Collins - Us Men

Tyreek never once complained about only having one parent. His mother died when he was still young, so he wasn't affected. It also helped that his father, Derick, shared many of his interests. Both were men of science. Both longed to read long books by a roaring fire, stargaze and play chess. No, what Tyreek did complain about was the fact he had to live with his grandfather as well. Grandpa Jerald never acted his age, not even when his arthritis acted up. He loved partying, jumping on couches and inappropiately groping young women. Tyreek could only hope there was a lack of females in this new town. He didn't need some scantily clad woman in his face while trying to read, garsh darnit!

Despite how he felt towards his grandfather, he didn't ignore him entirely. Sometimes, he did give in and would listen to one his grandfather's awful jokes. It was a small price to pay. If he did chose to ignore the old man, he'd get a long winded lecture and no one needs that.

Derick stayed to himself, as he always had. He mostly hung out in his room, browsing the web. That's when he came across a job advertisement that really interested him. Sure, for now it was just working at the local aquarium as a fish chummer but it was something he enjoyed. Oceanography really interested him.

Of course, there was always time for reading. Derick loved reading, especially when he did it with his son. They were usually silent but when they did speak, it was deep and full of meaning. His son was wise beyond his years, Derick knew. He was growing up to be a fine young lad.

Jerald didn't care for books. He was more interested in getting to know his neighbors. He invited one of the closer families nearby, after hearing about a particularly saucy redhead with a pechant for flirting. Sadly, Lorelle did not show up but Jerald was fine with Eumelia. She was attractive as well.

Owen was the type of son Jerald wish he had. An active boy, Owen jumped at the chance to play catch. Derick never liked sports. Jerald tried to get him to try out for sports in school but the timid boy refused. He was still that timid boy and he'd never change.

Tyreek knew he was smart. He felt he didn't deserve to be in such low-level classes. He dreamt of being in a prestigious private school. But his grades, for whatever reason, didn't show the private school level. He was rather frustrated. "How can I get a B?!"

Jerald just laughed at Tyreek's horror. The boy fussed over such little things. A B was nothing to be upset about. Why, Jerald remembered his parents praising him for at least getting a D+. No, the boy needed to learn to relax. Painting was a good way to relax. Ever since Derick bought the easel, Jerald couldn't tear himself away from it. Well, except to go to the bathroom.

And to sing a rousing folk song, of course. Derick was beginning to stress about his job and Tyreek about his grades, Jerald had to find a way to cheer them up. So he dragged them downstairs and made them listen to his song. The words were strange, "Did he just say toenail stew?" but the tune was catchy. It wasn't long before they were all dancing and singing.

Of course, when the singing was over, the boys went their seperate ways. Tyreek worked on his homework and Jerald jumped on the couch. Finally alone, Derick got the chance to use his telescope to get a better look at a single woman who just moved down the street...