Under Control

Chapter 2

Jack's POV:
It's very nice to finally go somewhere familiar instead of constantly moving around and my father boasting. Back to our quiet town and back to our mansion so I can stay in my room and have time to read and not be disturbed. I slip on my blacks boots and my jacket and walked outside to meet my father, who is talking to some big chested lady. I sighed and rolled my eyes as I walk towards my horse and started to mount her. I rubbed her mane and she neighed and trotted a bit. I smiled and soon, I heard my father speak. "Ah, Jack. I see you're ready to go back,hmm?" I nodded and looked away. I was always shy and since there's a lady beside him, I don't really want to look at dad right now. Me and my father haven't seen eye to eye ever since he cheated on our mom and now I'm slowly seeing him turning into a womanizer. "Aww, I didn't know you had a kid. He's very handsome. Must've gotten you're good looks." The lady said with a hint of, I think sarcasm or that's just how she normally talks. "Ah, well sadly, he got his looks from his mother. Rest her soul." 'Really dad, you're using that trick again? Nothing new there.' "Well, before you go, I'd like to know if you'll write to me and if you'll get my letters." "Mmm,I promise I will wildflower. Now if you will excuse us, we must go." I heard a kissing noise and a few giggles. I pretended to gag and looked forward. "Alright Jack, let's go back home." I nodded and we both started heading off, along with the other heroes. "Hey Jack, maybe new girls your age will be waiting for you. You know, waiting for you to date them." I stayed quiet and continued riding. It was very nice, going at this pace and getting a chance to look at the scenery. That's the only thing I'm going to miss about this place: the beautiful views. I was enjoying it so much, that I didn't notice my father calling out to me. "JACK, hey come on bud, don't blank out on me just yet." I looked forward and blushed a bit. I have very pale skin so my blushes will be noticed. "What's the matter bud, you nervous or something?" "N-no father, I'm j-just cold, that's all." He snorted softly and we, along with other heroes, rode along the trail back to home. It's been so long since I've been there. I'm 22 and I really do want to meet other people my age. It'll be a refresh instead of hanging around training obsessed retired heroes and their kids who are my age but are strict and focused. And don't get me started on the women that father brings around sometimes. I sighed and looked at the road. I started to get bored and started counting pebbles that we pass by, how many birds are in the trees, etc.

9 hours later~
After 9 hours of boredom and horse riding, we finally made it to home sweet home. As I looked at the entrance, I already started to smell the dough being turned into bread, the book seller yelling to 'come buy our books!', the shrieks and happy laughter from children. I was smiling from ear to ear as I look at our town. My father started to go in front of me and cleared his throat. "Alright Jack, Showtime!" I rolled my eyes and followed my father right on his tracks. Soon, the sidewalks were filled with happy and joyous cheering and thank yous. Some ladies a lot older waved and even posed for us. I waved a bit, since I'm not very good in crowded situations. I follow my dad when all of a sudden, he goes near the sidewalk, talking to someone, I presume. The guy he was talking to didn't look very friendly towards my father. I rode up next to my father and asked him what's wrong. I got a good look at the person he's talking to. He's very good looking. Fluffy black hair, square framed glasses, a red flannel, blue jeans that are a bit tight on him, and black sneakers. Oh, and how could forget the most important part, his muscles. They were everywhere and he looked so, uuggggh. I'm getting lost, I barely know what's happening and I realize I was biting my bottom lip. My father introduced the stranger, just in time, and I learned his name is Mark. I looked at him and he had fire in his eyes. Literally. My father suddenly looked at me and said, when I get older, I'll be meeting people like Mark and earn the same type of medal he got. I was getting uncomfortable because father is bringing up the medal he got for slaying the Dark King and I know for a fact he uses that title for stupid unneeded reasons. Soon Mark started talking and my God his voice was deep and velvety. I blushed and looked away but was curious. "Stop flashing that stupid damn medal like you earned it." He sounds pissed. My father is boasting to a walking flame and yet continues. He even got smug and invited him to our banquet. Well, I wouldn't mind that tho. Maybe I can apologize for my father's... umm, behavior and maybe get to know him better. As I thought that, i heard my father's yelp and Mark was walking away. My father looked at him with suspicion and a bunch of people surrounded father's horse and asked if he was alright. "Fair citizens, I am alright, no need to be uppity. Now you are all invited to the banquet and I hope to see you all soon." Everyone cheered and I just silently kept thinking to myself. 'How do I approach this mystery person and who is he to father?' I continue to ride my horse towards the mansion and still thought to myself.

At mansion ~
"Ahh, home sweet home, huh Jacky?" I nodded and started to walk towards my room. "Jack, where are going?" I turned around and started to play with the hem of my shirt. "I'm going upstairs, the party is soon." Father just nodded and started welcoming the heroes. I started to speed walk upstairs and to my room and the first thing i did was lay on my bed and hug my pillows. It's been so long. I almost felt like crying but I knew that once I started, I can't stop. I placed my pillows down and walked to my closet. I looked around and saw my outfit for parties like these. "Ok mystery man, let's see if you will come."