The Background Kind Of Guy

Chapter Twenty Two

I was home alone, watching some TV.

When suddenly the doorbell rang. I got up to answer it, thinking it was Audrey or Jamie.

But two adults stood there. A tall man with ash blonde hair, sliked back, wearing a Rolex and a back suit like he was in the mafia and a woman with big brown eyes, wearing what seemed to be a very expensive dress.

They looked familiar. But, I couldn't quiet point out where I seen them before.

The tall man stuck his big hand out I gave him my small frail hands, both shaking it.

"The name's Robert. Robert  Franklin...And here is my wife Doris Franklin. We're Zack's parents."

(Ooohhh)

"Nice to meet you, would you like to c-come in?" I asked

"Of course." They both stepped in.

I led them to the living room.

"Would you two like some water?"

"Do you have any sparkling water?" Mrs. Franklin asked

"I'm sorry, all we have is tap."

"Oh,I forgot it's the middle class." She mumbled "I'm alright, thanks for the offer though." She smiled

I sat down on the arm chair across from them as they sat on the couch.

"So, umm..Mr and Mrs Franklin, what are you two doing here?" I asked politely.

"We came here just to...Apologize about our son Zack. He didn't mean to do what he did." Mr. Franklin said

"He's a troubled Boy...He's more...Wilder than the other children." Mrs.Franklin stated

"You see, when living in Florida. Zack was always getting into trouble. The first time in elementary he went to Juvie because he had snuck in a pack of my cigars, burning the end to a little girl's face. Then in middle school he vandalized the back of the police department and stole their gun." Mrs. Franklin explained

"And don't forget when he stabbed his old girlfriend back at Jacksonville with a broken peice of glass." Mr. Franklin pointed out

(Good thing he got sent to jail before he can plan anything on Audrey)

"Did he get arrested?" I asked

"No, we moved straight here after that happened...The police are...well were on search."

"When we moved here he promised us that he'd behave, make friends, do good at school, cause no trouble...But, I guess that went all under the bus."  Mrs. Franklin's eyes welled up in tears "We know that you and him...were good friends...I don't know why he turned on you. We're- we're really sorry."

"It's okay...It's alright." I assured them

"Anyway...For an apology gift we wanted to give you this." Mr.Franklin handed a wooden box with a scarlet red ribbon tied in the middle.

I took off the ribbon slowly, I opened the box. They were keys to a car.

"You like classic cars from the old days?" Mr.Franklin smirked "That key, belongs to an old classic Navy Blue mustang from the 50s. Just for you."

I looked up at them in shock

"I-I can't take this...really I can't, I'm alright." I rambled handing them the box with the keys.

Mr. Franklin pushed the box away "No, we insist, you deserve it."

"I-I..." I was in pure shock.

"Please, we want you to keep it." Mrs. Franklin begged.

"I don't know..." I sighed

"Why not?"

"I mean why you apologize.You just apologize, not give a very very expensive gift."

"Is that how you do it?"

I nodded

"Well, this is our way. Please." Mr. Franklin looked as if he were tired

"Okay, fine I'll keep it. Thank you very much, I'm very sorry about you're son."

"It's alright. Thank you for having us." They both stood up walking out of the door, I followed.

I stood on the driveway admiring my brand new car.

The shine, I could see my own reflection through it.

I guess I don't need to worry about buying my own car now.

I waved goodbye to the Franklins, watching as they drove off with a moving truck following them.

"Shit." I smiled as I looked at the mustang once again.

I grabbed the keys from my pocket, deciding to take it for a spin.

I hopped into the new car, taking a deep breath of the new car smell.

I slowly turned the key. And started to drive.

As I drove I decided ti surprise Jamie and Audrey.

I parked infornt of Audrey's house. Being respectful I rung the door bell.

Audrey opened

"Hey Tony, what are you doing here?"

"Just look." I stepped aside, giving her a good view of the car.

Her eyes widened, we both walked towards the car.
"How did you get this?" She asked

"Zack's parents came along my place to apologize to me. They said this was an apology gift."

"That's insane."

"I know...So, wanna go for a ride?" I asked

"Sure, just wait a minute I gotta let my parents know." She ran towards her house.

A second later she came in the car. We both started heading to Jamie's place.

Doing the same thing, Jamie have the same reaction.

We were now speeding through the streets.

(Not literally speeding...I'm to scared of that kind of intensity. And to break a law, I can't keep that in my conscious)

I drove ourselves to the hill Audrey had found. We all sat on the hood of the car. Daydreaming, watching the sun slowly set down.

"This has been the most eventful year of my life." Audrey sighed

"Yeah." Jamie agreed

"Just to think of it. It has...I'm just glad we can relax without worrying about Zack being on our throat."

"Especially on Tony's...How do you feel?" Jamie asked

"Normal actually...I'm just glad that everything's alright." I anwsered

"Yeah...I'm glad you're not dead." Jamie patted me on the back.

"I gusse everything's gonna be alright." Audrey smiled

"Yeah...Everything's gonna turn out great for now on." I smiled back, knowing that those words really meant something than just a prediction.