Collins - Hot N' Cold

Derick was happy for his son. He was getting his life where he wanted it to be. He had recieved some scholarships to college and was preparing for the big move. It was some time off, but Derick was still worried. The college was located on the mountain and he was worried. Tyreek wasn't a very good driver. Would he be able to make it up safetly?

Tyreek didn't care how he got there. He just wanted to get there. He worked hard on all his studies to ensure his place. His father and grandfather never got the chance to attend a college. He'd be the first in his family to get a higher education. He wasn't going to let this opportunity pass him by.

While he stayed home to work on homework, his father and grandfather went to South Lanshire for a little fun. They met up with a friend of Jerald's, Orion Bates, and held a little poker match. The game was made even better when Eumelia Holt took to the karaoke machine, providing a sweet soundtrack.

Derick was never a good gambling man. So he eventually folded and left the game. He approached Emuelia and listened to her sing. She paused in the middle of a song and asked him if he'd like to join her. He was never the best singer but she seemed hopeful, so he accepted. He had to admit, he had a bit of a crush on Eumelia...

After their song, he felt bold. He tried to be as subtle as possible but his motives were easily detected. "Oh...Derick, I'm not..." She tried to explain as carefully as she could. He lowered his head.
"No, it's fine. I should have known."
"I like you as a friend, a good friend. Okay?"
"Of course."

Jerald was a bit more skilled in the art of romance. He had phoned up the match maker, hoping she'd help him find the perfect woman. But after he saw her, he realized he didn't need her services. He needed her. She was surprised but flattered and the two began seeing each other casually.

Derick had been pushed by both his son and father to invite Eumelia over and talk about the previous night. He did so, reluctantly. He prepared what he was going to say. But in a moment, it was all gone from his mind. He wasn't expecting what Eumelia did. When she pulled away, he just stared and she blushed. "I...sorta just felt like it needed to be done..." She whispered as she went into the house. Derick followed loyally, not questioning it.

His life was just full of surprises. Perhaps his mind was too focused on Eumelia and their kiss. In any case, it wasn't focused on his work. As a result, he was fired. It was a devestating blow to him. He was the only source of income for the family, after all.

He was able to get his job back but he needed severe cheering up. So he called Eumelia and invited her out for a date in South Lanshire. She accepted and he treated her to dinner at the bowling alley. Seeing her gentle face made him feel so much better.

But once again, she was sending him mixed signals. It was as if she didn't even recall the kiss happening. Why was she acting like this? One minute, she was saying they were only friends and that she didn't feel that way. The next, she was sliding her tongue down his throat. Women were so difficult. It had been a long time since his wife passed away. Had he really forgotten how easily a woman's mind changed?

Jerald had seen it all. He had come to the bowling alley as well and he overheard the discussion. He had a good idea as to why she was so resistant. Talk on the street was she was seeing someone else. He had heard she was seeing one of their neighbors, a man named Ryouichi. He wasn't sure what to tell Derick. For now, he'd say nothing.

But he was still very worried about his son. Very worried indeed.