Memory Lane

Chapter 9: Father

(Song mentioned is Loser, Geek or Whatever from musical Be More Chill by Joe Iconis. Basically the ringtone when Jared calls.)

Rex felt happier, happier than he had been in a long time. He almost went home with a kick in his step, engaging in shuffling all the way back home.

The door was ajar.

He froze at first, unable to discern if it was a break in or his father leaving the door open. Which one was more likely?

He walked, with shaky legs, to the door, before he carefully nudged it open with his right shoulder.

"Dad? Mom?"

His father sat on the sofa, watching television. His mother was in the kitchen, making something. Something smelled good. He knew what she was making; his favourite.

His dad looked up from the sofa, then smiled. "Look what the Jurassic Era has brought in!"

He almost choked out a laugh, one of almost disbelief. And relief. He did not know what to say, but smile.

"So? Aren't you going to greet your pa?"

"Dad," he choked out, giving his dad a hug.

"Look at you. Been a while! Son, what happened? You got run over by a car? And- and Rex! You talked!"

"What do you mean, dad? I always have, just too soft for you to hear. How did you get away from work?"

"Pah, who cares about work? I need to spend some time with my son!" his dad laughed, ticking Rex. "Besides, after the accident, your mom and I... we've decided to stick around a lot more. At least try to."

"But dad... I don't want you to abandon work," Rex said, sadly.

"It can't be helped. We haven't been around for a long time, only coming home when you never see us. We're back, Rex. At least for today," his father said.

"And tomorrow?"

"Son, no one guarantees tomorrow. That's why we have to make the most out of today," his father advised, eyes gleaming with happiness. "We were not stupid or blind Rex. We were not there physically does not mean we didn't know anything. You made me proud son, with all you've been doing."

"Dad..." Rex started, looking at his father. "Dad, what are you working on?"

"I'm afraid that's classified information, dinosaur. C'mon. Your mom's cooking your favourite. I heard you've made some friends. Tell me about them!"

"I... dad... where were you two all this while?"

His dad frowned, almost in contemplation. So many things. So many things, he could tell.

"People call me Robert Pendragon, the genius computer whiz in terms of IT security and programming. They say I could make a genius program and AI that could control everything, every bit of information, no matter how classified. A spybot, you could say," Robert started, before smirking. "Sounds like a classic superhero origin story. Especially with your mom and quantum mechanics."

"What? Mom deals with quantum mechanics? How..." Rex cut himself off, realizing he does not know his parents at all.

He never does. Somehow that sends a bolt of pain through him. He needed to fix that. But somewhere nagging at the back of his head he knew it would be hard to get past that resentment towards his parents for practically abandoning him. As soon as this day passes and they are gone, the feeling will come back.

"Well, honey, that's a bit above your pay grade. Now eat up! Soup's getting cold," his mother smiled, nametag still on her blouse reading 'JAINA PENDRAGON'.