Best Friends are Forever.

Chapter 7

“I don’t understand why everyone is suddenly so interested in what is going on between AJ and me” Jason took another bite of the roast the cook had prepared for the night. “Yesterday I got calls from Antony and Care.” Watching his father for reaction he continued “Aunt Kat called this morning too. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you, dad?”

Michael looked up from his plate with a look of irritation “Son, did you forget you have cousins that share cousins with AJ? Just because everyone is getting nosy with your life doesn’t mean I have my hand in it.” Taking another bite off his plate and a sip from the wine glass in front of him, Michael again looked at his son.  “You know son, there are days I believe you think I am the devil incarnate.”

Laughing Jason said “No, dad just a little too involved at times.  Sometimes I think if mom were still here you wouldn’t be so intrusive. But then what would you do with your spare time.” Still smiling he took a sip off his wine then added “I love you dad and not matter how far you go I will always love you.” After a moment of silence he felt the need to add “Oddly enough I fear someday I will be sitting in your seat being told the same thing by April.”

Michael gave a hardy laugh. “God, I hope so.  Then you will know how much you broke your father’s heart.” He said as he dramatically put his hand over his heart and leaned back making his granddaughter laugh.

“Grandpa, I will make your heart better again.” April said into her hand

“I’m sure you would princess” he said with amused affection. “Come on lets finish up our dinner so we can see what your great-aunt Kat left you this time.”

April’s eyes got wide. “What did she leave me grandpa?” Then shoved a fork full of food into her mouth and prepared to shovel in more.

“April Diane!” Barked Jason, “Don’t you dare! You finish what is in your mouth before you put more in there!”

Looking properly ashamed she put her fork down and finished what was in her mouth.

Fifteen minutes later with dinner finished they headed into the front family room of the large house. In the middle of the room setting between two black leather sofas facing each other, on the Oriental rug was a large box, beautifully wrapped in pink and purple striped wrapping paper with a professional silver bow on top.  

April immediately ran to the box with the enthusiasm only a child can show.

“Oh god dad, what did Aunt Kat get her now?” Jason groaned as he sat on one of the couches. 

“Haven’t a clue son.  Why don’t we let her open it and find out?” Michael sat on the other couch “Go ahead and open it princess”

April tore into the paper with enough giddiness to excite a whole village.  After a couple tares the box was revealed and boasted of a Ten Piece Doll Accessory Set.  “Look dad it has a crib and a swing and a play pen and a…”

“Yes, yes I can see that honey” He didn’t like to interrupt but he knew if he didn’t she would name off all ten pieces…twice. Then he looked at his father and said “When are the cousins going to have kids of their own so their parents will stop spoiling mine?”

Laughing Michael answered “That is the very reason they don’t have kids of their own.” 

When April was three Jason had requested the family keep the gifts small and inexpensive out of fear she was getting too spoiled. Their answer was to get bigger and better gifts. So Jason took evasive action and decided anything electronic, i.e.: TV’s, DVD player, Stereos and so on went into storage till he decided she is old enough and deserves them. April knows this and is growing to understand.  Regrettably the family caught on by the time she was five and started to make sure the gifts were specifically age appropriate, making it harder for Jason to put them into storage.