Avol stood in front of an unassuming building, waiting. A duffel bag hanging on his left shoulder. He was waiting for his father to arrive as it was him who was meant to pick him up and take him home.
Avol was anticipating meeting his family and friends. He was even prepared to ask his parents to help enroll Gabriella and Isabella in the same school as him as he didn't want to leave them behind. Unknown to him, someone else was already on step ahead of him.
After waiting for about ten minutes, a 2010 KIA Kadeza parked right in front of him. It's driver side window then rolled down, revealing a slightly tired Adrian, who seemed to have just left a major meeting. Seeing his father's face, Avol was even more determined to go to school in order to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to help reduce his father's workload.
As Avol got inside the passenger side of the car, he immediately threw his bag into the backseat before fastening his seatbelt and sat upright. Looking at Avol's eyes, Adrian knew that he must have experienced something that changed his countenance. After all, it is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. So, he asked what every good father would ask.
"What have you experienced that has changed you so much. Your eyes are clearer and you seem much more determined than before."
Avol thought about his father's question a bit before answering.
"I have learnt a lot of things during these five years. From martial arts to weapon arts. Heck, I could even kill a fully grown adult easily and without flinching at that." He then paused for some time before continuing.
"But what I gained most from this training is that I learned that I'm seriously lacking in both knowledge and power. That I shouldn't take everything I hear and see at face value and that no matter the world, power is what is needed to change it or make lasting and significant decisions. Be it power in form of information, intelligence or just raw power, power is what is needed to make any significant decisions. I also know that you have been doing quite the unsavory things in the due course of business to maintain the standing of the Lancaster, and while I don't like them, I know that they were necessary. I also know that the Elders having been mounting a lot of pressure on you and that they wanted you to hand me over to them and that you also adamantly refused even while it was detrimental to the family. I thank you for not giving up under their pressure and for protecting mother and me continuously. I will try my best to gain the necessary 'power' to help you and our family so remain happy."
Adrian Just looked at him and sighed because he had the feeling that his son might reach this point sooner or later. He then spoke.
"Just don't forget to enjoy yourself while at it. It's always good to unwind once in a while, you know."
Avol, was quite shocked, although it didn't quite show on his face. He had expected his father to reprimand him or try to coerce him from having such thoughts. But, hearing his father just brush it off and tell him to not get too caught up in it was the least of what he had expected to hear. So out of curiosity, he asked.
"Is that all?" His father replied.
"What do you mean?" Avol then asked again.
"Is that all you're going to say after hearing what I just said?"
Adrian just smiled and spoke.
"What do you expect me to say? Were you expecting me to reprimand you or tell you 'No, that's unhealthy. You shouldn't be thinking such thoughts at your age.' So on and so forth? You personally said that you would increase your arsenal with skills and knowledge to not have to choose the unsavory way of doing things, didn't you? That may sound like a lofty goal to a lot of people but as your father, it is my job to support you in any endeavor as long as you take it easy and don't get lost in it. You have a lot of years ahead of you so you can plan and slip in some fun time in between those plans of actions. This way you won't burn out or run yourself dry." He then paused a bit before continuing.
"Look. How about we continue this conversation after you've thought about what I've just said for a while. I just came out of a meeting with those blood suckers who call themselves the board and I'm feeling quite drained. Also, your mother prepared your favorite dish after finding out that you were coming back home today. So, what do you think?"
Avol just replied with an 'OK' before Adrian started the car and drove off.
When they arrived at home, Avol just took his bag from the back seat and opened the door to get out of the car, before stepping and closing it behind him. He walked up to the door and just as he was about to open it, it burst open with his mother jumping right through the passage way and onto him. When she caught him, she started rubbing her cheeks against his while saying all sorts of 'welcomes' right there on the porch. This went on for about ten minutes before she finally dragged him in and had him sit at the dining table before she spoke.
"You just sit here and wait for mother to be back with lunch. The food will soon be ready and you'll get to taste your best dish made by yours truly." After she said this, she walked away while humming happily with a skip in her steps.
Ten minutes later, she came in with a huge serving bowl and spoke.
"Avol, be a dear and help me set the table."
Avol just replied with 'Yes Mom' before getting up to set the table.
Five minutes later, the family of three were all sitting at the table waiting for Ariana to serve them because that's what she wished for. When asked why she just replied saying that she wanted to do it. Before they started eating though, Adrian told Avol to wait after dinner, saying that they had somethings to discuss with him.
After dinner, Ariana cleared the dishes from the table and put them in the dishwasher before coming back to the table. After she settled down, Adrian was the first to speak.
"As you know, we have decided to enroll you in middle school so that you can further your education and so that you may also be able to build connections and a following as well as interact with your peers."
Avol then brought up something that had been on his mind.
"Well on that note I'd like to ask a favor." When Avol said this, both of his parents turned to each other before nodding. Avol had never asked for a favor. This would be his first time.
"I'd like you to sponsor my friends at the orphanage. They are the only friends I have and when I asked them their level of education, they said that only have elementary school level of education which they acquired through homeschooling. So, I want them to be able to attend middle school and even high school with me."
Adrian and Ariana later agreed as it was easy for them to handle.
Adrian spoke again.
"On another note, after trying for some time, we are happy to say that your mother is four months pregnant and its's been confirmed that it's a girl."
Hearing this, Avol's mind short circuited
(A/N: Avol.exe has shutdown.)
When he his brain registered what they had said, he then began muttering something along the lines of 'big brother'.
Adrian then asked.
"Hmm? What did you say?"
Avol then answered with teary eyes.
"I'm going to be a BIG BROTHER!!"
Adrian, seeing, this was quite amused while Ariana was giggling while covering her mouth with one hand.
Like this, the Lancaster family ended the night with a lot of celebration in anticipation of a new family member.