Chapter Sixteen
Spencer was getting increasingly nervous as his Dad began to pack the next day for his upcoming trip. He logically knew he had nothing to be worried about however it was hard not to be. This would be the first time he would be away from his new-found dad since the adoption and he still had separation fears. His biological dad had left him and his mom when he was five, without ever saying good-bye, just leaving for a work trip and never coming back. He knew Dave wasn't going to do that but it was still so hard to see him go. He tried to put a happy smile on his face, pretending to be excited to be spending time with his Grandma, which he had to admit he was a bit excited for, but not as much as he pretended. He tried to make it seem like he wasn't terrifying for Dave to leave, hoping that his dad wouldn't notice.
However Dave did notice that Spencer was getting increasingly nervous and anxious throughout the day. Separation anxiety was definitely becoming an issue, and though he couldn't blame the boy for his anxiety it was not healthy. It was too the point that Spencer was barely eating his dinner, merely picking at it and pushing it around.
He sat Spencer down after dinner, "I know you don't want me to leave and believe me I don't want to leave you but neither of us has a choice in the matter."
"But you don't have to go" Spencer practically whined, letting his emotions take control, rather than his intelligence. It was moments like these that Dave was reminded that despite his incredible intelligence Spencer was still only ten years old.
"But I do buddy. I have to meet with my editor and publisher in order to get my crazy book out." Dave explained, "It will only be a few days and Mama will be with you the entire time, and knowing her she has planned some special things for you two to do. That and I will call you both nights, and I will be home well before bedtime on the third."
"Okay but this only one time right?"
"Sorry buddy, I can't promise that. I will be here and with you as much as possible but business trips happen. But I will always come back to you that I can promise you."
"Always?" Spencer timidly squeaked out, needing the assurances that this father wouldn't leave him like the other one did,
"Always. You are my son and nothing will change that and I mean nothing." Dave promised, pulling Spencer into his arms. He knew he just needed to keep reminding Spencer that he was and always would be loved. That was really the only solution for Spencer's attachment and separation issues.
Father and son just sat there for a few minutes, embracing each other. After the hug broke apart Dave continued, "Now how about you and I pick a movie and grab a bowl of popcorn?"
"Can I pick the movie?" Spencer asked all excited,
"Definitely, you pick the movie and cue it up while I get the popcorn ready."
"Get popcorn ready? Doesn't it just need to be popped?"
Dave chuckled, "You'll see I make special popcorn." As he set about collected the spices and butter needed for his popcorn mixture,
Dave came into the living room and handed the bowl to Spencer who tentively took a few kernels and popped them in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. However he quickly grabbed for more. Dave smiled; once again his popcorn was a success.
"So what are we watching Spencer?"
"Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. If that's alright"
"Sounds perfect"
Soon they were both engrossed in the movie, however every once in a while Spencer would provide a little bit of trivia on the movie.
"Did you know Hobbiton was built a year before production to give it a lived in feeling?"
"Did you know that Viggo Mortensen, who plays Aragon, was not the original actor cast?"
"Did you Christopher Lee, who plays Saruman, was the only member of the cast or crew to ever meet J.R.R. Tolkien?"
Soon however Spencer feel asleep, the stress of the day had just worn him out. Dave quietly turned off the television, picked up his son and gently brought him up to bed, whispering good night with a kiss on the forehead.