Chapter 17

"This House is not a Home"

Lucas returned home and was surprised to find his bags packed and sitting by the door. He ran up to his room and saw that all of his things had been taken out. When he went back downstairs he found Dan standing by the front door. "So you're kicking me out?" he asked as he stood on the bottom step.

"I'm not kicking you out…Deb is. She's kicking us both out."

"I don't believe you," Lucas said as he stepped off the stair. "I'm going to see Deb."

Lucas started towards the kitchen but Dan grabbed his arm to stop him. "No, you're not." Lucas tried to pull away but Dan held on tighter. When he wouldn't stop fighting Dan let go of him, causing him to fall to the floor, and taking a vase with him.

Deb came running into the hallway when she heard the crash and gasped when she saw Lucas on the floor amongst all the glass. "What the hell happened?" she demanded.

Dan shrugged his shoulders. "He tripped."

Deb knew that Dan was lying but she didn't question him about him. "Can I have a moment alone with Lucas?" she asked.

"I'm going to load the car," Dan responded.

When he was gone Deb led Lucas into the kitchen. She felt terrible when she saw the look of hurt on his face. "Why are you kicking me out?" Lucas asked with tears in his eyes.

Deb shook her head. "I'm not throwing you out, Lucas. Dan and I are getting separated and he's moving into the beach house. I wanted you to stay here, but he's insisting on taking you with him. I have no choice but to let him…he's your father, Lucas."

"Please let me stay," Lucas begged as tears slid down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, but I can't. I can promise that I'll be there for you. Just call me if you need anything." Deb pulled Lucas into a hug and held him tight.

"Hurry up…we have to go!" Dan shouted from the hallway.

Deb pulled free from Lucas. "It won't be that bad."

The drive to the beach house was awkward and silent. When they reached the beach house Dan showed Lucas to his room, and that's where he stayed until he was called down to dinner. When he entered the dining room he found the table set with two plates. Lucas stared at the food; it looked so good.

"I hope you don't think I cooked for you," Dan said as he entered the dining room with a glass of wine in his hand.

Lucas took a seat. "Why would I think that?"

"I ordered in from Antonio's, so just sit down and eat."

Lucas did as he was told and started eating the salad. Dan couldn't help but notice the way he picked out all the fancy lettuce. He was sure that Lucas had never been to a place like Antonio's before. Then he noticed the way Lucas just stared at the shrimp scampi. He looked like he was afraid to touch it.

"Are you trying to kill me?" Lucas finally asked.

"What are you talking about?" Dan demanded angrily.

"I'm allergic to shellfish," Lucas responded in a calm tone. "I had a bad reaction one time when I was younger."

"Just eat the bread then," Dan responded in a cold tone.

"I hope you didn't put rat poison in it," Lucas said jokingly. He was trying to break the ice, but it wasn't working as Dan just glared at him.

When they were all done eating Lucas went back up to his room to finish unpacking. Dan remained seated at the table and stared at Lucas' untouched plate. He felt bad that he didn't know anything about Lucas, but it was his own fault. He chose to abandon Lucas and not be a part of his life. It was a choice that he would always regret making.

As Lucas finished unpacking his things he realized that his life had just gone from bad to worse. Dan didn't give a damn about him, and reminded him everyday. He had given up all hope of having a relationship with his father.

Dan hadn't heard a sound from Lucas since he went up to his room. That was over three hours ago, and he was getting a little worried; though he would never admit it to anyone. He decided to go upstairs and check on him, and was surprised when he found Lucas sound asleep with an opened book across his chest. As he got closer he saw that Lucas was reading Steinbeck. He placed the book on the nightstand, careful not to lose Lucas' page, then he covered Lucas with the comforter, and stared at him a few moments; taking note of how innocent he looked. He closed the light and left his son to sleep in peace.

This chapter is titled after the song "Home" by Three Days Grace