Title: Steve's Surprise
Author: Jade
E-mail: MJO2005@aol.com or DMGirl2005@aol.com
Rating: PG-13
Challenge: #67,With the love life that Steve seems to have off
and on, and his father being a doctor, I am surprised that there
isn't any 'scares' with pregnancy, aids, or any other std out
there. What would happen if some teen/young adult, say Shane's
age or a little older or younger came up to him and said that
there might be the possibility that good 'ol Steve is a
twenty-something year old Daddy.
How would the sluething crew react to that? - Ghmate
Summary: Steve ends up discovering he was a father at the age of
18. How does he deal with it?
Warnings: (none)
Disclaimer: This story is pure fiction and has nothing to do with
the CBS/Viacom show, 'Diagnosis Murder'. Ron Sloan is an invented
character. There is no profit being made from this story.
Feedback: wanted!!!!!!!!!!
My way in the story: Steve ends up discovering he was a father at
the age of 18. In this story, let's assume Steve is 47 years old,
which would make his child 29 (ok, ok, not exactly close to
Shane's age, but hey, it's MY way in the story). Let's also
assume Steve went to Vietnam in 1971. This story is based in the
year 2000. This story will involve a murder, but I will not have
all the details, just saying that the Fab 4 is trying to crack
the case in the background. Feel free (anyone) to make another
story of this, with Steve's situation in the background! I am
also introducing a new character, Ron Sloan. Ron is Steve's
cousin that is 2 years younger than he is. Ron is in the Air
Force, and flies in from time to time to visit his uncle and
cousin.
Here goes:
STEVE'S SURPRISE
Mark, Jesse and Amanda sit in the cafeteria of the hospital,
eating their brown -bagged lunches. Steve comes and sits at the
table, with his lunch, "Hi guys! Thought I'd stop by and
grab a bite to eat with you," he smiled.
"Let me guess, your favorite is being served today?"
Mark replies, grinning.
"Yes, hamburgers with extra grease for flavor!" Steve
replies with a mouth full of food, "I also have some news
that I think you would be interested in,"
"What?! I always like surprises!" Jesse exclaims
enthusiastically.
"Well, there was a body discovered yesterday, unidentified
at this time though. It is definitely murder and I was wondering
if you would take a look see," Steve replied.
"Sure, why not?" Mark replied, smiling, with that
'always happy to help' look.
"Oh, and Amanda, the body is coming in today, would you mind
after your done letting us have a look at the autopsy file?"
Steve asked, swallowing.
"Certainly, it will be done tomorrow!" Amanda replied
with the same look Mark had.
"And what do I get to do?! Can I check out the scene Steve??
I might find something!" Jesse asked with a 'ready for
anything' tone.
"Jesse, we'll see, we have already checked out the scene and
covered everything we possibly could, but I promise if anything
else comes up, you'll be the first person I ask," Steve
replied, grinning at Jesse's enthusiasm,
"Well, that was a good lunch, but I better get back to the
precinct and see if there are any new developments. If you find
anything, you know where to find me," he said, getting up.
Amanda, Jesse and Mark caught a glimpse of Steve's tray. It was
cleaned to the last crumb.
"Did he really finish that whole thing?" Jesse asked
puzzled.
"Looks that way to me," Amanda replied, equally
puzzled.
"It was his favorite!" Mark chimed in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Later that night…….
Mark is still at the hospital and Steve is sitting at home,
watching TV.
"Let's see what's on now," Steve told himself, grabbing
the TV guide off the coffee table, "hmm, I guess I'll watch
NYPD Blue, it's fun to watch how those detectives mess up,"
he thought. He reached for the remote, but before he could press
channel up, the doorbell rang.
"Who could that be?" he asked himself as he put the
remote down and got up. He walked over to the door and opened it.
A young man in his late 20's possibly early 30's with blondish
hair and blue eyes stood before him.
"Hello. Are you Steve Sloan?" the young man asked,
peering in.
"Yes, and you are?" Steve asked puzzled.
"Well, my name is Zack Williams. I would like to talk to you
about something if your not busy," he replied.
"Well, I'm not exactly busy, so um….come on in,"
Steve said, opening the door wider, *Hmm….seems like a nice
kid, if he's not, I have a gun,* he thought. Zack walked inside,
slowly, looking around a bit.
"Come, sit down," Steve offered, walking into the
living room. Zack walked over and sat on the couch. Steve took
the remote and turned off the television, then sat down on a
chair in the corner, "So, what did you want to talk
about?"
