Never Gonna Be Alone

Chapter 13---Trying New Changes?

After Tankie left, Laten laid back on his bed. He knew he could have it worse. At least he had a roof and food to eat. That should be enough to get him through this living hell. He was restless and it was already close to 10 O' clock.

Laten was shocked when he checked the time. Where had all the hours gone? This was his usual bedtime at first, but since he had that sleeping disorder, he went to bed when he felt tired. But he could never actually fall asleep. He kept waking up at every hour or every other hour.Looks like it will be another one of those hours.

Laten sighed. He knew his father was still up, but he didn't know if he should go and talk to him. His father hasn't exactly been the easiest person to get along with.

He just wanted for everything to go back to normal. He wanted to be happy again like they were.

But he knew that will never happen. He knew his mother would never come back to life. He knew he wasn't the only one that lost loved ones in those towers. A whole hell of a lot of people have died, or got injured, and Laten remembers just seeing it. Nobody should have seen that many people hurt, dead, or injured. That was just putting it mildly. It has been two whole, and full years since that has happened. Laten knew they were still hurting, as did a lot of people that saw/and or was there. Was it too soon, to try and convince his father that he should start dating again, to try and bring happiness back into their life?

Would that be too much to ask?

Laten weighed the pro's and cons in his head. As he debated with himself, argued with himself, gave himself the silent treatment, and smacked himself, he finally came to a decision.

He still felt pessimistic about it, but you have to live dangerously right? He sighed, as he pulled himself out of bed, walked out of his room, down the hallway, and to his father's bedroom door.

He stood there for a few minutes doing one last debate before he knocked at the door very softly.

He heard a "Come in" in the room. Laten took a breath, and walked in.

His father was sitting down on the bed with his back against the head board, book in hands, and the lamp on. His father's room was pretty basic. Just the long dresser, the television, the D.V.D player, and the large bed.

Chuck looked at his son as he came into the room. "What are you doing up? It's already ten thirty."

Laten sighed as he walked to the bed and sat down in front of his father.

"I know but I can't sleep. Something has been nagging at my mind for the past thirty minutes. Can I talk to you about something that is very personal"?

Chuck put his book down, and sat up straight. "You never have to ask. My door is always open anytime you want to talk."

"It's not really personal for me, as it is for you."

Chuck looked into his son's eyes, before answering, "Yes. Ask me, or talk to me about anything."

Laten sighed. This was really heard to do. He still felt sure that his father won't go along with it. "Do you ever feel like dating again?"

Chuck sighed, and looked down, as he thought about the answer. 

He thought  about that a few times before, but he stopped himself before going too far. He felt that he just wasn't really ready for anything serious yet.They were still trying to heal, and to bring another women to their life, just seemed too much at the times he tried.

Finally, he said, "I've thought about it."

Laten nodded. "Why don't you?"

"It's complicated, Laten. Look at us. We are in no shape for me to start dating again. No shape whatsoever."