Like Father Like Son

Get up

"Wait here" Zach said as he got out of the car. I grumbled and crossed my arms. I knew he was getting my dad, despite me telling him not to talk to him, but at this point I didn't care. Honestly, the only thing I cared about was losing Daisy. All those years of friendship thrown out for a boy.

"Parker Zachary Smith!" I heard dad yell. I looked up through the windshield and saw him walking over. I stepped out of the car and hung my head in shame, ready for him to punish me.
"I'm sorry dad" I said with a weak voice. I felt him put a hand on my shoulder.
"What happened?" He asked calmly. I looked up at him and took a deep breath.
"I just wanted my stuff back. I got my necklace, but the chain broke while I grabbed it. It's too late for my guitar" I dropped my head again I'm shane as I spoke.
"Parker, look at me" dad said. I lifted my head again and saw him studying my eyes. "Zach said there was a fight, are you okay?" I nodded as he squeezed my shoulder.
"Yeah, Zach got there before it got bad. Sorry dad, they wanted to fight me and I couldn't back down" I kept my eyes on dad as I tried not to get upset. "The worst part is Daisy took their side and just stopped caring about me"
"Oh Parker" dad said as he pulled me closer. I pushed him back, surprising him.
"I'm fine dad" I mumbled as I pushed past him to walk into the studio.

I went to the storage closet to hide from everyone. They may not be the ones I'm upset with, but I needed time to myself. I hid behind one of Barry's drum sets and closed my eyes. The moment of peace and quiet was actually nice, so I enjoyed it knowing it wouldn't be long before they came looking for me.

I sat there trying to meditate for about ten minutes before I heard the door open.
"Park, you in here?" I heard Eric's voice call out. I waited for his footsteps to get closer before popping up from behind the bass of the set.
"What's up?" I asked as Eric stumbled back.
"Don't scare me like that man" he said with a hand over his heart. "What are you doing in here anyway?"
"Sorry, I just needed some time to myself" I did feel a little guilty scaring him.
"Next time tell your dad where you're going. We all have to deal with him freaking out" he mumbled as he started to leave.
"Why? I'm eighteen now, he doesn't have to be over protective" I said as I started to follow him.
"He's just worried about you. You have been dealing with a lot lately"
"Oh right, he tells you guys everything" I rolled my eyes.

I found dad sitting in the hall on his phone. He gave out a big sigh when he saw me.
"Where did you go off to? I've been trying to call you" he said.
"Did you forget I broke my phone again?" I asked as I sat next to him.
"Right, what am I going to do with you" dad shook his head with a slight smile.
"I don't know dad, I'm starting to think you shouldn't bring me in tour this summer. I mean, I don't even trust myself" I mumbled as I looked down at my hands, playing with them.
"Don't day that bud. You're just going through some hard days. Between finals and high school drama, I bet it's hard to think straight. I'm sure you'll be fine after schools done" he put a hand on my back and I sighed.
"But what if I'm not? What if I'm just a mess" I mumbled as I put my head in my hands.
"Hey, no putting yourself down" dad said as he rubbed my back.
"You know dad, sometimes it feels like you're the only one on my side" I said as I lifted my head.
"I always will be bud, and don't forget Zach, Barry, and Eric"
"I don't know, sometimes Zach isn't nice" I said with a slight smile.
"You two night not always get along, but he cares about you" dad said. I wasn't sure if I believed him, but it did feel good sitting with him.

Dad decided it was best for us to go home. We said goodbye to the others and got into his car. I turned up the radio loud but he didn't protest. The ride felt long as I leaned my head against the window, enjoying the music.
"Uh dad, where are we going?" I asked as he drove us past our street.
"It's a surprise" he said, which always scared me.
"Better be worth it" I mumbled.

I was pleasantly surprised for once when I saw the skate shop ahead of us.
"What are we doing here?" I asked as I sat up straight.
"Time for you to get a new board" dad said. He found a parking spot and we got out of the car. I rushed inside with him following.

It didn't take my long to find a board a liked. It was wooden with a snake underneath and black grip tape. The wheels were red. I picked it as it reminded me of threat to survival's cover art. Dad took it to the checkout and payed.
"I can't wait until I get a job and can pay for my own things" I said as we walked out together.
"Soon buddy, don't worry about it for now. Focus on school" dad said as we got into the car.
I know, I know. Thanks dad" I said.
"No problem bud" he smiled at me before starting the car. I turned the radio back on and felt good for once.

We got home with enough time for me to study before dinner. While dad cooked, I sat at the dining table with my books. He did his best to help me and I appreciated it. After what Cody did, I didn't plan on studying with any other student. Once dinner was ready I put my books away so we could eat together. Dad tried a pasta salad recipe grandma gave him, and it turned out pretty good.

After dinner I decided to try and get some rest. It might have still been early, but I had a long day. I said goodnight to dad and headed to my room. As I placed my guitar pick back in it's safe place, with the broken chain next to it, I thought of how lucky I was to get it back. Sure, I missed my guitar. But this pick was irreplaceable in my eyes. I laid back on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Just when I thought I was feeling better, I thought about Daisy. I missed her, and I still wasn't sure what happened. Knowing I wouldn't sleep if I kept thinking of it, I left my bed and looked for dad.

Dad was sitting in his office talking on the phone.
"Hold on Eric" he said as he placed his phone down. "What's up bud?"
"I can't sleep, can I sit with you?" I asked.
"Sure" he said. He put his phone on speaker as I took a seat at his desk.
"Eric, Parker is here" dad said.
"Hey buddy" Eric said over the phone.
"Hello" I said with a tired voice. I leaned back in the chair, listening to dad and Eric talk. My eyes felt heavy after a while and I stopped paying attention to what they were saying. I slowly felt myself drift off to sleep in the chair.