"Well, um," He started, but then thought, "how
should I tell him? Ok, Zack, just say it directly, don't small
talk," then continued, "I'm your son." He said
solemnly.
Steve looked at him, surprised at what he heard, "What? My
son? From where?"
"Do you remember Heidi Schwartz?" Zack asked, then
thought, "From where? Jeeze, this might not be something new
for this guy,"
Steve looked at him, and thought, "Heidi Schwartz? Who?? Oh
wait a minute…..my prom date. Oh man, this kid is the result
of my prom night??"
"You know her, I know for a fact you do," Zack
protested.
"Well, she was my prom date, oh man, this can't be
good," Steve replied, looking up.
"Why did you leave? My mom had nothing and you walked out on
her!! You didn't even offer support! You just walked out!"
Zack yelled. Steve remembered his prom night. It was a night he
will never forget. It was the night he made love for the first
time. It was late at night, and Steve was driving his date home.
They decided they would park and look up at the stars together.
Well, one thing led to another and before they knew it, they were
in the backseat with their clothes off. The next day, she and him
got in an argument, and broke up. About a week later, graduation
came around and Steve left after that for Vietnam, and never
spoke to Heidi again,
"Wait a minute, I didn't leave you, hell, I didn't even know
about you," Steve sighed, getting up and beginning to pace.
Zack sat there, on the couch, looking as if he was going to cry.
All of a sudden, Mark walked in the front door, "Steve, I'm
home!"
"Oh great, now MY DAD is home,' Steve thought, "You
stay here for a minute ok?" Steve asked Zack.
"Sure, twenty-nine years of denying, what's another
minute?" He replied rudely. Steve sighed and walked up to
the kitchen, where Mark was washing his hands, "Steve, great
news!" he exclaimed.
Steve sighed, then muttered, "Well, I have some news
too,"
"What?" Mark asked.
"Nothing, but we need to talk," Steve replied looking
at the floor.
"Well, before that, Amanda got that autopsy done and I have
the file!" Mark replied, smiling, "Here it is!" he
continued, taking a file folder off the counter.
"Later, dad. Please, come to the living room, you need to
hear this too," Steve said, taking the file and placing it
back on the counter.
"Well sure, what's wrong?" Mark asked, drying his hands
now.
"You'll find out," Steve sighed, walking out of the
kitchen. Mark followed. As they entered the living room, Mark
noticed a young person sitting on their couch, his face a red-ish
color.
"Who's this?" Mark asked, sitting down next to the
young person and placing his hand on Zack's back.
Steve sighed, "Man, what have I done? I can't tell my dad
now, no way, but I have to," he thought, then spoke aloud,
"your grandson." Then started pacing again.
Mark looked up, shocked, "I must have heard wrong, I don't
have grandchildren," he thought, "say it again,"
he said to Steve.
"Dad, you heard right, he's my son." Steve replied,
walking toward the coffee table. Mark looked at the boy, then at
Steve, "I can't believe it," he said.
"It's true," Zack spoke up, his tears were gone,
"He left my mother and I twenty- nine years ago."
"Zack, I don't know why Heidi told you that, it's not true.
I didn't even know you existed, she never told me, and we broke
up. After the break up, I was sent to Vietnam."
"Serious? You never knew about me?" Zack replied,
trying to hold back.
"Yes. Please believe me, it's the truth," Steve
pleaded.
"My mom lied to me about my father, that's a good
feeling," Zack managed. Tears looking like they would come
out like a waterfall.
"Is there any way Steve can meet your mother?" Mark
interrupted, trying to find a solution.
"I guess, she's at home now." Zack replied, wiping a
tear that was running down his cheek.
"I think Steve would like to talk to her," Mark
suggested, looking over at Steve who was now sitting on the
coffee table, looking at the floor, and thinking.
"Yes, I would," he looked up.
"It's 10, she might be sleeping, but we can try," Zack
suggested.
"Actually, I could wait until tomorrow, so I can think it
over," Steve said.
"That might work, she will be home tomorrow since it's her
day off," Zack replied, staring at the wall. He couldn't
bear to look at anyone or anything else.
"Ok then, tomorrow it is, Zack, where are you going from
here?" Mark asked, trying to enlighten the ordeal.
"Back to my apartment," Zack replied, looking at his
grandfather.
"Since it is getting late, you can stay in the guest
bedroom," Mark suggested, "It wouldn't be any
trouble."
