Saving Sawyer [Boy/Boy] - 2013

Chapter 4: A Steady Beat of a Drum

Saving Sawyer: Chapter 4: A Steady Beat of a Drum

Cade's POV

               I walked into the kitchen and for once, I wasn't exhausted. As result of Sawyer's outburst, Vivian closed the shop early and I used those few precious hours to sleep. 

"Morning, son." My dad handed me a cup of coffee and motioned for me to have a seat at the table. "I have to talk to you." I hesitantly sat down. 

He looked tired as well but what could I expect of a man that worked two jobs. "Cade, it's been a bit hard since your mom passed." He started, his throat noticeably dry. "...You had to step up and help out around here." 

"I don't mind -" I began but he stopped me. 

"I know you don't but you shouldn't have to. I'm the father. I'm supposed to take care of you. Your mom would be so disappointed if she saw me today." He messed with his wedding band before taking it completely off his finger. "I'm going to make our lives easier and you'll be able to hang out with your friends more. You won't need to work anymore." 

"How exactly do you plan to make is easier? I won't let you take on a third job." 

"I've been seeing someone for the last year and I asked her to marry me." He spoke frankly. 

I quickly stood. "You're going to marry someone? Didn't it occur to you that I should meet her?" I felt betrayed in a way. I knew he would move one from my mom sooner or later but I had also expected him to introduce me to his girlfriend, especially before he asked for her hand. 

"Cade, she's a doctor and she knows of our situation." 

I threw the cup of coffee into the sink, the glass breaking. "You say it like the way we live is horrible! Mom would be disappointed, but not because of me working." I grabbed my backpack and stormed out of the door. A part of me even felt a bit insulted. 

               As I passed Vivian's house, I expected for her to poke her head out of the door again but she didn't. Her car wasn't even in the driveway. Maybe she opened early today to make up for the lost hours yesterday? I shrugged and kept walking. I was already in a vile mood so maybe her not being there was for the better. I kicked a small pebble along the sidewalk on my way, every steps seeming to be harder. Even though it was a bit hard at home, dad didn't need to remarry for the sole reason of money. Had I ever met this woman? Would she like me? Or would she just put up with me for the next two years? 

"Cade!" I snapped myself out of my brooding, realizing I was already at school. I froze at the shock. A car zooming right in front of me. I looked up to Liv standing across the street. "Cade, what is wrong with you?!" She ran to meet me, "Are you okay? He could've hit you." 

"F-fine." I continued walking, not really willing to tell her just yet. She was my best friend and I loved her like a little sister but there was something she didn't really understand. Both of her parents were remarried twice over, both of which she had no say in the matter. She was used to her parents bringing in new people; new people were second nature to her... 

She grabbed my hand, "You don't look fine." She pulled me to a stop. "Are you alright?" 

We sat down on the curb, other kids walking by us in the rush to get to their lockers before class started for the day. "My dad is getting remarried to some doctor that I just found out he's seeing." 

"Does she have any kids?" I shrugged; I knew nothing about the woman. "If she does, you're screwed. Having more people in your house would suck." What if she did have kids? My dad and I were living in a small two bedroom house as it was.