An 18 year old Mark Callaway waited impatiently while his dad talked to the salesman about his new Harley. His 12 year old brother Glenn had his nose stuck in a book and didn t care that Mark was now 15 seconds late for his date with Candy McQueen. Mark started pacing, his long legs eating up the distance between the middle of the sales floor and the door. He looked down at his watch and gritted his teeth. He was now 45 seconds late for his date. Getting pissed, he walked by Glenn and kicked him in the leg.

Glenn just looked up, rolled his eyes and looked back at his book. Put that damn book down. Mark hissed, leaning down and jerking it out of Glenn s hands. MARK! Glenn said, standing and reaching for the book. Mark grinned and held it over his head. Jump for it small fry. Mark said with a smile. Glenn hadn t hit his growth spurt yet and Mark towered over him, something he took great delight in. Give it back. Glenn said, standing on his tiptoes and reaching for the book. Make me. Mark said. DAD! MARK TOOK MY BOOK AND WON T GIVE IT BACK! Glenn screamed, smiling at Mark when their dad turned around and gave Mark a dirty look. Mark give him that damn book and come here. His father said. Mark hit Glenn in the chest with the book and gave him a dirty look. Glenn stuck his tongue out at Mark and sat back down.

Mark walked over and said Yeah? Looking at his watch again. What do you think of this bike? Dragon asked, pointing at a Low Rider Harley. The 67 s are the best. Mark said, squatting down beside the bike and checking it out. So you re saying you wouldn t want this for your birthday? Dragon asked, hiding a grin. Mark looked up and said Really? Dad are you shitting me? Dragon shook his head no and Mark grinned. Well, if you want to buy it, then I ll be nice and ride it. Mark said, trying to be cool and forgetting all about his date. Dragon laughed and told the salesman they d take it.

Mark went to look at accessories and Dragon walked over and sat down beside Glenn, waiting for the salesman to get the paperwork in order. Well son, have you decided what bike you d like when you turn 18? Dragon asked. I don t want a bike I want a truck. Glenn said, not looking up from his book. Dragon sighed and wondered how he could have two sons and only the oldest one wanted a bike, but then Glenn had never wanted what Mark had. He d always been different. Maybe it was because Mark was 6 when Glenn had been born and Dragon already had him riding with him. The first time he d sat Glenn in front of him and started the Harley, Glenn had screamed and reached for his mom, crying. Granted he d only been 16 months old, but to this day, he didn t like bikes. Dragon didn t know who he took after. He was the quiet type that loved to read.

Mark wouldn t pick up a book if you beat him, his mind had been on girls and bikes since he d turned 15. His grades reflected it too, he passed but he didn t go out of his way to make good grades. Dragon never said anything to him about it. Mark could have dropped out like he had, so as long as he passed, Dragon was happy. Glenn on the other hand made straight A s. He took his school work seriously, coming straight home and doing his homework before he d watch TV. What cha reading now son? Dragon asked, trying to take an even bigger interest in Glenn now that his mother was gone. Out of the three of them, Glenn missed her the most. Little Women. Glenn muttered, not looking up. Why? Dragon asked, a look of horror on his face. I have to do a book report on it. Everyone is reading it. Glenn said. It wasn t his kind of book but he d read it since it was for school. Oh. Dragon said with a smile, at least he didn t pick it out for himself. Before Dragon could think of anything else to say, the salesman walked over and said You need to sign some papers and you ll be all set. Dragon walked off and Glenn looked through his lashes at Mark and his bike, hate in his eyes.

He hated bikes. He couldn t believe that Mark wanted one after everything that had happened to them. He d never forget seeing his mom ride away from them on the back of some guys bike. She d just ruffled his hair and said See ya around kid. That was it and Glenn would never forgive her. Seeing Mark stand and turn toward him, he lowered his eyes back to his book.

