The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are entirely fortuitous. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. If such content offends you please leave now. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written authority from the author. Write Bobby at this address with your comments.

Jared:

As I sat in the waiting area I couldn't help but wonder if Travers even deserved this present anymore. Lately he's shown irresponsibility and complete immatureness around the house as well as at school, according to Tyler and other various teachers. Tyler on the other hand thinks that by giving him this more than extravagant gift will show Travers how much he truly loves him as a son.

"Sir, your car is ready." the attendant said. "I'll ring you up at the counter."

I walked up to the counter where he gave me the price for his services. The price wasn't bad at all. Tyler was right, this guy was really cheap. "Thank you so much,"

"You're welcome, and have a nice day."

"Same," I walked back to my car and began to drive home. I had the day off today so I figured I'd do some running around. The last thing on my list to do is pick some dinner up. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get a hold of Tyler so I'm not sure what he's up for.

With Mexican food in tow, I opened the garage and pulled in. Keegan came out to greet me.

"Hi dad," he said.

"Hey Keeg,"

"Guess what? I'm sick!"

I froze for a second. That's all I need is to get sick. "Really? How sick are you?"

"He's not sick," Tyler said, walking into the garage. "He got heat stroke early this morning and practiced a new career, bus driving."

I handed him some containers of food and grabbed the rest myself. Keegan took one of the cartons as well. We all walked into the kitchen. I'm not sure of Tyler or Keegan, but my stomach was growling something fierce.

"Is Travers in his room?" I asked Tyler.

"Yeah,"

"I'll get him," His room wasn't far from the kitchen. Actually it's kind of in the kitchen. I knocked on his door then waited a few seconds before entering. Travers was sound asleep on his bed.

"Which one is mine dad?" Keegan asked Tyler.

"I'm not sure, but I'm guessing this one because it has no beans." Tyler responded.

"Travers is sleeping," I said, grabbing his food and putting it in the microwave. I then grabbed mine and went into the dining room. Tyler and Keegan began hurriedly eating. It was like they haven't eaten in a few days, jeez. "Have you not eaten in a while or something, guys?"

Tyler swallowed. "Well, we were starving. I guess it's just because we're growing men."

Once we finished dinner, we went in the living room to watch TV. Around 8:30 Travers woke up ad stumbled up to us.

"Where's my dinner?" he asked tiredly.

"Here, I'll get it for you." Tyler said, getting up from the couch.

"I'd rather get it myself," Travers said irritably.

I gave him a warning look, but Tyler gave in and told him it was in the microwave. Both Keegan and I gave Tyler a sympathetic look. He appeared to be fine, but I knew him better than he gave me credit for. On the inside, he was sobbing.

* * * *

Tyler:

Jared crawled into bed and clung onto my side. He rubbed my stomach and was whispering something, but I couldn't concentrate on what. Travers was really starting to hurt me more and more. I mean, he wouldn't even let me get his dinner from the microwave earlier. How the hell am I supposed to feel?

The next morning was just like all the others minus the rush. On Wednesdays and Thursdays at my school, the first class doesn't start until about eight; it's called block day. Block days are special in which Wednesdays students only go to there first, third, and fifth periods. Thursdays are reserved for periods two, four, and six. All classes are nearly two hours. Block days are supposed to be used by students for catching up with late or missed work or tests with their teachers. The majority, however, use the extra time to sleep in.

I made a quick breakfast for the three of us. Keegan finished his eggs and toast super fast as always. About that time, Travers was just walking out of his room. At least he was ready to go. He ate as slow as ever, but then we were on our way out. Keegan was the first to be dropped off. His school doesn't start till eight everyday so he wasn't too early. Travers stayed in the back when Keegan got out. I minded a little bit, but didn't dare say a word. When I pulled into the teacher's parking lot at the high, he just got out and walked away. I watched him as he moved his feet towards his friends; friends that I know at least.

The eight minute bell rang and a few kids came in at that time. It was going to be a long day today as this was the first week of the block schedule. The school holds off for about a month or so so the freshmen can get used to the new environment.

"Hi Mr. Delfino," Trevor beamed as he walked through my door. "How are you today?"

