The Walks of Life

Chapter Four

"Why did Dad storm off?" Haden asked with drooped shoulders.

"I think he is just shocked," Garmadon said shaking his head.

"He is shocked?! What about me! I had no idea!" Haden exclaimed.

"We didn't have any idea either," Aira reminded him calmly. "One day our son is complete care free and kid free the the next day he has a son. Oh good gracious."

"Dad is totally pissed isn't he?" Haden asked.

"Do you really blame him?" Garmadon asked. "I'm too old to be shocked at much though."

"I guess I don't blame him," Haden shrugged. Aiden began to cry again. "What's wrong?"

"Part of being a parent is finding out," Aira said, handing Aiden back to Haden. "Most likely he is hungry. Have you found a primary doctor for him? Do you know what kind of formula he uses? Do you-"

"Okay, Mom," Haden sighed. "I get the picture."

"I'm sorry," Aira said after a few moments. "That wasn't fair of me. I'm just trying to show you how much there is to being a parent."

"If you and dad figured it out then so can I," Haden said with resolve.

"I know can," Aira said gently. "We are always here if you need guidance. I can't pretend I'm not a little excited at having a new grandbaby though."

"Misako did the same thing," Garmadon smiled at the memory. Aira felt tears come to her eyes. Misako was dearly missed.

"Let me see my grandson and then I'll deal with his grandfather," Aira smiled.

*********************************

Lloyd stormed out the front door and slammed it behind him. He walked into the yard a few feet and began to pace back and forth. How could Haden have been so stupid? Didn't he raise him better? He was only nineteen!

"Hey Lloyd!" Kai greeted as he walked up hand in hand with Skylor. Lloyd glared at him and did not reply.

"Wow. What's wrong Lloyd?" Skylor asked worriedly.

"My son was being an idiot," Lloyd retorted.

"Aren't we all sometimes," Kai laughed.

"No, I mean like a life changing thing," Lloyd huffed.

"What could he have possibly done that was so life changing?" Kai said, rolling his eyes.

"He had a kid!" Lloyd shouted.

"See it's not that-wait-WHAT?" Kai shouted.

"He had a kid?!" Skylor asked in shock.

"Who? When? How?" Kai stammered. "You weren't kidding."

"You know how!" Lloyd snapped. "And his son is a week old. Apparently the mother--whoever that is--just told him today and said if he didn't take him she was going to give him up."

"And he took him?" Skylor asked.

"Yes," Lloyd nodded. "That's not what I'm upset about. That was the right thing to do. I just-"

Kai put a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. That was all Lloyd needed for him to know that his friend understood. Lloyd sighed and rubbed his face with his hand.

"You know he is probably very scared," Skylor said calmly.

"Ya, remember how you felt when you found out Aira was pregnant with Julia and Xavier?" Kai added.