Destined Book-1 Ladorian Adventures

Chapter-17 A Day to Remember

Three years later, I had grown to four foot four while Joe grew to four foot three and for some reason we stopped growing there. Life had become much more manageable with school being out for a few more weeks. I had been doing the same routine pretty much everyday, get up, get food, do whatever needs done, and go to bed at night to continue my training. I remember one recent lesson that I remember that sticks out from the rest. Mainly one thing that Sensei said.

He said, "A trail is coming, Jake. You will be tested over your beliefs, your moral character, and your decision making. I don't know what kind of test it will be; but you have to be ready for anything at anytime."

I had a decent year so far and nothing had happened so far that had seemed like a test. Isaac had to move away because of his dads work relocating him. I was sad to see them go, but I know that I'll see them again one day. Dad got the position as right hand man to the mayor, and had to leave us for a few months before my birthday tomorrow. He also works at The global tech tower where the most advanced technology and equipment is made. He hasn't been around for a few months now and we all miss him. Dad said that he would come home for my birthday and Joes', but I'm not sure if they'll let him off work tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. I know how big businesses are about these things.

"I can't wait! Tomorrow I will be ten." I said overly excited.

"I know, we're celebrating my birthday tomorrow too." Joe said equally excided as me.

"What do you hope for Joe?" I asked.

"A new bike would be nice." He replied after a lot of thought.

'Good, he will love the new bike that I helped mom pick out.' I thought smiling to myself.

"What do you hope you get?" he then asked back.

"I hope I get a day to spend with you, mom, and dad." I said immediately.

"Why do you want that? We're both getting that." Joe asked confused.

"You know how the government works; dad may not be able to get off work to be here tomorrow." I said saddened by the thought of not being with my family on my birthday.

"I'm sure they'll let him off. After all, it is for family." Joe said trying to cheer me up.

"Does the government really care?" I asked before going inside to get some dinner.

"Jake, can you get me that oven mitt?" mom asked as soon as I entered the kitchen.

"Sure, you want me to get the chicken tenders out?" I asked knowing that she was having trouble bending lately.

"Yes, thank you Jake, you and your brother are a blessing to this family." She said as she went to go stir some mixed vegetables.

"Let me help mom. You just go sit down." Joe said stepping in and taking the pot of veggies.

"What time will dad be getting here?" I asked.

"He should be here by... one second Jake." she started to say by was stopped by her phone ringing in the living room. "Hello. Hi honey. I was just talking to Jake about that. Yeah, yeah,... oh. I see.... Well I'll tell them that. Okay, I love you too. Bye." She finished with a sigh while walking into the front room of our house.

"He's not coming is he?" I asked sadly walking into the room.

"There was an accident and they need your father to help. Others my die if he doesn't help." She said looking out the front window.

"We'll be able to call him, right?" I asked with little hope.

"Yeah, I'm sure we will. He said that he would be up here as soon as he's finished helping up there." She said trying to cheer me and herself up.

"Vegetables are ready. Jake, I need you to help serve." Joe called out from the kitchen.

"Okay, I'll serve the tenders and the mashed potatoes while you serve the vegetables and the gravy." I said grabbing three plates.

"Okay lets start." Joe said as I handed him the first plate.

"Joe." I said while serving the second plate.

"Yeah?" Joe replied.

"Dad's not coming tomorrow. He can't make it." I said handing him the third plate.

"Oh... when will he be here?" he said almost loosing all his joy in one moment.

"Whenever they let him leave." I replied as I was handed the finished plate to give to mom.

"Here you go mom." I said before sitting at my spot at the table.

"Who wants to say grace?" Mom asked.

"I will." I said folding my hands and bowing my head. "Dear God, I come before you today, the day before my birthday, to ask you to bless this food. I'm a little sad that dad won't be able to make it here for my birthday and I ask you to protect dad as he helps those over where he works. We haven't seen him in a few months and would really appreciate it if you could help him to find time to come back home to us. We miss him. Please bless this food and nourish it to our bodies we thank you for it and this day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen."

When I looked mom and Joe had tears in their eyes and I had some as well.

"Don't worry Jake. He'll be back soon. I know he will." Mom said as she wiped away the tears.

"Lets eat." I said grabbing my fork.

After dinner, I went upstairs and took a shower before I went to bed.