conner's eyes widened. Mr. McKnight continued speaking.
"I walked in to my house and saw it going on. It was going on in my own house! He and some boy were in his room." Mr. McKnight looked like the mere memory of that was about to make him sick. Conner blinked, trying to process this new information. Well, I guess that ends the investigation. Eric's gay. He thought to himself.