Disclaimer: I don't own them, and if I did I'd be rich.

Author's Note: I want to thank everyone for their reviews! I have to admit something. At this point in the story, I have no plot. I am simply writing whatever comes to mind. So if you have a problem with something, please don't flame me. My ears are open for any ideas on this story. But to my faithful fans, I thank you for you're vote of confidence. THIS IS NOT THE LAST CHAPTER EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS AT THE END OF THIS ONE…I HAVE A GREAT ENDING IN MIND, SO STAY TUNED!

By the way I'M COLLEGE BOUND! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

clears throat I'm okay now. Sorry if it takes me an eternity to post the next chapter. PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!

Chapter 8

Over the next few days, Trent gradually improved. He began eating more and his curiosity returned. After the heartfelt conversation with Anton, he decided that he would try to move on. It was still very painful for him, but this time, he knew that he was not alone.

After the adoption had become legal, Anton and Trent drove into town. (They have not yet moved to Reefside, that doesn't happen for a few more years.) This was the first time that Trent had seen the outside of Anton's house; he had been indoors for about a month. The town was about twenty minutes away from where they lived.

Anton showed Trent some sights before stopping at a diner for a lunch break. Anton took note of what Trent liked to eat for future references; Trent, on the other hand, was too hungry to notice the fact that he was being studied.

He still couldn't believe that it had only been a month since coming to Anton's house. And his birthday was right around the corner! Trent's hopes fell when he figured that Anton probably didn't even know when his birthday was. He was still too shy to mention it. So he sat in silence and ate, only to speak up if Anton were to question him or make small talk.

"I've made sure that you kept your original last name in accordance with mine. So your full name will now be Trent Fernandez-Mercer."

"Thank you. You have no idea what that means to me."

"Well, I think I have a pretty good idea. Besides, I know your parents would have wanted it that way."

Sometimes, Trent felt guilty, as if he were the one responsible for what happened to his parents. He was almost certain that they would still be here if it wasn't for him. A part of him screamed that it was his fault for wanting to go on the stupid dig. That was the only reason why they went that fateful day. Even if he was slowly overcoming his grief, there was still a lot of pain.

When they were nearly finished with their meal, Anton glanced at his watch and abruptly excused himself from the table. Trent watched him with curiosity. Anton went outside and pulled out his cell phone. Who was he talking to? Probably just another business associate. He was just recently introduced to his father's business occupation.

After Anton paid the bill, they left the diner. When they were about a mile away from Anton's house, he pulled the car over to the side of the road.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No. I just ask for your cooperation."

Anton pulled out a black piece of cloth and held it up to Trent's face.

"A blindfold? What for?" Trent cried out in alarm. What was going on? What on earth was Anton Mercer up to?

"Please, don't ask any questions. Just put it on."

"Not until I know why!"

"It's a surprise. I can't tell you anymore than that."

Trent uneasily tied the blindfold over his eyes. He was still very unsure of the situation. His every nerve was on fight or flight mode. What kind of surprise requires a blindfold?

The rest of the ride to the house, Trent constantly fidgeted. He couldn't help it! Who wouldn't be fidgety when someone wants you blindfolded without so much as a clue to why? It could be any surprise, even an unpleasant one at that. When the car stopped and Anton announced that they were there, Trent nearly jumped straight through the roof of the car. Man, he really needed to chill.

Anton was amused by the whole thing.

Trent was led through the house by Anton until they stopped and he was instructed to close his eyes. He felt the blindfold drop off and had to fight the urge to open them.

"Okay, you can look now."

Trent's eyes flew open and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. His room was filled with all of his belongings from his old home! He couldn't believe his eyes.

Trent had to remember to breath, before choking out an emotion filled thank-you.

"But where did you, how did you, how?"

"Well, I looked up the address to your house that your parents gave to me a long time ago. After talking to the proper authorities, they allowed me to arrange this for you. I figured it would make you feel more at home."

"Thank you. I don't know what else to say."

"Then don't say anything at all. Happy Birthday Trent."

Anton smiled at him before walking back to his office to get some more work done.

Trent smiled as well, for this was the best birthday present of his young life.