Collins - Growing Bonds

He wasn't expecting her to say yes. He wasn't expecting her to even stay long enough to hear him out. But Eumelia was full of surprises. That was one of the reasons he loved her. He just knew he had to make her his. Derek invited her over one late night, taking her by surprise. He knew she had some hesitation in her eyes but ultimately, she agreed. Their wedding would be small but it would be the best day of his life. Until that day, though, Eumelia would stay with her sister and nephew.

Tyreek was happy for his father. He didn't understand why his father didn't date after his mother had passed away. It had been a long time. It was okay to move on. Tyreek had heard only good things of Eumelia and as long as she made his father happy, Tyreek would approve of their union.

Of course, this left him with something else to think about. No doubt, his father and new stepmother would have children. The house would be quite crowded when he came back from college, wouldn't it? Would he have to move out on his own instead of returning home?

But he had options. His father would give him enough money to get a bachelor pad, of course. But if he took Melitta up on her offer, he wouldn't need it. Tyreek hadn't made many friends in New Lanshire, much less ones of the female persuasion but Melitta was someone he could relate to. She was low-key and calm. The two became best friends and Melitta offered Tyreek a place to stay after college. She had dreams of owning her own resturaunt but knew she'd need help. So in exchange for helping her out, she'd give him a place to stay. It was an enticing offer.

Tyreek couldn't deny it. He had feelings for Melitta. He and her weren't offically dating just yet but the connection was clear. Living with her would be simply perfect.

The household claimed another new member when Jerald proposed to his girlfriend, Claire. Jerald loved flirting with younger girls but he wasn't as young as he was. He knew it was important to have one person to live his days out with and his first wife, unfortunately, didn't fufill that need. So Claire would be the one for him.

The new member of the Collins home was quick to get to know Tyreek and Derick. Tyreek didn't mind his new stepgrandmother. She was nice enough. But Derick was a bit more reluctant to accept her. "I know Father loves you but...I guess I just miss Mom..."
"I know it will be hard to accept me, Derick but...we can at least try, right?"
"I suppose."

Jerald was happy as could be, though. They were only engaged but it felt as though they had been married for years. Claire was perfect for him and he was glad to have met her. Claire was happy as well. She had spent many years setting up other couples. It was due time for herself to find true love.

Tyreek had used his good grades to enter the prestigious private academy in town. He had some time before college and wanted to get more scholarships. He didn't think he was working too hard. He did find time to relax, after all. Each morning before school, he played with the ants in his ant farm. That was completely relaxing, right?

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.

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...