Parker

Chapter 39 continued

Rodger walked into the kitchen with what Carson said swirling in his mind.
He never meant to make Parker think that he did not love his brother and sisters. Yes he was happy about their life choices and their attitude towards him but he still loved them.

And never meant to cause Parker any insecurities with his complaints about them. If he had believed for a moment that was hurting him he would have stopped.

Well if Carson is right than it is hurting him and affecting my relationship with him and I need to stop. No more venting my frustrations about them to him anymore. Save that for my friends not my sixteen year old son.

A sour look crossed Rodger's face when he saw his son.  He was sitting at the kitchen table with his feet propped up on it.

"Parker get your feet off  the table." Rodger said in a scolding tone. He then noticed the soda that was on the table. "And put that soda you know you can't have soda for breakfast."

"Yes sir." Parker got up and returned the soda to the fridge. He gave the boy a look of disapproval as he sat down.

Carson sat at the table as Rodger said "What do you boys want for breakfast?"

"I don't care." Parker said in a sullen mood.

"Carson?" Rodger said. "What would you like?"

"Whatever you to make is fine with me, sir."

"How about eggs and bacon?" Rodger asked

"Eggs and bacon sounds good." Carson said.

"Parker?"

Parker did not look at him as he said "That's fine."

Rodger gave him a concerned look. "Parker can you set the table."

Parker got up and walked to the drawer that held the utensils.  He pulled out three forks and three knives. He then closed the drawer and dropped them onto the floor and then a very loud F bomb.

"Parker!" Rodger said surprised.

"Sorry." Parker quickly picked them up and dumped them in the sink.

Rodger let out a heavy sigh. "Come with me."  He said and the two walked out.

West residence...

Pete walked outside to find Christine leaning against the car with arms crossed. She gave him a nasty look. "About time you got here." She said. "I thought I was going to have to walk to school."

"Keep it up and you just might." Pete gave her a look of annoyance.

"Just unlock the stupid car already." Christine said in a huff.

Pete hit his key fob unlocking the doors and Christine quickly got in. Pete then got in and looked at Christine.

Her nose twitched in annoyance as she said "What!"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about mom's punishment." Pete said. "I think its ridiculous and overly harsh."

"Great." Christine said impatiently. "Can you start the car and go now."

"Fine." Pete said.

She then looked straight ahead as he started the car and then pulled out.

"You know she might rescind the punishment if you apologize to dad." Pete said.

"I'm not apologizing to dad." Christine said. "Dad can drop dead for all I care."

"Come on you don't mean that." Pete said.

"Yes I do." Christine said. "Dad is a stupid, jerk and he can go to hell for all I care."

"That's a horrible thing to say."

"Dad is a horrible father" She countered.

"No he's not." Pete said. "He's a good dad."

Christine laughed "To you maybe."

"And to you." Pete said. "Even if you don't want to admit it."

"I won't admit it because it's not true." Christine said.

"Christine."

"Just up and drive alright."

Pete bristled and then pulled to the side of the road. He slammed the car into park and said "Get out."

"What?"

"You wanna be a little bitch well you can walk yourself to school."

"Considering who you are dating I would think you would be used to bitches."

He scowled as he said "Out now."

Christine got out and left the door open as she walked off. He grumbled as he reached over and shut it. He then looked at his sister who turned around and gave him the middle finger.

"I'm really beginning to wonder what Parker sees her in." He said and then drove off

Cole residence....

Parker expected to be taken to the bathroom to have his mouth washed out or to his bedroom to have his backside warmed with his father's belt. Instead they walked into the living room and Rodger motioned to the couch and said "Have a seat."

Parker looked at his father in surprise.

"Sit down buddy." Rodger said and Parker sat down.

"What has gotten into you this morning." Rodger asked in a soft non threatening tone.

"I don't know." Parker shrugged and lowered his head.

"Look at me Parker." Parker complied. He then held his face up by his chin and said "Come on tell me what is going on. Why are you acting out like this?"

"I'm not acting out."

"I'm not stupid Parker." Rodger said "The feet on the table, the can of soda for breakfast, which I noticed was not opened by the way, and then the little stunt with the forks and knives were all cries for attention."

"That was an accident." Parker said.

Rodger let go of his chin and then sat next to him. "No, it wasn't." He said. "You wanted my attention and now you have it so talk to me."

He rubbed his back. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Parker moved away from him. "Can I just have my punishment?"

"Sure." Rodger said. "Go stand in the corner until breakfast is ready."

"That's it." Parker said shocked.

"Do you want more?"

Parker seemed to think about it for a moment and then said "No."

"Okay then." Rodger said. "Go into the kitchen, stand in the corner and don't say anything or move until I tell you too."

"Yes dad." Parker said and then got up.

What has gotten into him Rodger thought as he watched him go into the kitchen.