Put your hand on my shoulder and tell me Goodnight

2002

Five years ago, Spring season on Spring Break

Tim's POV:

I was sixteen and Brad was thirteen. I noticed my father, Zack smiling softly as he glanced over and noticed my other dad, Tom on the phone, happily laughing as he was talking to someone. He turned his head quickly and looked at him and hung up "Oh! You wanted Me to take the photo?".

"Yes, Tommy.." Zack sighed as he smiled at the man "Oh! Right, right! Let me get it!" Tom chuckled as he snatched the camera and ran over to the boys. "Tim! Let me get in front of you!" My younger brother groaned as he grabbed my arm, glaring at me.

Thank god it was on Fall break, I'd rather die on Fall picture day at school than anything else. Rolling my eyes, I snickered at him "Jeez, B-Rad. Take a chill pill, You get on the left, next to Zacky." I smiled smugly, even though I knew that what I was suggesting was not even better.

"Timmy..." Brad frowned, still glaring at me.

I saw Zack walking towards us and stood next to Brad. I crossed my arms and watched Tom standing in front of us holding the camera "Alright guys! I think I set up the camera fine, but let's get a photo of you two for growing!" He said proudly.

Was I going to argue? No, absolutely not! But did I hate it? Guess you can say that, but either way it was a great moment between me and my parents.

Tom held the light gray instax camera and picked up his arms to get a good angle. "Tim..lighten up the mood! You're sixteen now, isn't that fun?!" He said with confidence but I knew it wasn't going to work, he's just too jolly and too much of a Go getter dad.

"Alright guys, smile for the photo!"

As I glanced and saw my brother glaring at me, I turned away and smiled for the photo.

*Click!*

"Hey Timmy, you don't look too bad at all! You look great!" My father smiled, making me sadly smile "oh come on, Tim baby. It won't be that bad hanging on the wall! You're a sober man and a good influence for your brother, now let's get in the car and get something to eat." Zack smiled at me, patting my back as he walked to the car.

Brad looked up at me and smiled "I hope maybe you can finally pass Driver's Education and get a car.". "I already did, B-Rad. Just needed a car, that's all!" I groaned as I walked towards the car with him following me.

"Well..if you do, then..we can maybe hang out and get some art supplies?" He glanced up at me and smiled softly 'God damnit, he's soft smiles always never fails.' "Sure, just get in the car.".

"Okay!" Brad happily jumped into the car and put on his safety belt. As I put mine on, I glanced out of the car window, my expression turned tiredly. I knew that I was a liar, I wasn't paying attention to my days of being sober. I drank beer with my friends during skipping class, even though I promised my dads that I'd be a good influence!

I turned my head to my brother, he's happy that he was a middle schooler because if he was in my grade, I'd immediately be a bad influence for my actions.

"Timmy?" My dad called.

I snapped back to reality as I looked up at him "Yes?". "You okay back there? You were staring at Bradley for a few minutes.." his voice grew in concern. "Fine, Just forgetting what I was gonna ask him." I lied.

He nodded and continued driving, Tom sat in the passenger seat which made him turn his head to me "Timmy..look. I understand that you're worrying about Brad and that he's in the eighth grade and will soon go to ninth but no need to worry, he'll be in good hands because you'll be there for him, right?".

I sighed deeply and smiled "Right, I will.".

Tom smiled and turned back to the mirror "That's the spirit, Timmy.".