Chapter 1 – The Dot

I sat at the table, ripping up a napkin into little pieces out of boredom.

My dad leaned over and placed his hand on mine. "Honey, stop. You're making a mess."

I rolled my eyes, let go of the rest of the napkin, and put my hands in my lap.

The waiter walked over to us and introduced himself.

"Hello, my name is Gavin and I'll be your waiter. Is there anything I can get for you?"

"A gun would be nice," I said smiling sarcastically. Dad shot me a look before ordering.

"I'll have a cheeseburger and a coke."

The waiter looked at me with a smirk on his face. "We don't have any guns, but would you also like a burger?"

"Amusing, really," I rolled my eyes, "Actually, I'll just have a Caesar salad and a water."

Gavin nodded and walked back to the kitchen.

"I'm not really fond of your attitude Parker."

"Well I'm not really fond of yours either," I snapped. He sighed and leaned back in his chair.

That's dad for you. Can't face a problem head on, always running away from everything.

"You need to change."

I looked at him confused.

"Change? I have changed. I changed this morning."

Dad shook his head. "No, that's not what I mean. This whole 'goth' persona you have. We're in a new place, why don't you go with a new look?"

"Well, what can I say dad? I fear change. Besides, mom liked my black hair anyway. She said it suited me."

"Suited you? Honey, looking dead doesn't suit anyone."

I grabbed the napkin and began tearing at it again.

"It suits mom, apparently," I mumbled to myself.

Dad sighed, "Parker, don't start this with me."

"Dad, maybe if we just talked about her—"

"—Don't do this. Not here."

"—maybe things would be easier—"

"Stop it, please."

"—what harm could it do?"

"We're not going to talk about this right now."

"Why not? Mom would never approve of this."

"Damnit Parker! I said stop!" He yelled as he slammed his fist on the table, causing everyone in the restaurant to quiet down and look over at us.

Gavin slowly walked over to us. "Um, you had the Caesar salad right?"

I nodded. He put the salad in front me then put the burger in front of my dad.

"I'll, um, I'll be right back with your drinks."

I covered my face with my hands in embarrassment. This new "life" my dad wanted didn't seem to be going well. And I didn't think it was going to get any better.

A/N... Well, I didn't get as many reviews as I'd hoped, but I thought I'd post the chapter anyway. I hope you like it!