As I rode to the station with Mr Smith, I smiled to myself. I was excited. I had hope that everything was going to be normal as old times with my dad out of jail and Dennis out of our lives.
I led Mr Smith to Officer Bond's office.
"Leo!" He said. "Where have you been? Your mom..."
"Officer, I'd really appreciate it if we could just get straight to the reason I'm here." I said.
He looked at me. I could read the astonishment on his face but then that was the least of my troubles at the moment.
"Alright." He said with a sigh.
"Officer, this is Mr Smith. He's a new friend's father." I said. "He's here to help Dad get out of jail."
They shook hands.
"My wife is a lawyer and she can help once there are solid evidences to back her up." Mr Smith said.
"Well, that's the problem." Officer Bond said. "The evidences against him are too good to be true."
Mr Smith let out a sigh. "I'll see what I can do about it." He said. "But I'll love to meet with Mr Patel."
"That's not a problem." I said. "I'll take you to him."
Mr Smith stood and once again shook hands with Officer Bond.
When Dad was brought to us, I smiled at him. He smiled back.
"Leo, why did you do that to your mom?" He asked.
"I'm sorry..." I smiled. "Dad, meet Mr Smith. He's George's father."
My Dad looked at him and for some time, they both stared at each other. I was confused.
"Yash Patel?"
"Dave Smith!"
I watched in confusion as both of them pulled each other into an embrace.
"You two know each other?" I asked.
"We went to college together." Dad said.
"Whoa!" I said.
I was amazed at how people could meet at any point in time.
I was almost bored as they talked about events during and after college.
"So, how did you end up here?"
"I was set up." Dad replied. "Embezzlement... But I swear I know nothing about it."
"I believe you." Mr Smith said. "And I promise to do everything to get you out of here."
After a very long time, we were on our way back to George's house.
"It's a small world afterall." Mr Smith said. "I can't believe that I had Yash Patel's son in my house for some time now."
I smiled shyly.
"You know, while we were in college, I always looked up to your father." He said. "He was so smart, intelligent, kind and all." He smiled. "He was good at almost everything."
Now I knew where I got that 'all-rounder' personality. From my father.
"I'll do everything in my power to get him out of that mess." He said. "That's a promise."
"Thanks a lot, Mr Smith." I said. "I appreciate your help."
"It's nothing." He said. "And now that I know that you're Yash Patel's son, I'll do anything... Absolutely anything for you."
"Thanks."
He pulled up in the garage and we stepped out. I immediately went to the George's room.
"Hey man." George said. "So, how did it go?"
I had told George everything. I didn't want to hide anything from him anymore.
"Turns out..." I sat on the couch. "They know each other."
"Who?"
"My Dad and your dad." I said.
"Really?"
"Yes." I said. "Your Dad promised to help."
He nodded. "And he will help."
"Thanks George." I said.
"What for?" He asked.
"For everything you have done for me."
He smiled. "What are friends for?"
"We'll be leaving tomorrow." I said.
"Awwww." He moaned.
"Don't worry I will be back before we go back to school." I said. "We'll leave for school together."
"Okay."
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in!" George said.
The door opened slowly and his sister, Hilda walked in. "Hey guys."
She was messing with her hair. She always did that when I was around her. I think she's shy of me or something.
"Sup?" George said.
"Dinner's ready." She said.
"We'll be there in five." I said.
"I'll tell Mom." She said.
I watched her walk away.
"Why's Hilda shy of me?"
"Well...." He paused and smiled. "She's crushing on you."
I was shocked. I wondered if I was some kind of idol for women.