Mark looked over at Glenn and then his dad. Glenn had never been like them, but Mark had hoped as he got older, he d get into bikes. After what their mother had done, he figured Glenn would never like them. He was surprised he was even in the bike shop, usually he sat in the truck. He walked over and said Come on shithead; I ll give you a ride on my bike. Glenn just shook his head no, turning a page. Mark sighed and squatted down in front of him Glenn; you can t hate bikes because mom left on one. The bike had nothing to do with it. If it had, she d have stayed with dad, he has 13. He said. Leave me alone. Glenn muttered, hunching his shoulders. Grow up. Mark hissed, getting tired of Glenn s stupid notions about bikes. Glenn just looked up and then looked back down at his book. Would you hate trucks if mom left in one? Mark asked. Shut up. Glenn hissed back. The bike had nothing... Mark said, but Glenn stood up and shoved Mark, knocking him on his ass in the floor. SHE CHOSE A BIKE OVER US! He screamed and ran out of the shop.

Dragon heard Glenn s yell and looked up from the desk, seeing him running out the door and Mark picking himself up off the floor. Mark took two steps toward the door but Dragon said Mark, let him be. Mark walked over and said Dad, he thinks... I know what he thinks, he doesn t understand. Give him time. Dragon said, understanding better than ever Glenn s dislike of bikes and everything about them. Mark rolled his eyes and said You baby him too much. Dragon didn t bother to answer, just shook the salesman s hand and handed Mark the key to the bike. Don t be stupid on it either. Dragon said. Mark grinned and pushed it out the doors of the shop.

Dragon walked out and got in the truck, following Mark to the gas station and then going home, Mark going to show his friends his new bike. You know that we re going to the cookout tonight at the club. Dragon said. Do I have to? Glenn asked for the 12th time. Yes. Mark is going to be on a date and I m not leaving you home by yourself. Dragon said. Dad, I m 12. Glenn said in disgust. I know how old you are son. Dragon answered. I m not going if you re taking that bike. Glenn said. We ll take the truck. Dragon answered, figuring he could let Glenn get his way on this one. Fine, but I don t want any of your friends calling me by that stupid name. I won t answer to it. Glenn said, knowing his dad was going to argue about that. You will not embarrass me son. You ll answer to your biker name if you re called by it. Dragon said. I won t. Glenn insisted. Son, you have a choice. You can answer to your biker name or we ll take the Harley and you ll still answer to the name Kane. Understand? Dragon said, putting his foot down. FINE! Glenn screamed, turning his head to look out the window and Dragon smiled.

Momma, aren t you ready yet? Serenity asked, pacing in the hallway in front of the bathroom door. Honey, it doesn t start until 6. Demona said with a smile. Serenity rolled her eyes and said So we can go to the mall or something until it starts. Her mom opened the bathroom door and pulled her inside. What s going on? Demona asked, putting mascara on. I hate staying here, can t we just stay at a hotel or something? It won t be long before our house is finished and then we ll move. Demona said softly. Are you sure you and Uncle John are related? Serenity asked. Demona laughed and said I m sure.

He hates daddy. Serenity whispered, fighting back tears. I know honey, he never liked the fact that your dad was a biker. I was an embarrassment to the family when I married him. Demona said. Well I m telling you right now, if he says anything bad about daddy in front of me, I m kicking his ass. SERENITY! I don t like it when you cuss. Demona said. Ass is not a cuss word, it s in the Bible. Serenity said with a wicked grin. Demona laughed and said You better not let your uncle hear you say that. Demona finished getting ready and they left, going to the mall for a few hours.

DAD! HE S BRINGING HIS BOOK BAG! Mark yelled, walking though the house. GLENN! Dragon yelled, walking out of his bedroom and into Glenn s room. What are you doing? Dragon asked, watching Glenn shove a flashlight and some extra batteries in the sack. I have to go to this stupid thing so I m taking something for me to do. Glenn said, picking up several comic books and his notebook and pen. Shoving the book Little Women into the bag, Dragon said. Leave that book here. No, I m almost finished with it and I can work on my book report before the sun goes down. Glenn said. Dragon opened his mouth and then shut it. Fine, but you will not act like a snob to the other kids. Glenn rolled his eyes and didn t answer.

