'Welcome to Sherman Oaks'

With his head leaning up against the window, Carver watched as his former life passed him by. He could feel Aaron looking over at him, stealing glances while he drove. Carver had stayed silent for most of his talk with Aaron and Ana. It was understandable that Aaron didn't know what to say to him. The talk had answered all his questions. Aaron Needleman had once lived in Fresno a long time ago when his mother moved him there after a messy divorce where she had lost a lot of money and time. He had grown up three blocks away from Carver's mother and the two had become fast friends, sharing a deep bond that no one could break. Both had had dreams of a bright future. Both had wanted more than Fresno. They had planned to leave right after high school when she met Darren and fell in love. She changed their plans just like that and Aaron left town. He found his way to Sherman Oaks where he started a life of his own. It was only after Darren had left that Carver's mother contacted him and they met up to catch up. He tried to help her financially but she wouldn't take his money. She just wanted to know he'd be there for her and her children. And that was why she had left Carver to Aaron. She had wanted a better life for him that she knew Aaron could and would provide. Carver almost couldn't believe the story. It was like he almost couldn't process the information he was given. The goodbyes earlier that morning had been like a flash…like a dream. Even now, leaving Fresno, he didn't quite believe this was reality.

"You ever been to Sherman Oaks?"

Carver looked over to Aaron as he finally spoke. It was clear he was nervous. He gripped the steering wheel tightly. There was a silence for a moment before Carver finally spoke: "No. I heard about it from some people." Aaron nodded, content with the answer. The silence continued until Aaron could get the courage to ask enough question.

"It's really beautiful. I mean don't let the expensive houses and giant swimming pools fool you, we have our problems too, but it's really…paradise."

Carver nodded, offering a smile to the nervous man who sat beside him. Apparently the smile had comforted Aaron because he continued. "When I first came to Sherman Oaks from here, I was just blown away. It's like a completely different world. I don't even know to describe it. But you'll like it. Of course you'll like it." Carver didn't respond this time. His mind was elsewhere.

"You mom loved it when she came. I think she wished she'd ended up there."

The sudden mention of his mother, made Carver slip back into reality. "When did she go?" he questioned.

"We always met there. I don't think she wanted me to come back to Fresno. I haven't been back there in ages…I mean before today."

Carver wondered why his mother had never mentioned the visits. He had always thought she told him everything. There were no secrets between them. But obviously he had been wrong. The only thing is he didn't understand why. Looking at Aaron, he felt comforted though. For once, he felt at ease and he figured that the only right thing to do was to make conversation. "So…what do you do there?"

"I'm a lawyer. Defense attorney actually. Not the most glamorous job in the world, but my wife's the glamorous one," Aaron replied, welcoming the sudden conversation. The boy next to seemed quiet to say the least, but not in a bad way. He seemed deep in thought and that, Aaron didn't have a problem with.

"Your wife…"

"Editor in chief of 'Bliss' Magazine. I told you. Glamorous."

Carver smiled slightly. Tales of a normal happy family were new to him. But then again, this whole thing was new to him. Aaron seemed more relaxed now after their short conversation and leaned back in the driver's seat a bit.

"So your mother told me you liked art?"

"Just a hobby."

Aaron smiled. "Your mom also told me you were humble." He watched as Carver looked away. It was striking the way the boy looked like his mother. It was just the little things. The way he looked back at Aaron or the way he spoke. It was clear Carver was nothing like Darren and Aaron, for one, appreciated that.

"I like it…I don't know how good I am."

"Maybe you can turn my son into an artist. He's sixteen too and he's got his heart set on being a filmmaker. Afraid he'll go mainstream."

The word son had surprised Carver. Not that he was surprised that Aaron had a son, but that it had taken this long for him to mention the boy. Carver suddenly felt like he was imposing on a family. And that he didn't want. He had already imposed on the Nunezes. "Son?" he questioned, looking away.

"Yep. Two of them actually. Cameron and Jake. Cam is eighteen and Jake is the mini Steven Spielberg. But don't tell him I told you that, ok?" Aaron replied with a short laugh. Carver was only half listening. He had one been lost in his own thoughts, but his attention had been caught by the sign announcing their arrival in Sherman Oaks. It was sudden blast of perfection. Beaches, country clubs, bikini clad girl. Carver had never seen anything like it before. Aaron picked up on this and laughed again.

"Told you you'd like it."

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