"Oh, I am great. How about yourself?" I asked, smiling.

"I'm pretty good, thanks." He took his seat and got out his notes.

The two minute bell rang which was followed by the rest of my class barging through the door. Then the final bell rang. I asked everyone how they were doing as I do every morning. The kids seemed to be really responsive with me whenever I ask or tell them to do anything. I'm not sure, but I think that's a really great thing considering most teachers can't get more than a short answer out of them. Beginning the notes I heard no groans. They actually enjoyed my teaching. This morning I was stung by Travers, but now that these kids really seem to enjoy my teaching I couldn't be any happier right now.

After my notes came the assignment. Again, not one person groaned at having to do some book work. Ten minutes later everyone was finished and they were ready to start a new movie, The Crossing. I enjoyed the movies I show. They are the exact same as the ones my U.S. History teacher showed me. He was my inspiration for becoming a teacher in fact. I loved the way he taught. Mr. Danforth knew what he was talking about. Such an organized man he was. I've yet to have a real conversation with him since beginning here, but I have just been so preoccupied. Maybe next week things will get better and my stress meter will go way down.

When I sat back at my desk after starting the movie I took the note out that I received on the front door yesterday.

'your son does really well in school. it'd be a shame if something happened to him long term'

I'm not completely sure, but my guess is that the note is about Keegan. I've yet to show Jared, though, only because I wasn't sure how he'd react. I guess that's how he felt about the note he got. Right when I see him tonight I'm going to apologize for how I acted and then hand him this note.

When the bell rang everyone shuffled out the door. Trevor came up to my desk, however, and asked if he could talk to me.

"How's life going, Trevor?" I asked him, remembering our last private conversation.

"It's going decent," he responded. "Um, Mr. Delfino, my printer broke at my house and I don't have the means of fixing it quite yet so I was wondering if I could turn my essay in a little late? It won't be too late, just like a couple days or something." He looked into my eyes pleadingly.

"Sure, I'll accept it late." I smiled.

He sighed. "Thank you so much, Mr. Delfino. You've got to be the nicest teacher I have."

"No problem,"

"Good bye," he said, moving closer to the door.

Suddenly, the door was flung open and someone ran straight into Trevor. He managed to stay up, but the kid who ran into him was knocked to the ground. His face came into my view and I saw it was Travers.

"Sorry about that," Trevor said, helping Travers up.

"Yeah, well, just don't let it..." But Travers didn't finish his sentence once he looked at Trevor. He stared into his eyes almost with a reason it seemed like. A small smile started to form on my son's face. "I mean, no problem. That was my fault anyways."

"I'm Trevor,"

"Travers," They shook hands then looked at me. Trevor looked embarrassed and then just walked out. "Um, I forgot why I came in here." Travers then walked out quickly.

It could just be my imagination, but I think my son just found himself a crush. Maybe now he'll quit being such an asshole, but I doubt it.

The end of school couldn't have come any faster. When the bell rang, my fifth period was just beginning to get into the movie. We spent most of the time just screwing around and talking.

Travers was actually at my Murano when I showed up. A nice surprise at that. Of course, the drive home wasn't much of a surprise, being silent and all. Keegan was his usual talkative self, however, ranting about his wonderful day in the fifth grade. As we arrived home, I noticed something was out of place. Our trash cans were knocked over on the side of our house. Then as I took a closer look, our airlock windows had been shattered.

"Dad, what's wrong with our house?" Keegan asked, squinting.

"I'm not sure, bud." I said. "Why don't you stay here with your brother while I go and check it out, okay?" Both boys nodded.

I got out of my car and walked up onto the porch. While I inserted my key to unlock the airlock, I surveyed everything around me. Once the door was open, I cautiously walked through the front door.

"Fuck,"

*

"Thank you for coming, Austin." I said.

"Hey, that's my job. It's not a problem." he responded. "Now, I am suggesting that you get a security system, obviously, and you might also consider taking some shooting lessons."

I looked at him with shock. "Do you think we actually need to take them?"

