"Fuck!" I shouted as I threw my phone against the back of the chair and watched it bounce to the floor. I was going to pick it up, but it wasn't worth my time. I began to pace and think as I walked from one side of the room to another. "She did still say Jacob was mine.... but she also said if the grandparents had a legitimate excuse, then they would be allowed to reschedule... FUCK... SAME FUCKING SITUATION WE'VE BEEN IN THIS WHOLE FUCKING TIME." I went for a cabinet in my office that contained two bottles of whiskey along with proper whiskey glasses. I hadn't even opened them, as I was saving them for a special moment, but I guess one would do. I opened it up and poured myself a drink... no ice, just straight whiskey. I was pissed, the more and more I thought about it, the angrier I got. 

 

I downed one glass and was starting to pour another when I heard a knock on my door, followed by a voice calling, "Garret." 

 

"Not now, bud," I quickly replied. 

 

"What happened," replied a voice as the door opened. 

 

I did a quick turn realizing who it was, "Lincoln, please not at this moment." 

 

"Is it bad?" 

 

"Lincoln..." 

 

"Did you lose Jacob?" Lincoln asked as he was past the door and walking towards my desk. 

 

"Bud-"

 

"Come on, tell me!"

 

"Lincoln please, not right now," I answered and took a deep breath as I finished pouring the whiskey. 

 

"Lincoln, come-" Rita said as she was standing in the doorway. After being around me for so long, she recognized that I was frustrated as I needed time to think and process.  

 

"What happened, I just wanna kno-" 

 

"I don't know," I said as I was on the cusp of losing it.

 

"What do you mean... who was that? Please, I wanna know, just tell me!"

 

"Sugar, come on-." 

 

"No... what happened? Is it bad?"

 

"LINCOLN," I hollered like I never hollered before as I whipped the whiskey glass past him, which crashed against my bookshelf and broke into a million pieces. "FOR FUCK SAKES, I DON'T FUCKING KNOW. I ALREADY TOLD YOU THAT, BUT YOU DIDN'T LISTEN. NOW PLEASE, GET OUT OF THE OFFICE AND GET YOUR ASS UPSTAIRS... GET GOIN-" 

 

And I stopped yelling before I finished the last syllable, but it was too late. The damage was done as the room was silent except for my heavy breathing, not a peep. I knew I just fucked up. The look on Lincoln's face is a look I never desire to see again. It was like I crushed him, destroyed any relationship I had established. His facial expression was similar to the night I found him. His lower lip was quivering, his eyes watering, and he was speechless. Tears began to run down his face, and before I could even attempt to correct what I had just done, Lincoln was retreating away from me. 

 

"Lincoln," Rita said as Lincoln spun around, pushed past Rita, and bolted upstairs. 

 

"Wait, Lincoln, I..." 

 

"Lincoln, it's okay sugar," Rita attempted one last time.

 

"Damnit," I exhaled as I sat in my office chair and started rubbing my eyes. 

 

"What the fuck was that?" Rita angrily marched over. "Someone should smack you, Garret. I- uhh, you are unbelievable sometimes." 

 

"Rita please." 

 

"Don't you DARE Rita me," she returned as I opened my eyes to the three other boys quickly running by the office door and upstairs.  

 

"Fuck," I sighed again, "Did-do you think they heard?" 

 

"The house next door heard you, Garret... You... ohh words can't describe how furious I am... I... What the hell is wrong with you? All he wanted to know was if his brother was going to be okay." 

 

"I know Ri-

 

"Jesus," Rita spoke, which cut me off again. "I don't know the discussion you had on the phone. Good or bad, it doesn't give you the right to talk to him like that. I've-I've... I don't even know what to say to you, Garret. You should be fucking ashamed of yourself. I've never been this mad... I-I-I... you make me so angry sometimes. You think you feel bad, just imagine how Lincoln's doing. He may lose his brother, and you probably just lost whatever relationship you built with that boy." 

 

"Rita, please. I know I just made a mist-" I began but was cut off when we overheard Lincoln shriek. 

 

"You happy... see what you did," Rita started. "Sent the poor boy into another PTSD attack... ALL BECAUSE OF YOU."

 

"Can you go up there.... he-he probably doesn't want to see me." 

 

"Oh I'm going, you stay here and clean up your mess... unbelievable," Rita called as she slammed the door to the office. 

 

"Fuck," I shouted as I started to rub my eyes again. I couldn't believe what I had just done, I didn't even know that kind of attitude was in me. I mean, I just snapped, I couldn't take his ongoing questions. It was too much, I felt like I was being interrogated. Although it was not an excuse for those type of actions. "FUCK," I sighed again. Rita was right, I could have easily ruined everything. The look on his face, I'll never forget it... I still heard Lincoln's continuing attack, meaning it wasn't a good one. No doubt, that I reminded him of Frank, hell... I  probably sounded just like him too. I couldn't believe what I did, but had no clue how to fix it. 

 

I sat for about 5 minutes, mulling over everything. Although, I came to the conclusion that what happened has happened. I went over to the broken glass and started plucking up the pieces.  This was the first time I began to doubt my ability to raise the boys. I mean I literally threw a glass cup past Lincoln... what if I would have hit him? It could have easily broken on his face or even knocked him out. Just thinking of all the possibilities made me sick to my stomach. I felt the need to puke. But in all reality, I just wanted to go apologize to Lincoln. Own up to my mistake and learn from it. I, unfortunately, don't think he wanted to see me. 

 

It was now about 25 minutes after my meltdown. I heard footsteps coming down the stairs as I was now in the kitchen and waited to see who it was. Rita rounded the corner and then continued to walk towards me. 

 

"Hey," I embarrassingly said. "How-how is he?" 

 

"He's scared Garret, he doesn't know what he did wrong." 

 

"Yeah... I umm, he didn't do anything wrong. I just lost my cool."

 

"Oh I've told him that, don't you worry." 

 

"The others okay?" 

 

"No, not really, they are scared too. Poor Jacob asked if you hit Lincoln and Ryker said it reminded him of their old home." 

 

"Fuck," I exhaled, and took a moment. "I better go talk to them, acknowledge I messed up." 

 

"I think that would be a good idea, but what was the phone call about?" 

 

"The grandparents no-showed or didn't answer, or I don't know... but with a good enough excuse, Laura said she would be obligated to give them another chance." 

 

"What kind of excuse?"

 

"Rita... I don't know," I spoke with a trace of aggravation, which Rita sensed immediately.

 

"Whoa whoa whoa. Maybe you shouldn't go up there. If you can't answer one question about the phone call, how are you going to handle any questions from the boys?" 

 

"Well I'm not going up there to talk about that, I'm going to apologize." 

 

"And you don't think they will ask about Jacob? Garret, what is wrong with you?" 

 

"What do you mean?" 

 

"I mean, I don't believe you are in a good mindset right now." 

