Whiskey & Vows

T W E N T Y F I V E

T W E N T Y F I V E || I AM LOST AND FOUND

"Andy, I told you I didn't mind if you brought your iPod here, but you cannot sit on it during dinner." Derek sighed, rubbing his forehead. Daniel smiled softly at the two of them. It was Thursday night dinner at Derek's father's house, giving us some bonding time.

Andy, apparently, has had enough of it.

The past week, he's been keeping to himself. The lively kid has isolated himself from everyone and kept quiet. We didn't know why; it's been a few months since he's lived with us and things have been going well for the most part. Derek and I were currently waiting for the adoption papers to come in the mail.

"Sorry, Derek." Derek's body froze and his eyes flashed with hurt before he masked it. Coughing, he looked at his plate.

"Put it away." He mumbled. I looked at Daniel in shock and back at Andy. We knew we weren't his actual parents; but we have been supporting him and raising him as our own and to hear him call us by our names, it made it sound like we're strangers. We ate in silence for a moment before Daniel finally spoke up.

"So Anna, I hear you're quite the performer." Blushing, I took a sip of my wine.

"Where did you hear that?" I laughed.

"I know people." He chuckled. "A few of my coworkers have mentioned going to the bar and seeing you on stage. Are you planning to pursue it?" Blushing, I shrugged awkwardly. I could feel Derek's eyes on me but I couldn't form a response.

"I have no idea; it's something I like to do." I mumbled awkwardly.

"Well, from what I hear, you'll make a living from it."

"Thanks." I laughed nervously. Derek smiled softly at me and glanced at Andy who pocked at his food.

"Andy, are you alright?" Daniel asked softly.

"Fine." He muttered, looking down at his plate.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Shaking my head, I took a sip of my wine.

"I think you're lying." I blurted. Derek's eyes snapped to mine as Andy narrowed his eyes at me.

"It doesn't matter."

"It does." I argued.

"Whatever."

"Andy." I warned. "We'll be talking when we get home. If you're not going to eat, go clear your plate. I don't care if you're crabby or upset; you will be polite, understand?" Rolling his eyes, he mumbled words under his breath before clearing his plate. Daniel shook his head, biting back a grin.

"God, you would have gotten along with my wife." He sighed sadly. "You did well, Derek. Marrying on accident has landed you a real person." Derek blushed awkwardly and looked down at his plate. Smiling, I rubbed his back and watched as Andy plopped down on the couch.

"Derek just needs an ass kicking every once in a while."

Andy didn't speak to us on the walk back, and didn't speak to us as he went up to bed. I could tell Derek was hurt by the little dinner incident and no matter what I said, he couldn't seem to brush it off. I didn't know what to say to comfort him or what to say to Andy. I knew Derek felt close to Andy, and having Andy behave that way, almost looked like he didn't want us in his life.