Honey, are you sure you want to take a book with us? Demona asked as they got into the car. Yes, I won t know anyone and it ll give me something to do. Serenity said. Demona didn t argue. Serenity was very shy and if taking a book made her feel comfortable, then she wasn t going to stop her. They pulled up at The Pit, and Serenity said Momma, remember you re driving tonight. Demona smiled and said I m just going to have fun, not to get drunk. Serenity smiled and they got out of the car.

Glenn walked in behind his dad and brother, seeing an empty table, he headed straight for it, ignoring his dad when he told him to stop. Glenn sat down and pulled out his notebook and pen, having finished his book on the way to the party. He started writing but got interrupted. Where s your brother? Candy asked, twirling her hair. Glenn looked around and said Does it look like he s chained to me? She curled her nose at him and flipped her hair over her shoulder as she walked off. Glenn just rolled his eyes and started to write when another girl came over, asking about Mark.

Serenity and Demona walked into the club and Serenity looked around. Demona? Someone said and she turned in time to see a woman hugging her mom. They talked for a few minutes and then the woman said Where s Demon? He died a year ago. Demona said softly, her eyes going to Serenity. I m sorry. The woman said, looking from her to her daughter. This is our daughter, Serenity. Demona said. Hello. Serenity said softly. Momma, I m going to go sit down and read. Serenity whispered in her mom s ear. Ok. Demona said with a smile. She watched Serenity walk off and then she turned to talk to some other old friends.

Excuse me. Serenity said. No, I don t know where my brother is and I don t care and leave me alone. Glenn hissed, looking up from his notebook. I m sorry? Serenity said, not understanding him. What do you want? Glenn asked. I wanted to know if you were saving this seat for anyone. Serenity said. Why? Glenn asked. Because I wanted to sit down and read you moron. Serenity said, her temper flaring. You can sit there, just don t bother me. Glenn said, looking back at his notebook. Don t worry. Serenity muttered, rolling her eyes.

Demona looked over at Serenity every few minutes, making sure she was ok. She saw her reading her book and smiled. So who are you staring at so intently? Someone asked from behind her. She turned and smiled. My daughter. Demona said, pointing at Serenity. Dragon smiled and said My name is Dragon, would you like to dance? Demona grinned and said I d love to and my name is Demona. Dragon lead her to a clearing that was now the dance floor and said Really, I thought it would be Angel. Demona wrapped her arms around his neck and said Why? Because you look like one. Dragon said. Demona laughed neither noticing their children looking at them with frowns on their faces.

Glenn saw his dad dancing with some woman and slammed his notebook shut, shoving it in his backpack. He watched as Dragon laughed and flirted with her. He looked around for Mark and couldn t find him.

Serenity heard her mom laugh and looked around for her. She hadn t heard her laugh like that since before her father died. She saw her dancing with some man and got mad. She watched as long as she could and then stood, not noticing that the boy at the table had left. She stomped over to her mom and the man and said EXCUSE ME! Grabbing her mom s arm and pulling on it. Demona looked down and said Honey I want you to meet Dragon. Dragon this is my daughter Serenity. Dragon smiled at her but Serenity ignored him. I want to go home NOW! Serenity said, stressing the word. Honey is something wrong? Demona asked, stepping out of Dragon s arms. YES! LET S GO! Serenity said, pulling on her mom s arm. What is it baby? Demona asked dropping down on one knee in front of her. I don t feel good and I want to go home. Serenity lied. Go get in the car, I ll be right there. Demona said, feeling her head. Serenity turned and walked toward the car. I hope she ll be alright. Dragon said. I m sure she will, it might be something she ate. Demona said, turning to walk toward the car. Can I have your phone number? Dragon asked. Demona smiled and wrote it down for him and said I ll see ya later. Dragon smiled and watched her walk away.