 

"No, I am fine, Rita... I'm just-just, I'm worried. I don't know what's happening to Jacob, and it terrifies me. It's scared me for the past month. I'm sick and tired of not knowing. I want to provide a good answer to all the questions the boys have, but I truly don't know. It's driving me insane... Ya know it's... it's... I don't know," I answered as I dropped my head to my hands and leaned on the kitchen counter. 

 

"Garret, number one stop feeling sorry for yourself," Rita lectured as she walked over and started to rub my back. "Number two, we all are nervous and scared for him, but what other choice do we have? We need to wait, it's what we have to do. Look, I'm gonna take the boys out for a while, maybe get dinner too. It'll give you some time to collect your thoughts, de-stress, and hopefully find out more." 

 

"Don't you think I should apologize first?" 

 

"No, I don't... your not ready to answer questions about Jacob... so I believe it would be best to wait." 

 

"Alright..." 

 

"I'll go grab them," Rita said as she stopped rubbing my back and went upstairs. It was only a few minutes until she returned. Having been a while since I yelled at Lincoln, I was curious to see how the boys were going to handle everything. I mean in reality, this wouldn't be a major issue, but with the boys' unique background, it wasn't a good situation. Especially if I reminded them of their old home, in which I wanted to separate myself from. Anyway, Clayton followed Rita down to the garage but came over and gave a big hug. 

 

"Thanks, Lil Bear," I replied and kissed his cheek. "Love you so much." 

 

"You still angry?" Clayton asked and looked at me. 

 

"No, I'm sorry for yelling earlier too." 

 

"It's okay," Clayton replied and gave me an extra hug before walking towards Rita. Thankfully Clayton was too young, forgiving, and unaware of the similarities between Frank and I. He acted as if nothing had happened. However, both Ryker and Jacob were soon to walk into the kitchen, except they didn't have much to say. Ryker gave me a big hug before leaving for the car, and Jacob looked timid as both of them went for the garage to meet Rita. Lincoln was last down the steps when he saw me, he started to tear up some. 

 

"Lincoln," I softly said as he shuffled into the kitchen. 

 

"..." nothing came from him as he threw a hoodie over his head and sped the pace of his walk. I assumed he put the hoodie on to hide his tears, but also he didn't have to look at me. His ultimate goal was to get to the car as fast as possible. 

 

"Buddy, I'm sor-," I tried to say before he slammed the door to the garage. He was still obviously upset, and I don't blame him. Although, It crushed my heart getting that reaction that I received even though I did deserve it. On the other side, I didn't know how to handle this or work my way out of the problem I just caused. I felt awful and wanted to bury this deep inside so it would never come out. However, I didn't want to push past it, like nothing had happened. I was confused, so I began my search for some guidance as I gave my mother a ring. 

 

"Hey, honey!" She answered. "Was just thinking about Jacob... we hear anything?"

 

"Umm no not yet... I umm, sorta messed up." 

 

"What do you mean? Messed up how?"

 

"Well... I uhh, yelled at Lincoln, like bad." 

 

"For what?" 

 

I exhaled a deep breath, "for... for asking about Jacob." 

 

"Oh, Garret. Why would you do that?" 

 

"I didn't mean too." 

 

"How bad did you yell at him?" 

 

"Umm bad... worse than when I yelled at Calvin for making fun of Jonah and me." 

 

"Oh dear lord.... you didn't hit him, right?" 

 

"Absolutely not." 

 

"Just making sure, you know... you punched your brother last time you got so worked up." 

 

"It's cause he... I don't wanna get into that right now." 

 

"Then we won't go there." 

 

"Good... I just-I feel awful, Mom." 

 

"You should... like what happened?" 

 

"I just snapped, Mom. I don't really know. I had just got off the phone with Laura, and Lincoln kept asking questions. Just too much pressure on me... I snapped and threw a glass." 

 

"You threw a glass?" 

 

"Yeah," I embarrassingly answered. "It went-went by Lincoln's head." 

 

"What?" 

 

"I know-" 

 

"Garret, that is not okay."

 

"Mom... I know it's not okay. I've already been shamed by Rita, and I just want to know how to fix this." 

 

"I'm just disappointed in you, Garret. Your father and I never preached violence as an answer to any problem." 

 

"Can you please just help me." 

 

"What can I do?" 

 

"Offer some advice?" I begged. 

 

"Apologize and learn from it, Garret. What more can you really do? What's done is done, you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and make sure this never happens again... you know you could lose them over this? Is that what you want?" 

 

"Not at all." 

 

"Then you better make sure you learn from it. Where are the boys now?" 

 

"Rita took them for a night out. She wanted me to be alone and figure my shit out."

 

"Well, it looks like you have some time to reflect and build a case for Lincoln to forgive you." 

 

"I don't want to build a case, it was a mistake on my end, and I know it. One that's never going to happen again. I just don't want this to change things... the boys said it reminded them of their old home." 

 

"Geez," my mom replied. "How could you be this stupid." 

 

"I don't know... like I said, it's like something snapped. All this pressure has gotten to me." 

 

"Did you not expect pressure when you agreed to foster them?" 

 

"Not like this! I've owned a business, been through many negotiations, multiple nights of staying up to make deadlines, and not one of those experiences has put me under this much pressure as the grandparents... I don't want to see someone I love and care for so much, leave, Mom. It's killing me, it's utterly destroying me when I can't tell Jacob he is staying. It feels like I'm breaking my promises to them, Mom. I can't keep this up... I don't know what's happening, and I don't know what the hell to tell my boys." 

 

"Tell them the truth sweetie. Apologize and explain the pressure you are under but don't make it an excuse. Having a temper tantrum and throwing cups isn't good, so tell them what you told me. I can tell you are struggling with this, Garret, so don't act like you are supposed to have all the answers and be some sort of superhero. You'll drive yourself insane if you keep thinking like that." 

 

"But I want to be able to answer these types of questions and inform them  that they are safe." 

 

"And look at what that caused you to do! You can't keep yourself under that much pressure to know everything and anything that is occurring...ya know, especially supporting these boys. Your father and I didn't have all the answers, and we sure as hell worried about you. Don't you remember every time we had to move for your dad... you'd ask me if it was our last time or if you were gonna make new friends or if you would be bullied again... I didn't know what would happen, but remember what I said?" 

 

"Actually," I chuckled and thought back for a moment, "I do." 

 

"And what was that?" 

 

"Whatever, whenever, and wherever anything happens, we will get through it together... as a family." 

 

"That's right, as a family, like we've done our whole lives," my Mom restated. "That applies to your situation right now, honey. It's like your father said when we welcome them to our family, 'once you join our family you never leave. We are here for you now, forever, and always.' Count on family, you'll get through the grandparent situation, and everything is gonna be alright."

 

"But it doesn't feel like everything is alright." 

