Chapter Two

Chapter Two

When Tony finally came to me, I was in my favorite tree, a weeping willow, studying for my finals. As soon as I saw the Cadillac Escalade pull into the drive, I thought something was up. I jumped out of the tree, landing lightly on my feet. I remember the day was hot, so I decided to go "Neon" and wear my neon green racer back tank top, and my casual dark wash jean shorts from American Eagle with my favorite black high-top converse that had Black Sabbath on the side.

I walked out a few steps to try seeing who was in the car. I saw a guy with blond hair and an orange and yellow flannel on, who had a muscular build. Driving was a guy who had the same jet black hair and the same goatee as my Dad. I stood in my place, waiting for the two men to step out of the car, observing them closely. As soon as they walked past the stone wall, it was as if I were in autopilot, and found myself running towards my dad! I knew it was him, he had the same hazel eyes and the same casual clothing he would wear for “off the record” trips.

"DAD!!!”

I heard myself yell. The word rolled off of my tongue like butter. I was running as fast as my feet could take me. I didn't stop running until I was a few feet away from, I then slowed down and was pulled into the familiar warm and loving embrace. I didn't care that anyone else was there, I felt as if it were just him and I, until the blond coughed.

"Well, how about we bring this little meet inside," said my Mom.

"Where's Jackson? I don't want him to know that we have different Dads, it would destroy him."

"Don't worry, I knew your father was coming down, so I set up a playdate for him."

I then turn my attention to the blond.

"I'm sorry, I'm being rude! Hi, I'm Reuben."

"Steve."

We shook hands, and we then all began walking inside. Mom offered a seat to Dad and Steve, and they gladly took seats on the couch in the living room, while Mom and I stayed out in the parlor.

"You knew he was coming and didn't tell me? Jeez, If I had known he was I would've dressed more appropriately."

"I'm sorry, I figured it'd be better more of a surprise, and I think that it was good that you wore that because he can see what you casually wear."

I walk into the living room and sit down on the floor, and leaned against a chair while mom sat in her “throne.”

"Dad, I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but why are you here? Why now? Why not before?"

"First of all, your education, and it looks like you’ve done well. I wanted you to go to a public school so you could have a normal life with friends, and that couldn’t have happened with me visiting you every summer or you living with me. I also wanted to keep you safe and out of danger.”

“Dad, there is danger everywhere. I’m a volunteer firefighter, I’m at the hands of fate to decide if I’ll die every day.”

“If I came every summer you would be in danger. Not “hands of fate” danger, but danger that would be likely to find you.”

"Oh right, right. Now you’re with the avengers and feel I’m safer since there’s a whole team of you.”

"That and you’re older and stronger, which you means we can train you to defend yourself.”

“Yeah, definitely strong seeing as how I need to be prepared for any situation in my line of work.”

“Yes. Rue, the reason why I’m here is to ask you if you wanted to come live with me again after you graduate.”

“Is this some sort of sick joke? Am I dreaming? I swear if I‘m dreaming I’ll-“

“Reuben, your father and I have talked about this and we both thought it was a good idea. Is it a good idea?”

“Pfft, yes!” I say excitedly.

Both dad and Steve smiled, so didn’t mom. I then realized all attention was on me, and I wanted to change that subject as quickly as possible. Mom could tell I was uncomfortable, so thankfully she changed the subject.

“How is she going to get there?”

“Well, she can fly and then ride the train to Manhattan.” Said dad.

“What about her stuff?”

“Well if she wants to, she can keep stuff here that she needs and then everything else can go to the tower and she can come and stay for a few days, and unpack everything and get it ready to move in after graduation.”

“I say yes to this plan.” I interjected.

“What about your friends? What will you do for work?” Asked my now concerned mother.

“The only friends I have are Scott and Torie. I can ask Cap to request a transfer to New York Fire Department. I realize this will be hard to leave my friends, fire department family, and you guys. It will be almost impossible to leave Jackson. But I know I’ll survive, because I can Face Time with Jackson every day.”

“Jackson doesn’t have an iPod so how will that happen?”

“Well, he has one now. I’ll just give him my iPod five.”