Long Live the Reckless and the Brave

I stood awkwardly by the door, staring into the distance, waiting for someone to let me in. To my surprise, Aubree answered the door, a big grin on her lips. I could hear Tom and little Jack yelling from somewhere in the house, so I could only assume that's what made her so happy. I almost felt bad in that moment, because Stella wasn't there to enjoy time with her friends, but then again, I found myself doubting that Nate was in there, too.

"Mr. Gaskarth," Aubree breathed, pushing a piece of her hair back. "Tom's not in trouble for being here, is he?"

"Of course not," I chuckled. "What are you guys doing in there?"

"Playing video games. Well, we were, until Jack decided to have a dance party instead."

"Why wasn't Stella invited?"

Aubree frowned, shaking her head. "We wanted to invite her, but we thought it'd just bum her out since she still can't really use her hands. Tom was going to call you later and ask if we could all come over and see her anyway."

"You know you kids are always welcome," I smiled, stepping into the familiar home of the Barakat's. "However, if you want to come over, I suggest you actually invite all of your friends."

"What?" She thouth on it for a moment and then her eyes grew wide. "Nate! Oh, he's going to be so mad at me!"

"Make it up to him, then. Hey, do you know where big Jack is?"

"Uh, yeah. I think he's in the kitchen with Mrs. Barakat."

Nodding, I stepped past Aubree and walked into the kitchen. Sure enough, Jack was sitting there with a beer, his guitar on his lap. He smiled when he noticed me and sat it down against the counter.

"Hey bro."

"Hey. So listen, I just wanted to come by and apologize for being so angry at little Jack. It's not easy to see my daughter hurt and he was the eaiset target. I didn't mean to make things awkward between us. I guess since Stell is getting better I'm getting less angry or whatever."

"Dude, don't even worry about it. I would be the same way. You should just know that he blames himself as much as you did, but he really cares about Stella and he wants to make things work."

"Yeah," I shuffled my feet, pushing a strand of hair away from my face. "Would you care if I talked to him alone for a minute?"

"Go for it, but like Jasmin always says, no blood on the carpet!"

Laughing to myself, I made my way back through the house. Jack's room was on the left, the door was standing wide open, so I didn't bother to knock. However, I wish I had, because Aubree was sitting on top of my son with her lips flowing against his. I smiled, realizing how different it was to see my son with someone than it was my daughter, and cleared my throat.

"Oh crap," Aubree pulled away, wiping her lips. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Gaskarth."

"You're teenagers, I'd be worried if you weren't making out. Anyway, I'm here for Jack."

"M-Me?"

"Yes, you. Follow me?"

I led the lanky teenager through the house and out the front door. There was a cool breeze flowing through the air, so we decided to remain on the porch where we were more sheltered. I sat down on the front steps and patted a place next to me. He was nervous, I could see it in his eyes. Probably thought I was going to tell him to stay away from my daughter.

"I was a teenager once too, ya know. You wouldn't believe the stupid shit I did to get the attention of a pretty girl."

He looked at me with questioing eyes, but his mouth didn't move to form the words.

"I don't blame you anymore for what happened to Stella. I realize she and that girl already had problems. I think I was more mad at you for going after someone who had no respect for my children to begin with. I don't show it, but I'm just as protective of Tom as I am his sister. Your methods were off, but I resepct the fact that you took as much of an interest as my daughter as you did. I take pride in knowing that she's with someone who sees her for what she really is, and supports her to no end. Now, I'm not saying I'm giving you permission to sleep with her or do something stupid like that, I'm just saying I'm not going to stand in the way of you two being happy together. I'm sorry for making you feel like I hated you, Jack."

"Wow.. Mr. Gaskarth," he started, tapping his fingers against his leg. "I really do love Stella and I want nothing but the best for her. I swear from now on I'm going to keep her safe.. Your blessing means more than I think you'll ever know."

"Just know if she ends up pregnant, I really will bust your knee caps and ban you from ever seeing her again," I smiled, hoping he realized I was joking. I gave him a pat on the back and stood up to make my way home. All the guilt I'd been feeling was washed away and I knew Stella would be happy when the kids came over tonight and told her the good news. "I'll see you later. And Jack? Call me Alex."

Notes