 

"Have faith, Honey. No matter what happens, we will get through it. If Jacob leaves, then it won't be for long. If he gets to stay, then move by it." 

 

"But how do I answer their questions?"

 

"Tell them the truth." 

 

"I have been." 

 

"Then what more can you do? You're using all the available options, just trust that everything is going to be okay." 

 

"Yeah, I know... thanks, Mom. I'm going to go. I need to wait for my caseworker to call or I'll be attempting to get ahold of her."

 

"Alright honey, call us if you need anything." 

 

"I will. Love ya." 

 

"Love you too, make sure you handle the problem you created." 

 

"I know, I know." 

 

"Talk to you later, Bye," my mom said and hung the phone up. It left me to think for a little while, as I had the house to myself. Yet, that didn't do me much good since my patience were beginning to thin as the hours ticked away. I guess Laura had forgotten to give me a call like she said she would. As it was now five o'clock, I couldn't take it anymore, so I called her. The first time she didn't pick up, and I almost threw the phone through the window, but I was a persistent bugger and tried again. 

 

"Garret, I can't talk right now." 

 

"Wait wait wait." 

 

"What?" She quickly fired back. 

 

"Can you tell me what's going on?" 

 

"Nothing new, I'm on my way out there. Haven't heard from them, haven't had contact, nothing at all. We pulled back our person because she was running late for other home visits." 

 

"What was the phone call about... the one you said you would call me back." 

 

"What phone... oh yeah, sorry. I got sidetracked and forgot. It was nothing, just a colleague in another state. I used to work with her and wanted to get her opinion on everything." 

 

"What did she say?" 

 

"That after a certain grace period, excuse or not, Jacob should be in your custody." 

 

"And what do you think of that?" I asked as I received a text on my phone from Berry that said 'found something, could be nothing. I will call you later.' 

 

"Well," Laura began, but I didn't hear opinion as I was concentrated on the text message. 

 

"I'm sorry... the uhh, phone cut out. What were you saying?" 

 

"I said I agreed with her thinking. So, they have 72 hours to respond. If they don't, I am putting Jacob in your custody for good. If they want to go to court, they can." 

 

"72 hours? That's a bit much." 

 

"Have to be fair, Garret. 72 hours is enough time to respond to my many voicemails that I've left." 

 

"Alright," I sighed. "I umm... I don't know." 

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch what you said." 

 

"I didn't really say anything, I'm just frustrated. I just want this to be over."

 

"72 hours, Garret. We are almost at the end. I'm on my way over there to check everything out for myself. Plus I have another case out that way... it's gonna be a late Friday for me. So I'll get back to you by Monday unless I need to get in contact. What I want from you is to just relax, Garret. Maybe take the boys out for dinner and distract them. More importantly, distract yourself, you need to," Laura said. 

 

"Easier said than done..."

 

"Try too... it'll do wonders," Laura remarked and hung up. Our conversation didn't help much, but I was trying to reach Berry now. Similar to Laura, I tried twice to call, but he didn't pick up. I even dialed Rory's number, but I didn't get anything, so I decided to give in. I left my phone in my office and went out to the family room to watch TV. I just needed an escape from all of this, as it was becoming too much. 

 

Around 6:30, Rita arrived with the boys. I heard the door to the garage fling open and multiple pairs of footsteps coming my way. 

 

"Hi," Ryker happily said as he jumped over the arm of the couch and into my lap. 

 

"Geez," I chuckled when he made an impact on my thigh, and I tickled his belly. "Hello to you too." 

 

"Are you still mad," asked Clayton who wasn't far behind Ryker in terms climbing onto me. 

 

"How could I be, when I got you two," I answered and kissed the top of Ryker's head while I ruffled Clayton's hair. 

 

"Good... you was scary." 

 

"I know, and I'm sorry. It wasn't right to yell at Lincoln." I said and took a brief pause, "I want to apologize, boys, I didn't even know I could sound like that. It's not something I ever want to do again. I'm just feeling... feeling unease about certain situations, right now. Nevertheless, it doesn't give me the right to yell like I did." I responded as Jacob was now standing by the end of the couch. "Hey, bud!"

 

"Hi," Jacob said as he twiddled his fingers. 

 

"I forgive you," Ryker answered. "Everybody gets mad sometimes." 

 

"Yeah," added Clayton.

 

"Mad or not, doesn't mean I can raise my voice," I replied, but I wanted to shift to a new topic, "Y'all have fun with Rita?" 

 

"Uh-huh," Clayton said as he leaned against me to cuddle, but his attention was engrossed on the TV. 

 

"What did you guys do?" I asked more specifically to Jacob than the other two and patted the seat beside me. 

 

"We went to this umm... like a game place," Ryker answered as he was adjusting himself on my lap to get more comfortable. 

 

"Yeah," added Jacob, who was making his way over. 

 

Rita had finally entered the conversation from the other room and spoke, "We want to Dave and Busters." 

 

"That place!" Jacob said. 

 

"Oh nice, that's a lot of fun! Where's uhh... where's Lincoln?" 

 

"He went up to his room," hollered Rita. 

 

"Oh," I added, "umm... boys, did you win anything?" 

 

"I got another puppy!" Jacob responded.

 

"You did? Where?" 

 

"Umm... I," Jacob said as he was looking around. "Thought I had it with me." 

 

"Right here, on the chair, Sugar." Rita directed. 

 

"Oh yeah! Let me get her." 

 

"Alright," I chuckled. "Boys, what did you two win?" 

 

"Candy," Ryker began as he tilted his head upwards to look at me, "can you rub my chest?" 

 

"Sure, and what about you, Lil Bear?" 

 

"Under my shirt please!" Ryker commanded as he turned his attention back to the screen.

 

"I didn't win nothing." 

 

"What! Why not?" I asked as I dug my hand to the base of Ryker's shirt and then started rubbing his stomach on my way to his chest. 

 

"I gave my tickets to Jacob, but I wanted the uhh... the umm stuffed bear." 

 

"Aww buddy, that is so kind of you." 

 

"I named her Sparky!" Shouted Jacob as he came back with a stuffed animal as big as him. 

 

I was about to question Jacob on how he thought he had misplaced the new toy, considering how big it was, but I let it slide and simply spoke, "Oh dear." 

 

"Look how fluffy!" Jacob giggled. 

 

"I can see that." I laughed, "how many tickets did it cost?" 

 

"I... don't remember... like umm 1000 or... I umm forget but Clayton and Lincoln gave me their tickets!" 

 

"I'm gonna take this off," Ryker interrupted our chat as he lifted his shirt above his head, trying not to miss what was on tv. 

 

"Alright," I chuckled at Ryker as I helped bring it over his head, but turned my attention back to Jacob. "I heard... that was really nice of them." 

 

"Yeah!" Jacob replied as he set down his new stuffed animal. 