MARK! Glenn screamed, banging on the bedroom door. WHAT? Mark growled. Sometimes he hated having a brother. Come quick, it s dad. Glenn shouted walking back toward the party. Mark climbed out of the bed, pulling his pants on as he went. Mark. Candy said, raising up in the bed. I have to go see what s going on or he ll be back, just hang for a few minutes. Mark growled, jerking his shirt over his head as he went out the door. He found Glenn and said What? Glenn pointed and said Look at dad. Mark looked You interrupted me to watch dad dance? He bellowed, turning and grabbing Glenn s arm. He s DANCING with a WOMAN! Glenn said looking over his shoulder as Mark dragged him back inside. I don t care if he dances with a fucking bear. Mark growled, pulling him into the bathroom and slamming the door shut. She s not mom. Glenn insisted. Mark sighed and said Glenn, get over it. Mom and dad are divorced and I think it s about time he took an interest in other women. You can t expect him to wait on mom because she isn t going to come back. She might. Glenn whispered. Grow up Glenn. She s gone Hell she was gone before she ever left us. Dad tried but he couldn t make her happy, Let him have a life. Why don t you find a girlfriend of your own? Mark said. When Glenn didn t answer, he turned and walked out of the bathroom.

Ok honey, tell me what s wrong. Demona said as they were driving down the road. You were dancing with a man. Serenity said. Yes I was and I was having a good time. HE S NOT DADDY! Serenity screamed at her. No he s not. Demona said. I don t want you to dance with any other man ever. Serenity said. Demona pulled the car over and said Honey, as much as I loved your father, he s gone and he s not coming back. I can t live my life on a memory. I want to have fun again, laugh again...love again. She said hoping Serenity would understand. I don t want another daddy. Serenity said tears filling her eyes. Demon will always be your dad honey, but he wouldn t mind someone else taking care of us. Demona said, pulling Serenity into her arms. Just remember that I ll always love your dad honey, but I have room in my heart to love someone else. Serenity nodded, knowing she d have to get used to her mom dating.

That Monday Glenn got a letter in the mail, telling him that he d been accepted into the private school he d applied at and could sign up for summer classes if he wanted to. He picked the classes he wanted to take and tricked his dad into signing the enrollment papers. He mailed them off and then told his dad.

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO A SCHOOL OUT OF STATE! Dragon roared when Glenn showed him the papers that admitted him to summer classes in a school 3 hours away. I will, even if I have to run away. Glenn said softly and that got Mark s attention. When Glenn screamed and shouted, he was just doing it for show but when he was calm in the face of his dad s anger, he meant what he said. I FORBID IT! Dragon shouted. Dad calm down. Mark said walking up to them and standing in front of Glenn. He s not... Dragon said but Mark said Dad, let him go if he wants to. Maybe it will make him happy. Dragon opened his mouth and then shut it, knowing Glenn hadn t been happy since his mother left. This was the first thing he d asked for in a long time. Dragon nodded and Glenn smiled.

Dragon and Mark took Glenn to school for the summer classes. Mark told him that he d see him when he could, since he was starting college, he d be out of town a lot. Glenn just nodded, not really caring. Dragon told him he d come get him every weekend and again Glenn nodded. Bye. He said, turning to walk up the steps of the school. Dragon just looked at Mark and shrugged.

So did you get him there ok? Demona asked later that night. Yeah. It s like he s not my son anymore. He practically ran into that school. Dragon said. I don t think it s you, it s him. He must be confused over the way his mom left him and I guess knowing that you re dating again is hard on him. Maybe he thinks she ll come back. Demona said, her head on Dragon s shoulder as they watched a movie. Maybe. Dragon said, tightening his arm around her waist. How s Serenity handling the idea of us dating? He asked. Better. I think she s getting used to it. Dragon grinned and said You need help moving into your house? Sure, I won t turn down free help. Demona said with a grin. Just tell me when...SHIT! Dragon said, opening the door of the truck and getting out. Demona said Dragon? , and followed. Her eyes widened when he jerked open the backdoor of a car and pulled a young man out.

