It Was Always You

Chapter Nine

Jared did his benchmark assignment four weeks early. It was a project presentation on the Four Founding Fathers. It was a big piece and they assigned it two days ago. In fact, it was Wednesday, and all his work was already done. He liked it this way. It gave him the rest of the week off from doing any homework.

He flips through the PowerPoint slides, going over it again to make sure everything was there and that there were no mistakes. The door to his room opens and his mother peeks in.

"Someone is here to see you."

Evan sits up from the extra bed that was there for his use. "Me or Jared?" He asks her.

"Jared." She replies with a nod in his direction.

He looks at her, wondering who it could be this late at night. Gale walks in the room when she opens it wider. He was about six foot one with light brown hair that was just getting lighter by the day with the grey that was starting to show. He was still nicely built for an old man, so you can tell he really takes care of himself.

He was intimidating if you didn't already know the kindred soul that was within him. He was like a giant teddy bear come to life or so Selena had mentioned anyways.

"Hello Mr. Jackman." Evan said formally, sitting up straighter looking mildly uncomfortable.

Jared smiled at his best friend's reaction. Evan happened to be one of those people who were intimidated.

"Mr. Connor." He said politely.

He looks over to Jared. "How are you this evening?" He asked him.

Jared smirks with a little confusion. "Good, I guess. You?"

He was a bit confused on his sudden appearance. He had literally just been over Mila's house for dinner earlier. So, seeing him here now was a bit of a surprise. But he was glad he showed up. He needed to get some things off his chest that he wasn't able to do when they were all seated at the table. He had wanted to talk to him but the opportunity never presented itself to do it.

Mila's grandfather proved to be the one person who listened and understood that sometimes people just needed to vent their frustrations without judgement. And right now, he really needed to vent.

"Fine, thank you." He places his hands behind his back and rocks a bit of his feet. "So, what have you boys been up too?"

He went over and sat down on Jared's bed. It made Evan a little nervous that the old man was so close. Gale looked at him sternly.

"I hear you're taking my Mila to the Homecoming dance." He said to him.

It wasn't a question but a statement. Evan squirmed a bit, not directly looking in his eyes.

"Um, yes sir." His voice was a bit meek.

Jared looked away, wanting to tune out of the conversation between them. The gesture didn't escape Gale, however.

"You know what happens to young men who does anything to either take advantage of hurt my pumpkin?" He leans a bit closer to the scared young boy.

"I'm pretty sure it won't be good?" Evan's tone went up an octave.

"Damn right it won't. So, you'll know what to expect from me if it does happen then right?"

He looked nervous and pale when he replied, "Yes, sir."

"Good! Now then, Jared, how about you and me go for a little walk?" He got up and didn't wait for a response from him and walked out of the room.

Jared gets up and grabbed his jacket.