 

"I'll be sure to take Sparky upstairs and set her by your bed. She looks kinda heavy." 

 

"It's cause of, umm all her fur," Jacob answered as he now jumped on the couch and cuddled against me. 

 

"Maybe she needs a diet instead," I joked. 

 

"Yeah," giggled Jacob as he was now engrossed with the tv too. The attention of the three boys was glued to the TV. It's was pretty funny but also much needed for me. 

 

"I'm sure we will figure something out," I said which went unnoticed. 

 

We sat on the couch for 15 minutes, before I decided to go on upstairs and check on Lincoln. Rita was packing up to leave for the weekend, but I asked her to stay until I situated. I actually hadn't eaten anything either, so I wanted to run out really quick too. She agreed, which was a blessing for me, and I went upstairs with Sparky in my arms. 

 

After placing Jacob's new stuffed animal in his room, I went over to knock on Lincoln's door. 

 

"Who is it?" He shouted.

 

"It's me, bud," I answered and didn't get a reply. "Can-can I come in?" 

 

"No." 

 

"Please kiddo?" 

 

"I don't wanna talk, Garret." 

 

"What about listening to me talk then?" 

 

"No... I umm- I don't wanna." 

 

"Lincoln... please?" I begged, "I know you are mad at me and you have every right to be, son. I'm sorry, you didn't deserve to be yelled at." 

 

"Please go away!" 

 

I exhaled a deep breath and caved to Lincoln's demand. I wanted to enter his room and talk face to face, but he was in no mood to hear me out, "sorry bud," I softly said as I walked towards the steps. 

 

Once back downstairs, I left to grab food. Ryker had willingly joined along, but he didn't grasp the idea of needing a shirt. The less clothing, the better for him, but I did grab a lightweight jacket for him to put on in the car. Ryker was terrific company and kept my mind off specific topics, so I enjoyed having him along. After getting grub, we quickly stopped at Walmart to get Clayton a stuffed teddy bear. I was so proud of him for helping Jacob that I thought he deserved a reward. I didn't know what Lincoln wanted, but I was grabbing him something too. Not to make up for yelling, but for helping his brother get Sparky. With some advice from Ryker, we settled on an RC helicopter toy. Although, I think Ryker was dead set on using it as well.

 

After checking out, we went back to the S Class as some storm clouds were rolling in. As we exited the building, Ryker reached out for my hand. I recently started noticing how often he did that too. Whenever walking, he likes to hold hands. I didn't understand it, because I hated it when I was a child. I always thought it made me look like a baby, so it embarrassed me. However, it was the opposite for Ryker as he seemed to prefer holding each other's hand when walking. I just find it funny and cute, actually quite adorable, as he loves to be close and show affection towards me. 

 

"Love you, buddy," I said as we reached the car and he jumped in the back seat behind me. 

 

"Love you too," Ryker responded after I hopped in the driver's seat. 

 

"I hope so," I chuckled and started the engine. "So bud, I know you are on spring break for a couple more days here-"

 

"Do I have to go back to school?" Ryker interrupted me. 

 

"Yes," I laughed. "How else will you learn new things?" 

 

"I don't know... The internet?" 

 

"I don't think so!" 

 

"You can teach me stuff!" Ryker enthusiastically stated.

 

"Well, that is true," I started as we departed for home. "However, there is stuff I can't teach you as well as others can. So things you learn from me are valuable to life, but so is the knowledge you gain from school." 

 

"Can't you just teach me everything?" 

 

"I wish, but I think you would get sick of me if I were your teacher." I laughed as it started to rain, which produced a loud clap of thunder that rocked our car. "Guess we made it to the car at the precise moment, huh bud." 

 

"Ye...yeah." 

 

"Man, it's really starting to come down," I commented as massive sheets of rain started hitting the car. I knew we were supposed to get some precipitation and light storms, but it seemed pretty intense. 

 

"Uh-huh, it-it is." 

 

"You okay back there?" 

 

"Whoa," Ryker jumped as we saw a lightning bolt strike a tree which brought on another loud boom. "I umm-I don't like this." 

 

"We will be okay, I promise." 

 

"I don't like storms." 

 

"Really? Some people love them." 

 

"They are scary," Ryker replied as he nervously shifted around. 

 

"Yeah they can be, but we are safe in the car. Nothing is gonna happen." 

 

"Promise?" 

 

"Yes bud, I promise," I reassured but also wanted to get back to my conversation about schooling. I was trying to ease my way into Ryker completing the extra worksheets his teacher gave to me. I was curious to see if I noticed any learning signs or problems. 

 

"Okay," Ryker responded as we continued our drive. 

 

"So, Sunday I was thinking about you and me practicing some works sheets that your teacher provided me." 

 

"When-" as another thunder boom rang throughout, which caused Ryker to jump in his seat, "when-umm, did you see Mr. Green?" 

 

"On Tuesday! I had a parent-teacher conference. I'm pretty sure I told you this!" 

 

"Oh yeah." 

 

"Yeah, remember?" I laughed. "Your teacher gave me some worksheets that you and I could complete together." 

 

"Why?" Questioned Ryker as he was still nervously shifting when a lightning bolt illuminated the sky.

 

"Just so you can umm... stay... up to date on your schoolwork. You don't wanna forget what you've been taught!" 

 

"Do my brothers have that?" 

 

"No, I didn't meet with their teachers, so they couldn't give me extra problems." 

 

"Then why do I gots to do them... whoa that was a big one," Ryker said in reference to another bolt. 

 

"Just because," I stuttered for the correct words to come up. "Because it'll be a fun activity for you and me!" 

 

"That doesn't sound fun to me... can't we like workout together or like play video games, or umm...anything else?" 

 

"We could do both," I suggested as we came to a red light. 

 

"But-" Ryker stopped speaking when he saw another bolt which was followed by a loud boom. 

 

"Ryker. We are safe kiddo, nothing is gonna happen. We are almost home too." 

 

"Is it gonna stop soon?" 

 

"I don't know, I hope so," I said as the light turned green again. "So you wanna work on those pages when we get back?" 

 

"I don't wanna do homework until I gots to." 

 

"Well," I began but was cut off from my sentence as the phone rang through the Bluetooth speakers. 

 

My heart skipped a beat as I looked at the caller ID on the middle screen. It was Laura, but why was she calling this late. It must have been ringing for 15 seconds as I was too scared to answer the call. At the last possible moment, I hit the answer button on the steering wheel and spoke, 

 

"Hey, I just want to let you know that I've got you on speaker with Ryker. We are just getting back from Walmart. What's up?" 

 

"Oh... Can you take me off speaker?" 

 

"One moment," I answered as I nervously fumbled to get to my phone.

 

"Who is it?" Ryker questioned from the back as lighting lit up the interior of the car.

 

"One moment bud," I said, and then brought the phone to my face. "So, what's up?" 

