The Walks of Life

Chapter Five

"Where is Haden?" Lloyd asked.

"He took Aiden to his doctor's appointment," Aira replied.

"Has he told anyone else yet?" Lloyd asked. "He hasn't really been out of his room since he got home last night."

"I don't think so," Aira shrugged.

Lloyd sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Aira smiled and he raised an eyebrow at her. She ruffled his hair and walked away.

"What was that for?" Lloyd called after her.

She turned around and walked back to him smiling. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He in turn placed his hands on the small of her waist.

"I was just thinking about how cute you are," she smiled.

"Cute?! I'm forty-five," Lloyd exclaimed. "Aren't I supposed to be dignified and handsome."

"I didn't say you weren't those things too," Aira laughed. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.

"Good grief," James said in exasperation as he walked by.

"By Ninjago, James!" Lloyd yelped. "What on earth did you do to your hair?"

"I dyed it," James said. He was now sporting black and bright blue hair.

"And you are going to go dye it right back to the color it was," Lloyd said pointing towards the door.

"Dude, I'm getting in touch with my inner mantra," James said.

"You're inner what?" Aira asked.

"My mantra, Man," James said making a peace sign.

"One, stop talking like a stoner," Lloyd said. "Two, mantra is the stupidest word I've ever heard. Three, blue hair is out of the question. I went along with you wearing all black all the time like a vampire, but this crosses the line."

"You're so old fashioned," James grumped.

"Hey-" Xavier began to say as he walked in the monastery door. "James your hair looks ridiculous."

"You guys are so mean," James pouted.

"Sorry, Bro," Xavier shrugged. "I like your dirty blond hair. So, Dad, why did you want me to come over?"

"Hey guys," Haden greeted as he walked in the door.

He was carrying Aiden in a carseat that he had found in the attic. It took Xavier and James a minute to fully comprehend what Haden was carrying.

"Who is that?" James asked.

"Dude, what did you do to your hair," Haden asked.

"You two can discuss that later, but for now," Xavier looked dumbfounded. "Who is that?"

"This is Aiden," Haden said. He set the carseat down and gently undid the buckles. "He is my son."

"Your what?" James asked in shock.

"You have a kid?!" Xavier yelled.

"Shhhh!" Haden shushed, but the damage was done. Aiden began to wail in fear at the sudden loud noise. "Good job, Powerline!"