In the Dead of Night You Went Dark On Me

Now All These Sirens Sing For Me

Jack Fenton only had a few wishes in his life. He had wished for people to see that he wasn't insane, and that ghosts were real. He easily was granted that wish. Meeting Maddie was the best thing that could have possibly happened to him, because with her by his side, they were able to complete the ghost portal, and show everyone that ghosts were out there. Sure, it sucked that ghosts were now terrorizing their town, but beggars can't be choosers. You win some, you lose some.

He also wished for his family to be happy. He was so excited when Jazz told him that she was going to study ecto-psychology once she was able to. Obviously, he was excited she was going to be in the same realm of study as he was, but also because it was something she was going to enjoy, and something she would have fun doing. She'd always been a fan of psychology, ever since she was a young child. He knew she would go somewhere far in her life if she pushed herself and if he continued to support her. He had definitely faltered every now and again, but before she had left for college, he spoke to her and expressed his absolute pride and excitement for the path she had chosen. He told her that she would always support her, no matter what. If she didn't want to study the ectoplasmic aspect of her degree, she shouldn't feel forced into it just because that's what himself and her mother had done. He told her that he just wanted her to be happy. Tears were shed that day, and he hoped she knew that he meant every word of what he said to her.

His wife, Maddie, was happy as well. That is, she used to be. She was happiest when her kids were still younger, and she was able to talk to them both daily. Even though she was more sad nowadays, she was still happy with what her life had become. She told him there was nothing else she could have wished for. She had a husband who would do anything for her, a career that they invented, and children that she loved. The only problem with that, was Danny.

Danny and her used to have an incredible relationship. Jack wasn't sure what happened, but suddenly their boy would no longer talk to them. Then he started failing his classes, playing hooky weekly, and he looked as if he never slept. He constantly had bags under his eyes, which contrasted greatly with his now pale skin. With their lack of family dinners, he wasn't even sure if his boy was eating enough. Any time he would try to talk about his son, an excuse would be made, or Danny would make a sarcastic comment about him suddenly caring about him.

Of course he cared about him. He realized they had been anything but the ideal parents during Danny's freshman year of high school, but everything with the ghost portal was happening, and they needed to make sure they were prepared for whatever the universe decided to throw at them. Jack had vowed to himself he would become a better father to his children through the middle of his son's sophomore year, but Danny had just pulled away further. He no longer brought his friends over to their house, instead saying he was going to Sam or Tucker's house practically every day. He was glad the boy at least had friends he could count on. Maybe soon Danny would trust them again with whatever he was going through. Maybe, if not to confide in them about whatever it was, he would come to just talk. Ask to watch a movie. Look at the stars with him or his mom. For now though, he would just give him his space, like the few parenting books he had picked up told him to do.

As Jack drove their car to the school, he thought of what the teacher might tell him, what he might disclose about his son's behavior. He could tell his wife was furious with her once favorite child, and he worried about how she would react to whatever the teacher tells them. Danny was supposed to meet them at the meeting, and Jack hoped he wouldn't be late.