"Well, wouldn't be better to be safe than sorry? Besides, you might not ever use those skills, but it would be nice to know that if you need to then you can." Austin explained.

"All right, we'll set up some shooting lessons then." Jared said.

Austin and the other three cops eventually left us. The boys were watching TV when Jared and I walked back inside. I was still shaken up from being broken into, but Jared seemed eerily calm. I called my mom and told her everything. She was shocked that we were actually broken into. Then I asked to talk to dad.

"Hey son, how are you?" dad asked.

"I'm good, dad, thanks." I replied. "I was wondering if I could ask you a really big favor?"

"Just name it,"

"Well, I'm sure mom has told you that Jared and I have been having trouble with Travers and I was jus wondering if you could take him on a fishing trip?"

"Of course I will. I was actually going to ask if you wanted me to do that. I remember how much you enjoyed them." dad said.

"Yeah, I kind of miss them actually."

"Well, how about this Saturday then? I'll pick him up at six."

"All right, dad, see you then." I said. "Bye."

I told Jared about the trip and some relief seemed to grow in him. Once we were a little calmed down, we both started to make calls to home security companies. He found some good ones, but I found a great one. Their price was a little high, but with all the features they offered, it seemed like a great choice. I scheduled them to come take estimates tomorrow at four.

The next day was like the rest. I taught happily for second, fourth, and sixth period. It was when I got home that things started to liven up. The security guy came by and took estimates and gave me a price. As it turned out, the price he gave me was less than what I calculated. Maybe that's why I majored in history and not math.

Friday was a good day. Our new home security system was going to be installed around one so I had to call in a sub for after lunch. When the guy arrived at my house, he was fully prepared to deck my house with the premium security package as well as the extras I ordered which included door and window sensors, motion detectors, an interior siren, five smoke detectors, two carbon monoxide detectors, three glass-break detectors, four exterior strobe lights, two interior strobe lights, and two exterior sirens.

After about an hour or two of installing everything, he and his three assistants showed me how to work everything. Within twenty minutes, my home was in my command once more. The men left with a gracious tip from me. I'm not sure if you're supposed to tip them, but what the hell, right? They worked for me so they're going to get paid by me.

Jared came home around five with the kids. They spent a few hours at mom's house today. I didn't want the kids to get in the way of the installation men so I had my wonderful mother pick them up and watch them. I taught Jared as well as the boys how to use the keypad. It really was a simple thing to do. Alls that was required was a simple code. The panic buttons were obvious so there wasn't much explaining on my part I guess.

Saturday. Most kids in the world dream of this day. It signifies another week's payoff. A day dedicated to watching cartoons and eating and playing. But for Travers, who doesn't even know what his Saturday has in store for him, is going to find out that when you get older, your Saturdays tend to be less of a thrill. They appear to be just another day like every other day.

"Travers," Jared said softly, sitting next to him on his bed. "Travers, you need to get up."

Travers groaned and squirmed. I thought it was cute. Jared tried another time to get him up. This time he was more successful.

"What's going on? Is grandma and grandpa okay?" he asked tiredly, sitting up on his elbows.

"They're fine," I answered. "In fact, grandpa will be here in about thirty minutes to pick you up. He's taking you fishing this morning."

"What? Are you crazy?" He picked his cell phone up and opened it. "It's not even six yet!"

"He'll be here at six. I suggest you be ready to leave by then. I'm sure you don't want him to come in here and get you up himself." I said.

Travers looked at Jared who bore the same expressionless expression as I. Did that sound okay? Anyways, Jared and I walked out and closed his door. He took me in his arms and said, "He'll come around."

My dad arrived at six sharp. Travers was ready very shortly after dad walked in the house. He got very lucky. Even when I was Travers's age, dad liked to be on time all the time regardless of whether or not he wanted to go. Jared and I bid them farewell and to have a fun time.

At two, Jared and I have shooting lessons that he set up. I'm pretty excited about it really. I've never shot a gun before and I've kind of always wanted to. This reminds me, I still have to show the note to Jared.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I hope you enjoyed chapter five! As always feel free to e-mail me with any comments or questions. Also feel free to join my group at this address. Thanks!