*Several minutes later *
We arrived at a small Chili's that was thankfully not busy today. The waitress took us to an open booth. Happily handing us our menus, the waitress, who looked to be in her early 20s, asked us what would we like to drink. Andrew shyly ordered a Coca Cola, and I ordered a raspberry tea. I smiled at him. "Son, there's no need to act shy. Go ahead and get anything you like as long. As it doesn't break my bank, it's fine," I assured him.
"Oh, okay. Thanks," he muttered. A couple of minutes later, the waitress returned to take our orders. I ordered a chicken salad, and Andrew ordered a BBQ bacon burger. After she took our orders, the waitress scurried off to deliver them to the cooks.
There was a awkward silence between Andrew and I and to break the ice and try to atleast make the atmosphere around us bearable I decided to make small chat and try to get to know my student some more. "So Andrew, how's your mother? Will she be able to make it to the parent-teacher conference coming up?" I asked.
Andrew grew quiet and fidgeted in his seat uncomfortably. ''No…" he muttered
"Why?" I asked I don't know what possessed me to say that out loud. I really meant to say this in my head, but unfortunately, it was way too late for that.
"She… she… she's never home…" he confessed. There was a pregnant pause between us.
"Maybe she's just busy at work," I assured him.
He shook his head no, and I felt a knot begin to form in my throat from the awkward situation.
Quickly grabbing and drinking some raspberry tea, I felt the lump disappear, but Andrew still sat before me uncomfortably. "No, you don't know. She hasn't been home in three days," he said.
Like a wave hitting a sandcastle, concern and pity hit me instantly. "Please forgive me for asking so many questions, Andrew, but does your father know? Perhaps he can call the police and file a missing person's report," I asked. Andrew slowly shook his head no. "Well, why not?" I asked again before mentally kicking myself. (I just can't keep my damn mouth shut, can I?) I thought to myself.
Andrew fiddled his fingers. ''Because Dad's dead…." He finally spoke up. I was unable to speak, no matter how hard I tried to force myself to talk. It was like the words were stuck somewhere in my throat, only able to speak out in my mind.
Just before I finally mustered up the courage to speak out, two hot plates of delicious food were placed before us, saving me from digging myself into an even deeper bit of awkward trouble. "Here you go, boys. Enjoy your meal," The kind waitress said before scurrying off to attend to other clients.
After that we said nothing else to each other, but ate in silence. I couldn't help but watch Andrew take off his pickles and tomatoes in disgust. I almost chuckled. What was that boy doing? He's taking off two of the best ingredients on the burger, but it doesn't matter. To each his own, I guess. Several minutes later, we finished our meal and I called the waitress over to pay the bill.
After that, it was time to drop Andrew home. Stepping outside, I didn't even know it was raining at first because as soon as we stepped out, a gush of heavy rainfall came down on us.
(Man, I just got my haircut and it decides to rain. Really, Mother Nature?) I thought to myself. Looking over at Andrew, I saw that he just calmly put his hood on and walked to where we parked. He had a nervous look on his face and I wondered why. I hope my nosy questions didn't offend or irritate the poor boy. The rain fell harder, and I internally groaned. (This was going to be hell to drive in,) I thought to myself. (Well, at least I'm not riding my bike in this weather.)
Andrew had already reached the car and waited patiently for me to open the door. I dug in my pockets quickly, trying to get the car keys out, and I nearly almost dropped those suckers in a puddle that was starting to form. Just thinking about that made me make sure I held on tightly to them. Ava would have a fit if I dropped my keys in water again, or anything liquid. Last time, I accidentally dropped my keys into some coffee, and then the toilet, and now almost a puddle.
She would scold me so hard I wouldn't hear the end of it. Unlocking the car door for myself and Andrew, I asked him where he lived so I could drop him off at home. At first, he was hesitant. I had to promise on my mother's grave that I wouldn't tell anyone about where he lived, and he finally gave in to me. He lived four miles away, which wasn't pretty bad. It was lucky for me because I didn't have to use so much gas. I swear, if gas prices rose even higher, I'm cutting a hole in the car floor and Flintstoning it.
