Life of Spike Murdoch

Chapter 10 - Call of the Byron

The lone purple hedgehog lays down on his bed, playing video games on a handheld device. Remmy has been slouching around at home for the past few days without getting out much from his room, only to just eat and use the bathroom when needed. His parents were a bit worried about their son not being his usual energetic self. It was maybe because he hasn't properly hung out with anyone in a good while, with Spike being busy with his job at the surf shop and the Stonewells are out of town for their vacation for the weekend. He doesn't have many friends to go to, and that has him bummed out.

Mrs. Byron knocked on Remmy's door, with a sandwich and chips on a plate, indicating it was lunch time.
"Honey, it's time for lunch!", alerted Remmy's mom through the door. "I made your favorite tuna sandwich."
Remmy opened the door, seeing his mom with a loving, but worried look on her face. "Oh, thanks."
He takes the plate and nearly shuts the door, before Mrs. Byron put her hand on the doorframe.
"Remmy, could you please come out from that smelly room for a bit and talk with me, instead of being locked up in here all day?"
"Mom, I'm fine. I just want to be left alone."
"Honey, you've been alone in this room for a few days now. Your father and I are really concerned for you."
"It's nothing, mom, sheesh."
Remmy puts the plate down on his desk and sits down next to his computer. Mrs. Byron walks in the room, sitting on Remmy's messy and wrinkled bed. She hates being in her son's dirty room, as he doesn't clean up for himself too much, but she musters through it.
"I'm fully aware it's not just 'nothing', dear. I've been in your shoes before. I was young and naïve once. I held onto my problems from my mom for the longest time when I was going through hardships, and I felt so relieved to not let these emotions get bottled up after many chats. Honey. If something is ever wrong, you can always come to us. We're always going to be here for you."
Remmy only stood there silent, grabbing the tuna sandwich and chomping down on it. Mrs. Byron looked at her son, trying to ignore what she just said. She understands what he's feeling right now, and doesn't wanna push her motives too much. She gets up and kisses Remmy's forehead.
"Whenever you're ready to talk, I'll be here. I love you, son."

Remmy's eyes stared at the floor. He wanted to say something, but his mom had already left the room and closed the door before he had the chance. After a minute, he sighs as he takes another bite of the sandwich, making his throat dry and parched.
"Damn, I'm thirsty..."
He opened the door and headed to the kitchen to grab a soda can from the fridge, rummaging through the different flavors of the carbonated drinks.
"Cherry? No. Diet Lime? Pass. Where's my grape soda?"
Mr. Byron walked in from the garage with a swig of a can. "Took the last one. Sorry, bud."
Remmy turned around, seeing the last can being crushed in his father's hands.
"Dad, what the hell?! That was MY soda!"
"Did it have your name on it, kiddo?"
"The grape soda was SPECIFICALLY for me! You and mom have your own soda cans!"
"True, but we all live in the same house. Your stuff is my stuff. Same thing goes around... unless it's my gun. Don't touch that."
"Ugh, whatever. I'm going back to my room–"
"Now, wait just a minute there, son. Your mom and I have been talking for a while about you. We think it's best that you learn to finally grow up and be responsible for once. Sitting on your ass playing video games all day isn't going to slide here anymore."
"W-what? What are you–"
"We spoiled you long enough. You need to get out of the house and actually start being an adult. Firstly, you need to learn how to drive. We hired a driving instructor to come over and teach you tomorrow morning. Second, I want you to go into town and volunteer at that homeless shelter. That way, you can learn to take care of others and gain experience. You still need a full-time job, but for the moment, you can–"
"Dad, please, I–"
"DON'T interrupt me."
"Y-you can't just end up being this bossy and demanding all of a sudden! Don't think because you were in the slammer for those few days, it doesn't mean you're tough!"
Remmy's dad angrily walked up in front of his son, with a pissed off expression.
"The only reason I was there to begin with is because of your plan to illegally look up that lunatic's files! Truck and Spike should've let the police handle the situation themselves instead of getting involved!"
Remmy shunned his father. "We couldn't have saved Roxie without your help, goddammit!"
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT! AND DON'T YOU DARE CURSE AT ME, YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE SHI–"
"THOMAS!"