 

"Well, umm-I've never in my life worked a case like this, Garret. I don't really know how else to say this as there is no real easy way... So I'm going to be straight forward... They're dead, Garret. The grandparents are dead."

 

"What?" 

 

"They're dead, gone, out of the picture." 

 

"What?" I repeated myself as I wasn't quite sure what to think. "I mean- what, how do you know?" 

 

"I just know. I saw it, and it's bad. I don't know what happened, but that's not for me to find out. I overheard people commenting that they've been dead for a few days and it looks like they were murdered. But I don't honestly know, it's a bloodbath in there. I doubt it could be anything else but a murder... I-I don't know what to think anymore, this is the craziest case I've ever been a part of." 

 

"Wh-whe-wha-where did you find them?" 

 

"In their home. It's a very long story, and I wouldn't be surprised if you are asked some questions at some point. I know I will be too. It's... I don't know how to describe this. It's strange." 

 

"Okay, I'm so confused. Where did you find the grandparents." 

 

"In their home. I'm no expert and don't take my word, but from what I've quickly seen. It looks eerily similar to the murder at the boys' house." 

 

"How-how did you get in?" 

 

"Search warrant. You've got some good friends here that helped. I'm assuming you know a Berry Rodgers and Rory King?

 

"Get the hell out of here... you're kidding me." 

 

"Like I said... it's a long story." 

 

"Can you fill me in?" I nervously asked. 

 

"I, unfortunately, can't, Berry or Rory will have a better idea of what is happening. At least in terms of what is happening at the house. I am leaving and heading home. I've seen enough today." 

 

"Wait, what's... what's this mean about Jacob?" 

 

"It means he is yours, Garret. You know, unless provided evidence that you should not be his guardian." 

 

"Seriously? So I can tell him?"

 

"Yes. Congratulations Garret! You've won, he gets to stay with you." 

 

"Wh- what... I mean wow," I replied as I started to tear up. "I... umm thank you." 

 

"What's happening," Ryker called from behind me. 

 

"Hold on, buddy," I spoke to Ryker but returned to my conversation with Laura. "I can't wait to tell them." 

 

"Have fun. I will be in contact with you soon, I umm, just need a weekend break." 

 

"Sounds good," I replied and hung up.

 

"Garret! What's happening," hollered Ryker. 

 

"Just one moment, sweetie! I don't exactly know, just let me make one more phone call," I responded as we pulled into the driveway. "You wanna head inside?" 

 

"Is Jacob staying here?" 

 

"I'll tell you in a moment or two. You need to let me make one last phone call." 

 

"I wanna stay in the car then," Ryker answered as we were reaching the top of the driveway. 

 

"I'd prefer if you went inside." 

 

"But-" 

 

"No buts! I'll tell you everything you need to know after this phone call." 

 

"Fine!" Ryker stated as we pulled into the garage and he undid his belt buckle. 

 

"Thank you." 

 

"Uh-huh" 

 

"Love ya, too!" I quickly said as he shut the door. Before making my next call, I took a moment to myself to gather all the information that Laura gave me. It was hard to concentrate on one specific thing, as I was too happy to be telling Jacob he was staying. However, I did want to find out more, as Laura said, I could go for questioning, whatever that meant. If it's what I think, then it doesn't scare me as I have nothing to do with whatever happened, but still, I always like to hear everything. 

 

As I scrolled through my contact list, I couldn't help but smile as I dialed Rory's number first. After 30 seconds, he didn't answer, and the call went to voicemail. I quickly dialed Berry's number, and within seconds, he picked up.

 

"Garret!" Berry happily answered

 

"Berry! What's going on, fill me in."

 

"Oh man, I don't want to jump to conclusions. But I think we found the fucking motherlode of all cases. There is so much shit it's unbelievable... I mean who knows, this could potentially link people to activities all across the US. We just have no clue right now, it's crazy. This is- I mean... I don't know how to put it, but I'm willing to bet Rory is about to get that detective promotion real fucking quick!" 

 

"What does that even mean?" 

 

"It's so much information. It's unreal. It's gonna take months maybe and years to truly figure out what and who is involved or how far it spans." 

 

"You're speaking a hundred words a second, Berry. Like what happened? I have so many questions. How the hell did you end up at the same spot as my caseworker?" 

 

"Alright, alright, alright. It's a long story, so don't interrupt me. Anything that I say is speculation and not 100% facts. Like I said, it's gonna take a while for pieces to come together to find out what, why, or how things turned out like they did. You got it?" 

 

"Yeah, stop wasting time now!" I joked as the rain seemed to slow down as I peered at the rearview mirror.

 

"Ya, ha... I'm wasting your time more like you're wasting my time," Berry remarked. "Alright man, I don't even know where to start. Umm... shit, alright. Stuff started to look interesting when I texted you earlier today. So important detail here, okay? Remember I mentioned a guy who we called suspect 1, well that is.... hold on, it's in my notes. Uhhh there, suspect 1 is Thomas Giradi, now no longer alive." I don't want to celebrate death, but it was kinda music to my ears when Berry said those words. "Was the guy I followed in the Chevy Cobalt. Well once he disappeared from Rory and me, we went a different route to try and find information. After our brief discussion earlier in the week, I wanted to ask some questions to the person that met with Thomas every day. You know, to exchange whatever the fuck they were exchanging, but I never had the chance to fully see what was being swapped. We on the same page?" 

 

"Yup," I quickly added.

 

"Alright... well I never got ahold of him, so I settled for the next best thing, which ended up being a fucking goldmine of information. The fucking general store was an open book. I don't get it, but whatever, they helped... so they didn't directly say that this Thomas Giradi person was who we were looking for, but fuck.... they sure had a lot to say about him... wait now that I'm thinking about it, nor did they fucking say what he was selling inside the store. That sorta pisses me off, but it doesn't matter anymore. Fuck sorry, I'm getting off track here, Garret."

 

"No, no, you're fine. Please keep going." 

 

"Oh it's just getting good," Berry continued on. "so they suggested I take a drive over to his property, as they haven't heard or seen him in a few days. I thought they had helped us enough just from basic info they had already given. Although these fuckers gave me Thomas's name but also where he fucking lived too. I couldn't believe it. They were being cooperative, which blew my fuckin mind. I mean I told them I was a PI working on a specific case, and they just started talking. It's the wildest thing I've seen, but damn I was thankful they did. Since it was just me, I waited for Rory to get done working his shift and we met a few hundred yards away from this house. We studied and watched the house for... ahh hour and a half maybe two hours before I decided to get ballsy and snoop around. From here, it's was like riding a fucking rollercoaster of emotions man. First, I started to disbelieve everything they told me at the general store because I didn't see jack shit. The Cobalt was nowhere to be seen, and the fucking house seemed abandoned, no lights on, nothing. So at this point, I thought it was a wash as Rory and I were close to calling it a night. Just when we are about to leave, we see a car pull into the driveway. This woman steps out and starts walking around the property and knocking on doors too. It was similar to what we were doing, so it confused the hell out of us. Yet, I took a chance and jumped out of the car to see who she was. Long story short, I strike up a conversation, ya know, questioning if she is the homeowner or how she knows them. Being in the position she is in, she obviously didn't say much besides the fact that she was working with the state in child protective services. In return, she asked who I was and what I was doing up here. I told her I was working on for a client to help resolve a tragedy that happened in the city a few months back. Things started clicking right then and there, but It took some dancing around questions to finally figure out we were talking about the same people. I couldn't fucking believe it when she said she was the caseworker for your kids and that we are both trying to help you out. It was unreal, fucking sent shivers down my spine. You should have been here." 