BOY, YOU BETTER HAVE A DAMN GOOD REASON WHY I CAUGHT YOU SCREWING MY BOSS S DAUGHTER AT A DRIVE-IN. Dragon shouted, giving Mark a hard shake. Because she made me horny. Mark said, pulling away from him. Mark... Dragon said but Mark cut him off. I m 18 dad I can do what I want. She s 16 and I won t bail your ass out of jail. Dragon hissed. Mark just grinned and wiggled his eyebrows at him. Mark started to get back into the car and Dragon said Use a condom. Mark grinned and said Always. Dragon gave him a dirty look and turned to see Demona standing behind him, laughing. You wouldn t be laughing if it was YOUR daughter he was screwing. You re right, but my daughter is home and he s leaving tomorrow so I have nothing to worry about. Demona said. Dragon lunged at her and she screamed, running back to the truck with Dragon hot on her heels.

Two years later, a 14 year old Glenn slammed down the payphone in his dorm. He d avoided going home for two years, always having something to do, a project to finish or a summer field trip to take...now he had to, his dad was driving up in the morning to get him. He jerked, feeling arms wrap around his waist. What s wrong Glenn? Sharon purred in his ear, pressing herself against his back. I have to go home tomorrow. Glenn said, leaning against her for a second before he pulled away. He turned and she smiled at him, holding hands as they walked upstairs. They got to Sharon s room and she said Why are you going home? Glenn shrugged his shoulders and said I don t know, dad said something about Mark coming in and he wanted us together as a family or some shit like that. Well, I hope you aren t going to forget me while you re gone. Sharon said, sitting on the bed beside him. How could I forget you, I m only going to be gone for the weekend. Glenn asked, giving her a funny look. Sharon smiled and leaned over, kissing him on the mouth. Then leave me something to dream about until you get back. She whispered. Glenn grinned, pulling his shirt over his head.

The next day Glenn stood in front of the school, waiting on his dad. He hopped he didn t bring that stupid Harley. He heard an engine and he looked toward the gate, rolling his eyes when he saw a car coming up the hill. He leaned against the building and looked at his watch. His dad was late, Figures. He muttered to himself.

Hey boy, you gonna hold that building up all day or are you getting in the car? Dragon yelled and smiled when Glenn jerked his head up. Dad? Glenn said, looking at the car his dad was driving. What happened to the truck? Glenn asked, picking up his suitcase and walking toward the car. It s at home. I bought a new car, we re going to the need the room considering you and Mark are freakin giants. Dragon said with a smile, getting out of the car and opening the trunk. Glenn just rolled his eyes and threw his bag inside. I gotta be back by noon on Sunday, I have to study for a test. Glenn said, grabbing a paperback book out of his backpack and walking around the car. Um, son we need to talk. Dragon said and Glenn stopped, turning to look at him. Yeah? He asked. I brought a friend with me, you ll have to ride in back. Dragon said, running his hand through his hair. Whatever. Glenn said, opening the back door and getting into the car.

He came face to face with a smiling raven haired woman. Hello Glenn. My name is Demona I ve heard a lot about you. She said softly. Glenn just smiled and looked at his dad. This is my girlfriend. Dragon said, starting the car and before Glenn could say anything else, his dad put the car in gear and pulled out of the driveway.

So who s been talking about me? Glenn asked, feeling uncomfortable in the silence. Mark and your dad. Demona said, looking at Dragon with a smile. Mark likes to lie. Glenn said, wondering what Mark had said about him. So you re telling me you re not a great guy? Demona asked. No, I m an ok guy, but Mark would probably say I m a spoiled little baby. Glenn muttered, looking out the window. Demona grinned and said He actually said that he was glad, sometimes, that you were his little brother. Glenn snorted and rolled his eyes. Demona smiled and said What are you taking in school?

