Hello my name is: a PruCan fanfic

Chapter 10

I never thought I'd say this at anytime of my life, but thank God for family gatherings. This was the perfect reason for me to find out where exactly Francis actually was.

Family gatherings aren't exactly normal for me to attend, but they happen every month. This would be the family on my father's side, so that means we never go to it. Although every once and awhile I will attend to kill boredom.

My aunt greets me with a large smile, pinching my cheeks and commenting on my height. Cooing over how long my hair has gotten, and whisking me away to get it cut, I glance around the house frantically laughing, nodding, and trying to hide the fact that I'm only here to snoop around.

One hair cut, two pleasant chats, three interesting conversations, and four times excusing myself to the bathroom later I finally get somewhere on discovering my lost cousins location.

Apparently, that would be a boarding school. Sitting in the "Bathroom" which was actually my aunts office at the moment I was quickly scanning through the journal. My heart pounded in my ears as I glanced around in fear of being caught. Grabbing a pen, I scribble on my forearm the address, and quickly store the journal away rushing down the hallway and praying that I wouldn't get caught.

Although, while rushing around the corner from the "bathroom" I was caught. Palm on my forehead to stop me, I glanced up nervously to see my uncle.

"You're squirrelly...." He muttered in distaste.

You see, unlike my Father, my uncle was born a jerk. He didn't need to go through a horrific divorce to, and excuse my French, *devenir un âne. I avoided him at all times possible during things like this due to his love to pick out every little mistake on me.

"You're still scrawny, eat some meat boy! Why don't you work out? And what's up with your hair? Why didn't you let Penny cut it shorter! Why d....."

I zoned out halfway through the speech, and I guess he didn't see it on my face, because he didn't stop talking. A hour later, I escaped that Hell.

I insisted I had to work, apologized, and left. Speeding home, I walked into a sight that was becoming increasingly familiar.

A sober father.

It made me happy, and although completely unrealistic in books, I was walking on clouds to see it happening. Our house that had always seemed like a small shack, poor and barely held together, took it's real shape in my eyes.

It was a two story white washed house, snug, cozy, and homey was three words I'd describe it with just looking at it from the outside. The only car would be in a perfectly cemented driveway, and that car would be a dark blue Subaru. Stepping in you'd be adjourned with a small entrance way, that abruptly got bigger to reveal a living room and kitchen panned out in front of you. Kitchen to the right, living room to the left. The kitchen was fairly big, and attached to it was a small hallway showing the master bedroom, *washroom and laundry room.

Our living room was cut in half, two rooms. One with the normal living room decorations (Couch, chair, loveseat, a few entables, and a television set) the other half was led into by an archway. This was a game room/book room. There were stairs in the living room (not game room) white carpeted. Maple wooden railing occupied the side without wall and pictures, then including all the side in the hallway until you reach the other wall.

The second floor included a washroom, my bedroom, a guest bedroom, and an office.

This cozy little house, well now the house is cozy...

Greeting and holding a brief conversation, before I disappeared into my room, I smiled. It smelt of burnt craft dinners, not alcohol.

When I got into my room, I stared at my board that held Gilbert's number. Debating whether I should call or not, I must have stared at it for an hour and a half. At least long enough to have my father come and check on me worried. Actually worried! I'm still adapting to this, but it was amazing.

"Hey kiddo! Whatcha doing? It's awfully quiet..."

He smiled at me as I sat and stared at the board before muttering,

"I'm thinking."

His eyes caught the number and widened, and sparkle entering them as he chirped "A girl's?"

Looking at him exasperated as a blush flared my cheeks I struggled for words before giving up and shaking my head.

"A pushy...." A pushy what? Friend? No, not all. Bully? Closer, but that's harsh. Ding!

"A pushy kid from school more like..."

"Are you sure kid? You thought awfully long on that, had a hard time thinking up a lie?"

My face dropped and I waved him away. Staring at the number I cursed and grabbed the phone. Dialing Gilbert's number I took a deep breath as I listened to the rings. Soon I heard a click. Taking another breath I paused before softly asking;

"Hello.....?"

(A/N)

*devenir un âne.

Become an ass.

*washroom

For those who don't know, it's another term for bathroom.

** if you haven't noticed I'll put * to indicate side notes. Don't be alarmed!

Also leaving you with a small cliff hanger! Have a great night everyone.