Like Mine

The Rents

Despite his insistence and outright refusal to go his father again, Scott is weak so here they were in D.C to talk to his dad.
But first, a trip home to see his mom.
"Dude...you grew up here?!" Malia asked excitedly as they pulled up in the driveway. Looking in the backseat at her baby who was out cold.
"Yep...the house is nice at least."
Scott sighed. "Before we go in there...just know that you're the only reason I'm here." Scott chuckled.
"Noted. Appreciated. Let's go." Malia said sweetly. Malia gently took Tyler from the back while Scott got the baby bag. He used the intimidating knocker once. Making the baby whine. Scott apologized softly.
A medium height old man with an indistinguishable accent answered.
"Good morning. Who are you__Oh, Scott! It's you. Why are you here so early in the year?" The man asked.
"Hey, Gerard. It's a long story. Is my mom here?" Scott asked.
"Drinking in the garden." Gerard said.
"She's supposed to be in AA. That's why they put her on sabbatical in the first place!" Scott said frustrated.
"She fell off the wagon again when Allison moved out to be with her boyfriend six months ago." Gerard explained. "Who's this?"
"A friend. Can we come in? It's so hot out and she's starting to get a little heavy." Malia said, readjusting the baby in her arms.
"Of course. Come in. Sit down and I'll get her for you, Master McCall." Gerard said and went to the back.
"This is so cool! This place is gorgeous. Even Tyler's impressed." Malia took a seat.
"Well...she doesn't take much impressing. Want a drink?" Scott asked. Malia nodded. "Be right back."
Scott went to the fridge and got them two waters. When he got back, his mom was standing there in awe.
"If you're my husband's newest whore, you're brave to use the front door. What do you want? Money?"
She asked. "Gerard! My purse."
"Mom, stop. She's not dad's mistress." Scott said.
"Well what is she doing in my house?" Melissa turned around to face her son. He smiled at her and they hugged. Tyler crawled over to Scott.
"Hi..." Scott looked down at her. Her tiny arms raised, looking up at her.
''Tyler, no. I am so sorry! She's just really attached to him" Malia apologized and picked her up. There was this shrill demanding cry.
"It's been years since I've heard that sound. I actually kinda missed it" Melissa chuckled as the wailing continued.
"Sorry. I'll just take her...somewhere." Malia said.
"Gerard, show her to Scott's old room.
Feel free to use the bathroom in there too." Melissa said warmly.
"Thank you?" Malia said a little put off as she let Gerard lead the way.
"Bye, cookie." Scott said waving to Tyler. She waved back with her little baby fingers as mommy took her upstairs.
"Is there something you want to tell me, son?" Melissa asked.
"Oh, I didn't do that." Scott explained.
"Thank goodness. So why did you bring her?" Melissa asked.
"She's the reason I'm here." Scott said vaguely. "Umm...I know it's last minute but is it cool if we crash here tonight? Going home tonight would kinda be a hassle." Scott said.
"Okay? Scott, this is your house. You can stay as long as you want. Your room is exactly how you left it. Are you hungry?" Scott smiled and nodded. Melissa bellowed for the cooks and they fixed them a meal.

After a full meal, Scott and the girls headed to FBI headquarters because Scott knew he wasn't going to be home any time soon.
They were met with a little resistance by security but Raf came down to clear it up.
"Scott? Why are you here at the office?" Raf asked surprised.
"Hello!" Malia said sweetly.
"Son?" Raf asked. Wanting an explanation about Malia.
"A friend. Pregnant when we met. Forget that. We need to talk." Scott said straightforward.
"Of course. Let's talk in my office. Sorry about the security." Raf said.
"That's fine. They were just doing their job. Not their fault they don't know you have a son...Raphael."
The awkwardness filled up the elevator. Malia grabbed his hand.
"Well maybe if you would visit more, they would know." Raf said politely.
"Maybe if you weren't such a tool, I'd visit more." Scott said with a little sarcastic smirk.
"Why can't you be more like your sister?" Raf asked.
"Maybe because I don't have a vagina. Can we get on with it?" Scott asked.
"Sure...What brings you by?" Raf asked. Tyler started babbling and reached for Scott. Who happily took her. Bouncing her up and down and kissing her chubby cheeks. "Scott!"
"Huh? Oh right. The house in California. I want it." Scott said.
"Rent not working out for you?"
Raf asked almost condescendingly.
"I would happily pay rent forever if it meant staying the hell away from you but...I'm a sucker for pretty girls and babies so here I am." Scott said dryly.
"You must really love her." Raf said.
"How would you know?"
Scott asked sarcastically. Tyler pinching his cheeks.
Making him laugh.
"It's yours...but you have to do something for me." Raf said.
"Only you would give your son a house for his 18th birthday and attach strings to it. What is it?"
Scott sighed.
"An actual relationship." Raf said.
"With her? I'm down!" Scott said excitedly until he thought it through and realized "Oh mean you..."
"I want us to have a good relationship. Without the pettiness. Or outright hatred." Raf said.
"This is costing more than if I bought the house myself...Fine. Two truce dinners a week. I'll even throw in a hug at the end of the month."
Scott offered.
"I'll take it."
"Great."
"Here's the keys."
"Thank you. I will see next week. Come on, Malia." Scott picked up the baby and walked to the door.
"It was nice meeting you."
Malia said nicely.
"Same. Have a good night." Raf said.
"Thanks." Malia smiled and caught up with Scott. "I should have believed you when you said you hated your dad."
"Yep."