Gym, history, English lit, math, mythology, English and writing. Glenn said. Why are you taking a sissy class like mythology? Dragon asked. I wanted to. Besides, I get to read about the Greeks, Roman s, Egyptians, even Russian. Glenn said with a smile. You like to read don t you? Demona asked with a smile. Yeah. Glenn said, his eyes narrowing. My daughter loves to read, she s taking 3 different reading courses in college. Demona said. What college? Glenn asked. Just the local college back home, she s still in high school, but she s taking some college courses because they ll transfer when she decides what college she s going to. Demona said. Glenn nodded, pursing his lips. Dragon groaned and said You had to tell him that? Now he ll want to take more classes. Demona laughed and said Oh honey, it will give them a head start in college. Besides, you were the one who pushed me to let Serenity take those classes. Well that was because it was on Friday and Saturday nights and she was getting interested in guys. If she s got plans on those nights, she can t date. Dragon said. You sound just like Demon. She said, shaking her head.

Dragon looked at her and said Yeah well, I like her ok. Never thought I d like having a teenage daughter around, but it s not so bad. Remind me to buy a gun when we get home. Demona smiled and Glenn said Why do you want a gun? Dragon sighed and said Mark s coming home this weekend and I don t want him within 12 feet of Serenity. Demona started laughing, shaking her head. When she calmed down she said I don t think you have anything to worry about, he picked her up from school last time he was in and punched some guy in the face because, and I quote He looked at her chest. , end quote. Well that was 9 months ago and her chest is bigger now. Dragon said. How do you know her chest is bigger? Glenn asked, trying to follow the conversation. I see her every day, just like I know your hair is longer than the last time I saw you and you ve grown about 6 inches. Dragon said. What are you saying about my hair? Glenn asked softly. Nothing, just that it s longer than it was the last time I saw you. Dragon said, hiding his smile. Just like Mark at the age of 14, Glenn was starting to let his hair grow.

Oh dad, I need you to sign some permission slips before you bring me back. For what? Dragon asked. Well, I want to try out for football this fall and then basketball. Maybe swimming and to go to Europe this summer. Glenn said the last in a very low voice. What was after swimming? Dragon asked, stopping at a red light and turning to look at Glenn.

Taking a deep breath Glenn said, The English Lit department is going to Europe this summer and I need you to sign a permission slip so I can go. How long will you be there? Dragon asked. Glenn was surprised, usually Dragon would say How much is this going to run me? All summer, I ll be back the day before fall classes begin. Glenn said. He missed seeing Demona lay her hand on top of Dragon s and squeeze it. Dragon looked at Demona and then back at Glenn I ll have to think about it ok? Sure, take your time. Glenn said, turning to look out the window with a smile. Realizing where he was, Glenn said Dad, can you stop at this grocery store on the left? Dragon said Why? You hungry? Glenn shook his head and then shocked Dragon to the core, No, I have to pick up my paycheck.

Dragon slammed the breaks on and turned PAYCHECK? He said, looking at Glenn in shock. Yeah, I work there part time. I m saving up some money for the trip to Europe. Just how long have you known about this trip? Dragon asked. Well, the English Lit class goes every year, but they were only taking Seniors, this year, when they offered the class to under classmen, I signed up because they were only taking so many and I was one of the ones that was approved for the class. I ve been saving money since I got the job. Glenn said, opening the door and getting out of the car. How the hell long have you been working? Dragon asked, rolling down his window. I got the job a month after I started going to school here. Be right back. Glenn said, running across the street and ending their conversation.

That little shit. I can t believe he didn t tell me he had a job. Wait, he was 12 when he started school here, he couldn t have gotten a job unless I signed...MARK! He roared and for once Demona was glad Mark wasn t coming in until the next day, it would give Dragon time to calm down.

Part 2

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