The drive to Andrew's place was quiet, but not awkward, thankfully. I wanted to continue talking to the poor boy, but honestly, to tell you the truth, I did not have anything to say. At the moment, even though I'm a father, I still sucked with dealing with children, especially teenagers. They were so distant and cold at times. Still, I was once of them myself, so I understood their struggles. Each and every last one of them. I remember once having a mental breakdown at dinner with Aunt May. It left her absolutely speechless and worried, but nevertheless, she did everything in her power to help me fix it or go through it. She helped me figure out mentally and physically what was wrong with me. For that, I'm very grateful. (I just hope that Andrew here has someone to confide in at home,) I thought to myself.
*30 minutes later *
Pulling up to a filthy, oil-stained driveway, it took every ounce of self-control not to frown. Standing before me was a filthy-looking house that was in desperate need of some repairs and a gardener. Just like the tall grass in the African plains, the dandelions stood proudly and up high, covering up the door and the other entrance ways to the house. You literally had to get out of your car to get a better look at the house and to see that someone actually lived here. No one would even know because the house looks abandoned. Whoever takes care of Andrew while his mother is away, they really need to start saving some money up to repair the house.
Now, I'm not one to judge, but no child should live in a house like this. I wonder, should I tell someone about Andrew's situation? If I did, the boy might hate me and even start skipping class and school altogether. I told myself it was just best to keep my mouth shut and stay out of their business. For now. Unlocking the car door, I felt my fatherly concern rise for Andrew. "Hey son, are you sure this is the right place? You can stay with me until…."
Before I could finish, Andrew quickly cut me off. "No, thanks. I'm fine." He replied back, but stiffened and bit his lips when he noticed he came off a bit harsh and rude with his reply. "Thank you for everything, Mr. Parker. I really appreciate. I'll pay you back later for the good when I get my first job. I promise," he said.
I wouldn't hear any of it. ''You will absolutely not pay me back, young man. The food was on me, remember, and you're my student and I care for you. Now, if you need anything, don't be hesitant to call me," I replied sternly, hoping he'd understand.
Writing down my number, I handed it to the boy. We both waved goodbye. Before driving off, I saw him wave goodbye back, and he and his house faded away into nothingness.
Several minutes later, I ended up on the highway. A few cars were zipping by while I was crawling along, and I wondered where the cops were. They never seemed to be around when they should have been. I was unaware of the driver behind me. The person had the audacity to look at me like it was my fault traffic was moving by so slow. I wish he wasn't so close on me because if he tailgates me, there'll be hell to pay. After several agonizing minutes stuck in light traffic, I finally was free of that guy because he turned left and drove to where ever he needed to go. (Idiot. What was his problem?) I thought to myself. I shrugged the offense off. I could care less for the rudeness of strangers, and I had a wife and child to return to.
*30 minutes later *
It was now getting dark once I reached my two-story house. The neighbors were off inside their homes, and my next-door neighbor, Robert, was out working on his car in his garage.
He smiled and waved at me. I smiled and waved back. Not a lot of people were very friendly these days, and many of them could care less to even greet you. Nevertheless, say a hello with a wave or even a nod.
Times have certainly changed for the worse, but it couldn't be helped. Taking out my keys, I unlocked the door, and to my surprise, all of my friends and family popped out. "SURPRISE!" They yelled happily, rushing over to me. Balloons and confetti rained down on my head. It's not like I wasn't happy to see them or anything. I was just genuinely puzzled on what the occasion was that everybody was celebrating. "Here's the birthday boy! You're finally home. We were worried about you!" Aunt May said, smiling as she came up holding my favorite cake. A huge 26 candle with my picture decorated the top.
My heart felt like it would drop and my cheeks turned redder then a tomato. Of course. How could I forget my own birthday? (Oh, well. At least I didn't forget my own anniversary. Now, THAT would be ten times worse,) I thought to myself, completely zoning out in the process.
"Hey, Peter. Is everything alright?" Harry asked, walking up. Everyone else agreed, whispering amongst each other and looking at me in concern. Snapping put of my daze quickly, I apologized to my company and told them everything was fine. Ava was out in the kitchen, taking the last of the food out, and everyone smiled, relieved to hear that everything was fine. My friend Harry gave me the look. He obviously was on to me. While everyone chatted around and went about around me. Harry pulled me to the side. "Hey, we need to talk," He said gently.
I don't know why, but for some reason, that made my blood turn cold. "Sure," I almost stuttered.
To be continued.…..
Edited by Darkest Nightmare's Dread