2005

Marc's pupils widened. He couldn't believe it.

"It's a..uh pleasure.." Charlie, filled with emotion said while putting out his hand, which Marc took. David was joyous that his two sons had finally met.

"Same here" Marc couldn't think of anything else to say.

"So I've been told that you go to Pomona college?" Charlie remarked in the form of a question.

"Yeah, I'm majoring in lit."

"I've got a colleague who went there" Charlie commented.

"Marc's had stuff published!" David remarked proudly.

"A magazine article or two" the young man told him modestly.

"Let's go somewhere for lunch!" David suggested.

2004

With a sigh, Don hung up the phone, and put it back in its case. Sometimes it felt like he carried the burden for both himself and Charlie. The agent found it unfair that while he had given up a high ranking post, a marriage, and the life he had built in new Mexico, Charlie got to live in his own little world, with the blessing of their mother.

Back at the house, Alan seethed inwardly at his youngest son."After all she has done for you, Charlie! And you can't be bothered to spend a little time!" He hoped that Don could talk some sense into Charlie.

Margaret figured out what he was feeling, and told him.

"Thats the way his mind works, Alan."She tried to explain while putting a hand on his shoulder."You need to understand that! Especially if..."

The retiree interupted her, abruptly, and said firmly. "You are going to get through this! Just like last time!" He could not accept the possibility of losing her. She was everything to him.

Margaret, had a feeling that he was wrong, but said. "Just try to be more understanding towards Charlie."

2005

They went in Marc's car to a hole in the wall place that served Argentinian food.

"You guys are gonna love it!" the writer promised as the server seated them in the middle of the place.

"What kind of food do you like, Charlie" David asked.

"All kinds" Charlie answered.

"So do we!"Marc said. "Have you had Argentinian food"

"No."

"It is very meat based" Marc explained. "I really recommend the churrasco. It is a type of steak, that you eat with a special sauce. Or you can get some empanadas, which are kinda like mini meat pies, which can also have chicken, ham, or even cheese. Actually, in a way, empanadas are, in a way, more like Italian calzones."

"Sounds great!"Charlie said, happy that he could share a meal with David and Marc.

Soon, they all ordered.

"I love the atmosphere" David commented. "Very homey, yet light."

"Always the artist" Marc teased affectionatly.

When the food came, Charlie had a very interesting surprise in his meal.

TBC