A Life On The Edge

Daddy Issues

“I’m home and come bringing guests.” I said walking through the front door.

“Awe what the hell Riley why didn’t you call ahead of time!” Lyle panicked.

“Calm down Lyle.” I sighed. “He knows.”

“Hi Mr. Clark.” Ryder smiled and waved.

“Oh wow that sounds weird.” Dylan cringed. “Mr. Clark.” He chuckled. “What the fuck dude.”

“Shut the hell up.” Lyle glared.

“I can’t imagine being a teacher. Having people call me Mr. Straight all the time.” He cringed. “Ewe weird.”

“I didn’t know you had Eli’s last name.” I gasped.

“Yeah.” He smiled. “We were brothers.”

“Yeah but Ricky doesn’t have your last name.”

“Ricky was disowned.”

“What, we’re just going to talk about this stuff with company present?” Lyle asked confused.

“He doesn’t know what we’re talking about.” I scoffed.

“Yeah I’m really confused, but I’m okay with it.” Ryder explained.

“See.” I smiled. “Lyle, Ryder needs your medical help.” I said bringing him into the kitchen. Lyle sighed as he stood up and followed us into the kitchen.

“I would have never pegged you for a Lyle. Dan maybe. Even a Jared, but not a Lyle.” Ryder mumbled.

“Funny.” Lyle grumbled walking into our room.

“Is he always this grumpy?” Ryder asked. I shook my head.

“He’s just frustrated that we keep getting caught.” He nodded and chuckled.

“So what, was he your English teacher at your old school and you two got caught and had to flee to avoid r@pe charges?” I looked at him confused. “Is that why you guys really moved here?”

“Oh,” I mumbled. Our secret. “Something like that.” Lyle came back with a bag of first aid products. He grabbed Ryder by the chin and cringed at the damage.

“Who hit you?” he asked pouring rubbing alcohol on a towel.

“Walked into a door.” He mumbled.

“So you’re dad?” Lyle grumbled. Ryder hissed as he cleaned out his wounds.

“My dad was behind the door.” Ryder seethed.

“Sorry.” Lyle mumbled dabbing a cotton ball on the cut above his eye. “You need stiches.”

“That’s shitty.” Ryder groaned. Lyle grabbed River’s rubber chef knife and handed it to Ryder.

“Here bite on this.” He said.

“Why? Holy shit!” he yelled pulling away from the cotton swab.

“That’s why, now bite so I can clean this out.” Ryder frowned.

“You’re a mean doctor.” He grumbled and stuck the knife in his mouth. Lyle chuckled and shook his head.

“You’re funny kid. You remind me of someone.”

“You too?” I asked surprised. Lyle looked up at me a little shocked but nodded.

“Yeah.” He smiled.

“I’m confused.” He mumbled around the knife.

“You remind us of an old friend is all.” Lyle explained.