 

"Yeah, whoa.," I said as I was taking in all the information that Berry was saying. It was challenging to focus on just one thing, as he kept going on and on. 

 

"Yeah... so from this point, everything develops instantaneously. I start sharing some knowledge with her, and she starts sharing some details about the missed home inspection. We try one last attempt of knocking on the door to see if they are home. Surprise surprise, they don't answer. We were at a dead-end, but I felt we had found something. This just couldn't be another piece of the puzzle. All the pieces brought us here. Everything had to come together, especially when we saw the caseworker, man. There was a brief moment that I was thinking, like fuck. They might have ditched everything and left town. I've seen it before, so It wouldn't have been that shocking to me. But guess fucking what. As Laura, is that her name?" 

 

"Yes," I quickly answered. 

 

"When Laura and I were knocking on the door. Rory was digging through some of their trash they piled by the streets, and we found what we needed. It was enough evidence that Rory could order a search warrant of the property. To get that search warrant, we had to show probable cause that items we found were connected to a crime. Lucky enough, these fucking idiots were throwing their empty dime bags in their trash. The garbage was littered with them, I mean it was fucking stupid on their part. Anyway, after the search warrant was approved and processed, we had open access to the property. And my god, what we found is fucking crazy. Besides finding Thomas and his wife dead, the house had to be broken into. Drawers, plates, pictures littered the fucking floor. I mean it was a mess, they didn't miss any room. Whoever killed them were searching the house for everything. Rory said it reminded him of your boys' house when he first arrived on the scene. So, I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think it's gang-related and I think it's the same people who killed your boys' family. Ya know, time will tell, but right now everything is still fresh. A full legal investigation is about to happen. We are going to hear a lot of information over the next couple of weeks. Man, it's just... it's just fucking crazy.  Everything we did, in terms of fact-finding and countless sit-downs, finally came together. The Chevy Cobalt that I followed was parked in their garage, under a car cover. That fucking picture.... yeah you know which one! The Gabriel Murphy pic, you know, his proof photo which showed he wasn't involved at first, was on a phone that Thomas used. Now I'm just assuming on this one, but with the amount of dime bags in the trash, I'm pretty fucking sure they stole the drugs from the boys' house, that the boys' father stole from the gang. Hence why they are also dead too. We've got numerous burner phones and numbers written down, with multiple links to the Washington area codes. I mean it's just fucking nuts, these people were fucking stupid. They were asking to get caught, it was just a matter of putting pieces together. I could go on, they had a certain amount of drugs on the floor of the Cobalt as well as a couple thousand in the trunk. Putting a cherry on top, I got a gentleman's hat with a C on it too. It's just the volume of evidence that links them to so much illegal activity, is unfathomable. It's... it's hard to describe my man." 

 

"Yeah... I can tell," I answered as I was still processing all the information, "I've got so many questions... But I guess my first one is when did they die?" 

 

"First off, I would save your questions because what I say could change. It's still way too early to try to predict and answer a ton of questions. That being said, I'm not for sure when they died. Although, I believed I overheard them determine the time of death was Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Like early morning."

 

 "Damn," I responded as I was trying to ask another question, " So like should we be worried at all? Okay, so Laura said that I might be asked some questions? I'm assuming by the authorities, right? Anything I should be concerned about?" 

 

"I'd be surprised if you didn't have to answer a few questions," Berry laughed, "shit, I'm not surprised at all. If it makes ya feel any better, I probably will be too. I wouldn't be worried, they just want to know where you were. They might also ask about me and why the need for a private investigator too. The best advice I have is to cooperate and give them real answers, you know just be yourself. We have so much documented proof that links them to certain events, we can't be charged. Matter of fact, we have nothing that can be charged to us. Investigators will want to cover all ends, so I would be expecting something. Like I said though, I wouldn't be worried. The pictures of the vehicle itself are enough proof to link them together. What's even better, wait until they find the associate, you know the frontman Thomas met in the parking lot. He will sing like a fucking canary when he finds out his boss has been killed... it's going to be glorious. I've seen it so many times before. This is.... this is the biggest bust I have ever had in my fucking career. Just so much shit, man, you wouldn't believe it. I'm so happy you have no idea." 

 

"I just... just can't believe they are dead. I've uhh, been going through a custody battle with them for well over a month and a half basically. I know that's short compared to other people's struggles, but fuck man. It was brutal, especially since they had more leverage in terms of a blood connection. I mean, I don't know if Laura told you much-"

 

"Nah man, her position is limited on what she can and can't say." 

 

"Yeah, she was looking for answers to why they no-showed their home inspection visit." 

 

"Oh, yeah well she did say that," spoke Berry. 

 

"I didn't expect this outcome. I'm- I'm at a loss of words man."

 

"You should be fucking celebrating! Go! Enjoy it, ya know. I gotta run anyway, Rory is calling me over." 

 

"Hey real quick, I just wanted to say thank you, Berry. We will be in touch later. Tell Rory as well!" 

 

"Ight will do brother. Enjoy!" Berry returned.

 

I tried to say thank you one last time, but the phone line went silent, which left me sitting in the Benz parked in the garage. I couldn't help but be happy and smile, as I had a grin ear to ear when I stepped out of the car. It was the heaviest weight lifted off my shoulders, and I honestly felt like a new man as I walked to the door to tell my boys. 

 

Once I stepped in, it was all eyes on me. Ryker, Jacob, Clayton, and Rita were all circled around the kitchen island. I believe I made two steps through the door before the questions started. It was rapid-fire, coming from everyone! 

 

"Hey hey, come on. Settle down guys," I laughed as I made my way over.

 

"What's happening?" Inquired Ryker. 

 

"Well... I got some news!" 

 

"Is it good news?" Added Jacob. 

 

"Well... maybe we should good get Lincoln." 

 

"He just got in the shower, I heard the water runnin'," Ryker said.

 

"Well... maybe we should wait then." 

 

"Oh, for heaven's sake, just tell us," Spoke Rita. "That boy could be in there for 30 minutes, I don't have time for that!" 

 

"Well..."

