Parker

Chapter 23

"So what does watching him entail?" Rodger asked. "You don't expect me to keep my eyes on him at all times do you?"

He thought how that would not go over to well at work. It was one thing to have his own son in his office all day it was another to have someone's else's. Especially when they are an adult.

"No, not all." Silas said. "He will be spending most of his day at classes or work. And he can go out with his friends if he asks your permission and tells you where is going."

That's a relief he thought.

"But he has to be home at ten each night." Silas said. "Or as soon as he gets off of work."

"I'm guessing I will be getting a copy of his work schedule?"

"And his class." Silas said. "Carson give him your schedules."

The eighteen year old pulled out two folded pieces of paper and handed them to him. The first one was his work schedule. He worked four five hour days. His latest shift went to nine thirty so see he might come home past  curfew that night.

Rodger nodded and then unfolded the next paper. He was taking sixteen credit hours which consisted of seven classes. All morning and early afternoon classes.

"And how about if he breaks the rules." I hope he doesn't he thought. I don't want to punish him anymore then I want to punish Parker.

"I leave that in your capable hands." Silas said. "But don't be afraid to beat his backside if you need to."

Carson then hung his head.

"I won't."

"Thank you for doing this." Silas said. "I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome."

"If it's okay with you I want him to spend the night tonight."

"That's fine."

"Good." Silas said. "I will take him home to get his stuff and then he will come straight back here."

"Sounds good."

"Stand." Silas said and Carson stood. His head was down looking at the table. "Go wait in the car."

"Yes sir." Carson looked at Rodger. "Thank you sir."

Carson then walked out and Silas said. "I really don't think he will be too much of a problem for you."

"I doubt he will be."

The two then walked into the living room and Parker stood as they entered. Silas said goodbye to him and then left.

"Carson is staying with us for the week." Roger told him.

Parker blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes." He said. "He is going to be back in an hour so help me get the guest room ready."

"Okay." Parker turned off the television and they walked out of the living room.

"Why is he staying with us?"

"Because Mister and Mrs. Mayhew are going out of town and don't want to leave him at the house alone "

"Oh." Parker fell silent for a few seconds. "I don't like how they treat him."

He then sighed. "Nor do I buddy." Rodger said "Nor do I."

The two then went to the guest room.

At the West residence Melinda was in the living room drinking a glass of white wine trying to calm her nerves when Calvin walked in.  "Why are Pete and Lael grounded?"

Fifteen minutes ago she had confronted the two about their blackmailing of Christine. She told them that she was extremely disappointed in both of them. Which crushed Pete more than Lael being the mommy's boy.

She then sent the two to their rooms where they have been since.

"Because they did something wrong and now are suffering the consequences." She replied and then took a sip of her wine.

"And what exactly did they do?" Calvin asked as he walked over to the table.

"That's none of your business."

"None of my business." He said quickly becoming flustered. "It is my business I am their father."

"And I am their mother and I am telling you none its of your business."

"Dont you undermine me." He said raising his voice.

"Don't you undermine me." Melinda said. "And don't you raise your voice to me Calvin." She then drained the contents of her glass and poured herself another. "Now sit down and have a glass of wine."

"I don't want wine." Calvin said with frustration in his voice. "I want to know what is going on." His body began to tremble and he looked as if he was about to hit something. "Tell me why are the boys grounded and why was Christine so upset during dinner." Veins began throb in his neck and his face colored a dark red.

She found herself at that moment wishing she had chosen red wine instead of white.

"I told you its none of your business now stop acting like a crazy person and let it go." She said.

"I'm not acting like a crazy person."

"Yes you are." She then said a scolding tone. "You should be ashamed of yourself for how you are behaving. You are acting like a child."

"I'm not acting like a child."

"Yes you are." Melinda said. "A pouting, surly child. I feel embarrassed for you right now I really do."

He shook his head. "Stop gaslighting me."

"I'm not gaslighting you." She said defensively. "The only one gaslighting here is you. You are gaslighting and being a bully and you need to drop it."

Calvin shook his head. "This is not fair."

"How so." She said with a laugh.

"Because if I was telling you to mind your own business when it came to our kids you would be incensed." He replied. "You would be crying bloody murder, you be calling me a mysgonist."

"I'm calling you that now." Melinda said. "You think just because you are a man you deserve to know every detail of children's lives."

"Not because I'm a man but because I'm their parent and I have right to know what is going on in my children's just like you are."

"You know what I am finished with this conversation." Melinda said as she stood up. "Talk to me when you are sane."

She then stormed past him and out of the room.

Back at the Cole residence Carson returned to the house. He walked into the guest room with a suitcase in one hand and garment bag in another. Parker followed with a second suitcase.

Is he staying for a week or a month.

"Here you go." Parker put the case on the bed.

"Thank you." Carson said as he removed his backpack and sat it next to the dresser.

"Do you need anyhelp?"

"No thank you." Carson said still looking through him instead of at him.

"Dad says you can come watch television with us if you want."

"Okay." He said still standing at attention with the blank look on his face.

Parker felt increasingly uncomfortable. "I'm going to go." He said pointing at the door. "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay."

Parker then walked out.

Carson walked over to the door, sat on the bed, and then burst into tears.