Being a Barrow - A Sequel to Barrow's Boy

And All I Gave You Was Goodbye

    "You boys must be ready to collapse!" Theodore looked over his shoulder, smiling at Mrs. Ashton as she helped Ashton organize some of his clothes, determining which ones he should bring home. Ashton had been complaining about some of his trousers becoming too tight over the past few weeks, so Teddy imagined that these ones would be either altered or exchanged for other ones.

     "I'll definitely be glad to get home," Teddy replied to the woman, closing his valise as he confirmed that he had everything he needed. He knew he needed to head out soon if he wanted to be home at a reasonable time. "Mr. Ashton, would you mind passing me my keys?"

    The man, who was positioned by Teddy's desk, kindly did so, and Theodore tucked the keys of his car and residence room into his trousers' pocket before reaching for his coat.

     "Drive safe, Barrow," Ashton said, causing Theodore to turn to him as he pulled his coat up and onto his shoulders. "I want a roommate when we come back."

     "I will strive to survive," Teddy joked back. Ashton held out his hand, and they exchanged a firm yet friendly shake. "You have every way to contact me. You're more than welcome to do so at any time."

     "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

     "Of course," Theodore replied. Grabbing his valise, he turned his attention to the others in the room. "Merry Christmas, Ashton family!"

     It wasn't technically Christmas for another five days, but since he wouldn't be seeing them on the day, it was worth acknowledging now.

     "Merry Christmas, dear," Mrs. Ashton said, giving Teddy a firm squeeze on the shoulder. "You give your best wishes to your father for us."

     "I will!"

     Theodore was quick to climb down the stairs and head out the front door of his building, walking out toward the parking lot. It was there that he heard more voices.

     "I'm just relieved to find both of you in one piece," a woman said, looking between two students. "Heaven only knows what you get up to when you're together."

     "We like to keep life interesting, Mrs. Montgomery." Theodore believed that it was Dansworth who had replied.

     "And don't we know it!" A man replied, laughing along with the words. "And you, Robert. You promise me that you've been alright?" 

     "And don't you dare try to lie to us, young man," the woman added.

     "I am as good as I can be. I promise."

     Theodore adjusted his hold on his valise, then approached the group. 

      "I hate to interrupt," he began but was cut off by Dansworth.

     "Barrow, my man!" He threw an arm around Teddy's shoulders, then pointed at the people he and Monty were talking to. "Meet the wonderful people who brought our Monty into the world. Montgomery parents, this is Theodore Barrow."

     "Pleasure to meet you both," Teddy said to the couple. 

     "It's lovely to meet you," Mrs. Montgomery said, smiling at Teddy. "You have a way home, yes?"

     "I do," Teddy confirmed. "I'm driving."

      "Oh, good. I hate to think of any of you getting stuck here."

      "Ashton's parents came for him, right?" Monty asked, to which Teddy nodded.

      "They're in our room with him now," he confirmed. "Well, I wish that I could stay and talk, but I have a long drive. I will see the two of you-" Teddy pointed at Monty and Dansworth- "in the New Year."