 

"Stop saying well!" Ryker giggled as he interrupted.

 

"Alright, alright," I laughed. "So I just got off the phone with multiple people, but more importantly I have word from Laura, that Jacob is staying here with us. Where he belongs!" 

 

"Seriously?" Jacob asked. 

 

"Yes, bud!" 

 

"YES!" Cheered Ryker and Clayton as Jacob jumped off the stool and ran toward me.

 

"You get to stay here, and not worry about your grandparents," I said as he opened his arms. I bent down to be eye level with him, but Jacob had other plans. He ran into me so hard that I collapsed backward onto my bum and brought him with me. "Easy," I laughed as he buried his head into my chest, 

 

"Thank you," Jacob stuttered and started crying happy tears. 

 

"I love you so much, and I'm so happy you get to stay, bud," I assured him as had one hand on his back while my other hand held his head against my chest. 

 

"So-so," sniffled Jacob as he couldn't speak. Trying to describe the wave of relief and happiness that surrounded the room is impossible. It was just a great feeling as Ryker and Clayton joined in the group hug. 

 

"We don't have to worry about it anymore, boys. Everything is alright!" 

 

"I'm just happy he gets to stay," Ryker spoke as he let go of our hug first. 

 

"You and me both, buddy," I chuckled as Clayton now released. 

 

"Let Garret get up, boys," Rita said from the other counter, but Jacob sure as hell wasn't listening. His grip on me wasn't loosening, so I decided to stand up with him in my arms. "Well, congratulations, Garret! This is so exciting! I can't wait to tell my church group, they'll be so excited to hear the good news. They've had a prayer group every week for Jacob." 

 

"That is umm, well very kind of them," I answered as I brushed Jacob's hair from his forehead. "You okay, Jacob?" 

 

"Ya-yeah," he quickly replied. 

 

"How happy are you?" Rita asked. 

 

"Very!" Jacob responded as he finally picked his head up from my chest. The boy had the biggest smile on his face as he wiped his eyes.

 

"Aww... I'd say that's a happy face if I ever saw one!" Rita laughed. 

 

"You ready to get down?" 

 

"Nut uh," Jacob said as he shook his head and gave me another massive hug. 

 

"I'm gonna go tell Lincoln," Ryker stated. 

 

"Uhh no-no," I stopped him. "Just let him be right now, I still need to speak with him. Although we could give Clay his present, what do you think about that?" 

 

"Present? What present?" Clayton answered. 

 

"Oh yeah, can I get it!" 

 

"Go ahead, buddy, it's in the trunk," I told Ryker as he was already making his way to the door.

 

"I am gonna take off, Garret. Looks like everything is in control." Rita spoke as she grabbed her purse from the counter. On her way to the garage, she said bye Clayton and then to Jacob, who was still in my arms. 

 

"Bye Rita," Jacob softly said 

 

"Bye sugars, love you all," she returned and then gave Ryker a hug on her way to her car. 

 

"Is... is that for me?" Clayton cheered, as he saw a glimpse of his present. 

 

"What, how did you see that?" I joked

 

"What is it?" Questioned Jacob

 

"Is it a bear?" Inquired Clayton. 

 

"Maybe," I laughed. "Close your eyes and hold out your hands." 

 

"Please be a bear... please be a bear," Clayton repeated until Ryker placed the stuffed animal in his hands. "Can-can I open?" 

 

"Yup!" 

 

"Yes! Yes! Yes! It's-its even better than the other one!" 

 

"Good," I laughed. "Whenever you helped Jacob out, I thought that was very nice. So you got a little reward, buddy. I'm proud of you for helping your brother." 

 

"Thank you!" Clayton said as he wrapped his arms around my leg. 

 

"You earned it, Lil Bear!" 

 

"Is Lincoln getting anything?" Inquired Jacob.

 

"This!" Ryker answered as he was holding the toy above his head. 

 

"Whoa," Jacob replied as he now wanted down from my arms to check out the RC helicopter. "Can we open it?" 

 

"No! Boys... It's Lincoln's" 

 

"Let's go give it to him!" Ryker suggested. 

 

"Whoa, hold on, guys. I still need to talk to Lincoln. He and I haven't had a chance to chat about what happened earlier in the day." 

 

"You mean when you yelled at him?" Clayton said. 

 

"Yes... that's exactly what I'm talking about. Thanks for the reminder." 

 

"You're welcome!" Clayton returned which caused his brothers to chuckle. 

 

"I'll welcome you," I responded as I lightly poked his stomach. "So I was wondering if y'all could give me a few moments with Lincoln. We can all go upstairs to get into our sleeping clothes, while I go talk with Lincoln. Afterward, y'all can give him his new toy and maybe we can watch a movie before bed. Sound like a plan?" 

 

"Okay, can I pick the movie?" Questioned Ryker. 

 

"I wanna pick it!" Chimed Clayton. 

 

"We will put it to a vote!" I laughed as we all started making our way up the steps. 

 

"Fine, I don't gotta wear nothing, right?" Ryker asked me. 

 

"Whatever you're comfortable in, now go on. Brush y'all's teeth and put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket. I don't want to see any clothes left on the floor. We can meet downstairs in a bit." 

 

"I'm gonna need help," Clayton claimed as we all went our separate ways. 

 

"I'll be in to help you after, Lil Bear!" I spoke as I entered Lincoln's room and then shut the door behind me. Now Lincoln was obviously in the shower still, which was a good and bad thing. I didn't want it to seem like I was trapping him in the bathroom just so that I could apologize, but it basically was just as I described... a trap. I was getting nervous, too, as my hands were starting to sweat. I didn't want anything to worsen, but at the same time, I don't know if it could get any worse. I decided to go for it and turned the knob to the door. 

 

"Lincoln," I called as I popped my head in first. 

 

"Jesus, Garret." I heard Lincoln reply as I listened to a bottle hit the shower floor. "You scared the crap out of me." 

 

"I'm sorry bud, I just came up here to talk." 

 

"I don't wanna talk." 

 

"That's okay-"

 

"I-I don't wanna see you either." 

 

"That's okay as well," I replied as I entered the bathroom.

 

"Can-can you leave then?" 

 

"No can do, bud."

 

"Please!"

 

"Look kiddo, I know you're upset with me, but I just need you to listen. You don't need to talk or even push the curtain to see me. So no speaking from you or seeing me, if you don't want too. Although I've got some important things to tell you. So like I said, all I need is your ears and attention while you finish in the shower. If you still don't want to be near me, after hearing me out, then that's fine too. I'll leave, but you just need to listen, Okay?" 

 

"I'm listening," Lincoln replied. 

 

"Alright alright, good," I began as I propped myself on the bathroom counter. "So first buddy, I want to apologize to you. You have every right to be mad, angry, and frustrated with me. My actions earlier today were not good, and it's someone I don't ever want to be again. I've had a lot of pressure on me, but it gave me no reason to take it out on you for asking a simple question... Ya know when you started talking about Jacob and what was happening to him. I was in the same boat as you. I didn't have a clue, so I couldn't answer the things you wanted to know. I was already frustrated, to begin with, but the more questions you asked, the worse it got for me... but uhh- I was more frustrated at myself than you. I made these promises to you guys to keep you safe, and I felt like I was letting everyone down. Especially since we had no clue what was going to happen. But like I already said, I shouldn't have taken out my frustrations on you, Lincoln. I knew you were only looking out for your brother, and I want to let you know that you did nothing wrong. I can already tell you that I've learned from this bud. I had no idea I could ever yell like that, and I never want to do it again. I never want to be the person that reminds you of Frank or sets you into a PTSD attack. Unfortunately, I know I did both of those things earlier today. I am so so so sorry buddy, I know I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. You didn't deserve it, not one bit. Not only will I never forgive myself for screaming like I did but also throwing the cup past your head. I don't have an excuse to why, because there is no excuse for those actions. I can only apologize and learn. So again, I love you, Lincoln. More than anything in this world... I hope you can accept my apology. Although, I understand if it takes a while to forgive me... but, I am sorry."  

 

It took Lincoln a few seconds to reply as he shut off the water and stuck his hand out for the towel, but he stuttered, "is umm... is that umm- is that everything?" 

 

"In terms of an apology? Yes," I replied as I heard him sniffle. 

 

"Can... umm," I heard him trying not to cry. "Can you please go." 

 

"I got one last thing, okay?" 

 

"Uh-huh." 

 

"So I talked to Laura, and got some news about Jacob." 

 

"Yeah?" 

 

"He is staying with us, bud, no one-" 

 

"Really?" Lincoln asked as he flung back the curtain, which cut me off from finishing my sentence.

 

"Yes, I wouldn't lie about that, it's too important, bud." 

 

"Like-like no one can take him away?" 

 

"They are out of the picture, we don't have to worry about them." 

 

"So he gets to stay? Here? With us?" 

 

"Yes, yes, and yes." 

 

That was all Lincoln needed to hear, as he jumped over the bathtub ledge and ran towards me. Similar to Jacob, he struck me so hard, I nearly fell into the sink and broke the faucet. He finally spoke as his head was in my stomach, "you promise he won't be leaving?" 

 

"I promise," I answered as I rubbed his bareback. 

 

"Thank you!" Lincoln replied. 

 

"Nothing to thank me for, I'm just as relieved and happy as you. Don't know what we would have done without him." 

 

"Yeah," Lincoln stated and released our hug. And unwrapped his towel from his waist and brought it over his shoulders to dry the top portion of his body. 

 

"Hey," I said as I put my hand under his chin. "I just want to let you know, you can still be angry at me for the way I acted towards you. I don't want you thinking this was my way of moving past that. It's-it's-well I just wanted you to know about Jacob, I thought it was necessary, but please don't think I'm using it as a scapegoat." 

 

"Yeah," Lincoln pondered as I took away my hand. "What's a scapegoat?" 

 

I chuckled at his curiosity, "it's like an umm... easy way out of a problem or someone else you could easily put the blame on." 

 

"Ohhhh." 

 

"But that's not really important, I'm just sorry bud. I really am." 

 

"Yeah... it's okay."

 

"Is it though?" 

 

"Umm uh-huh... you just like really reminded me of Frank." 

 

"I know, and it won't ever happen again. I'm sorry, son," I stated as I wrapped him in another hug. 

 

It took Lincoln a few seconds to respond, but he finally spoke, "it's okay, I umm forgive you." 

 

"I appreciate it, but I also understand if you are frustrated with me. You know you can be, right?" 

 

"Yeah." 

 

"Good, don't let me off the hook easy... especially when I make stupid mistakes." 

 

"I won't, but like, I guess I forgive you." 

 

"It's okay if you don't." 

 

"I know," Lincoln replied.

 

"Well, thank you bud. I love you so much, you know that?" 

 

"Yeah," Lincoln giggled as I had him in a bear hug which lifted him off the ground. 

 

"Good!" I answered and dropped him to his feet as I began to dry his hair with the towel now. "You know I got- I'm sorry, I meant to say we got you a gift, it's downstairs." 

 

"Why?" 

 

"Because someone helped his brother get a stuffed animal at the arcade today." 

 

"He wasn't supposed to tell you," Lincoln giggled as I now moved to dry his back. 

 

"Well, I'm glad he did. Clay got a present too, but yours is downstairs." 

 

"What did Clat get?" 

 

"A Stuffed teddy bear," I stated as I brought the towel back up to his shoulders. "Dry the rest of you, and come downstairs if you want to watch a movie." 

 

"What movie?" 

 

"Undecided so far," I chuckled as I picked up his clothes from the floor. 

 

"Okay, can uhh, I wear my robe?" 

 

"You know you don't have to ask me." 

 

"I didn't know if Rita was still here." 

 

"She left." 

 

"I'm wearing nothing then!" Lincoln giggled. 

 

"You do you, but it is chilly downstairs. Especially after a shower, that couch is gonna feel ice cold on your rump." 

 

"I didn't think of that." 

 

"Well you make up your mind, I got to help your brother," I said as I walked out and emptied his clothes in the laundry basket. I couldn't help but exhale another deep breath as I walked away. It was a freeing feeling, one that I couldn't describe besides amazing. Finding out about Jacob and now moving on from an earlier incident was pure joy. Although I knew there was still some anger directed at me, at least he was communicating and laughing. I'm sure it would be brought back up, but for the time being, I was okay with how things were. 

 

Once I reached Clayton's room, I got him undressed and into a onesie. We went downstairs together and made popcorn while we waited for the others. Ryker and Jacob were soon in the kitchen, and we all waited for Lincoln, so we could give him his gift. 

 

Of course, when we did, the start of the movie was delayed 15 minutes as the boys ripped open the package to start playing with it. A mild disappointment set in, when they figured out, the RC toy needed to be charged first. Anyhow the helicopter would have to wait until tomorrow as the boys all drifted off while watching the film. 

 

Getting everyone to their own rooms was a challenge, but we accomplished it. With everyone was asleep in their own beds, I went to mine to unwind for the day. For whatever reason, it still felt like Jacob's grandparents had a chance, but Laura's words rang through my ears. 

 

'They're dead, gone, out of the picture... They're dead, gone, out of the picture... They're dead, gone, out of the picture.' 

 

And I couldn't help but smile. Now the truth, I was grinning at the fact that they couldn't have Jacob, not because they died. However, I honestly didn't feel that awful with how things turned out. Who knows, they could have been involved in the process from the beginning. I don't know if we would ever find out accurate answers, but it didn't really matter. I slowly drifted to sleep, thinking about all the endless possibilities. 

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