"Dad-" Steve started, but Mark intervened,
"Steve, he's your son, at least after all these years he can
sleep at his father's house," he said sternly.
"Fine," Steve replied, with his face a shade of red.
"I guess I will, but I don't want to cause any
trouble," Zack said.
"Like you haven't already," Steve muttered under his
breath.
"What a great dad," Zack thought to himself
sarcastically.
"It isn't any trouble," Mark repeated, "Steve, I
bet you have something this young man can wear to bed,"
"I'll look." Steve agreed.
"Good, and while you're looking, I'll show him to his
room." Mark suggested, standing up, "Right this
way." Mark added, walking to the hall. Zack stood up and
followed. Steve got up, sighing, then walked to his room. He
started going through his closet.
Meanwhile, Mark and Zack walked into a room that was at the end
of the hall. They walked into it. It had a bed with an empty
closet and dresser. There was a window on the back wall with a
beautiful look at the ocean.
"Is Steve, I mean, my dad, mad at me?" Zack asked,
going over to the window.
"Well, Steve is upset, but he'll get over it. You see, Steve
is in a sort of shock and not too happy. He can never keep a
girlfriend, so it's hard to think he has a child," Mark
explained.
"I just hope he gets over it, I mean, I was really mad about
him leaving, until I found out he didn't. All I want is the
satisfaction that I finally know my real dad, that's all,"
Zack replied, turning around.
"I understand," Mark replied.
Meanwhile in Steve's room, Steve looked through his closet and
found nothing. He slammed the closet door angrily and stomped
over to his dresser. He practically ripped out the top drawer and
started rummaging through his pajama pants and boxers, he threw
what he figured wouldn't fit Zack all around his room.
Frustrated, he just threw the drawer across the room, "Why?
Why me? I can't have a son! No way, it's impossible, I don't want
a son!" he yelled to himself. He punched a pillow laying on
his bed and just continued punching it like a punching bag,
"This can't be happening to me!!" he screamed in his
mind. He had to let out his anger in some way. He was a red
color, and his hair was really messed up. He decided the pillow
wasn't helping, so he grabbed the first flannel pants he found on
the floor and went back to his dresser. He ripped out another
drawer and grabbed an old T-shirt. He opened his bedroom door and
stormed down the hall and to the door of the guestroom. Before he
walked in, he stopped and thought to himself, "Calm down.
This isn't their fault, be calm, don't blame them." He took
a deep breath and exhaled, then walked in the room. "Do you
think these will fit?" he asked calmly as possible, placing
the clothes on the bed. Zack and Mark turned around. Zack noticed
the clothes on the bed and picked up the pants.
"Yeah, looks like they will," Zack replied, holding the
pants up.
"Good. If they end up not fitting, we'll find you another
pair," Mark smiled. Steve walked out.
"Don't worry," Mark said to Zack, "just make
yourself comfortable. If you need anything, I'm across the hall
and Steve is down a door. If you feel hungry, the kitchen's down
the hall and if you need it, there's a bathroom right over
there," Mark continued, pointing to a door by the closet.
"Thanks," Zack replied, managing a smile.
"Well, I'll let you get settled in," Mark said walking
out.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steve sat on his bed, thinking. Pajama pants, shorts and 2
drawers were scattered across his room, "I can't be a
father," he thought, "I don't even have a girlfriend,
what could I do with a kid? Why wasn't I told earlier? This has
to be a dream, an awful nightmare more like it. It can't be
happening to me, this kind of thing doesn't happen to guys like
me. Why?" He placed his head on his hands and stayed that
way, thinking. Then there was a knock on his door, "Who is
it?" he asked.
"It's me, your dad," Mark replied.
"Come in," sighed Steve. Mark walked in and noticed
clothes and furniture at his feet, "What happened? This
looks like your room when you were ten!"
"Just a little frustrated, that's all." Steve replied.
Mark stepped over the clothes and came and sat next to Steve.
"I know your mad-"he started, but then Steve
interrupted,
"Dad, why? This can't be happening to me! It's just not part
of me!"
"Steve, it is happening, you have to face it. Yes, it was a
mistake, a mistake you now have to live with. We've all made
one," Mark said, in hopes of comforting his son. There was a
long silence, then, as Mark was getting up, Steve jerked him
back, "I know, I just never thought of this,"
"Nobody ever does when there making the mistake, they do
after they find out the result," Mark explained.
"All I want to know is why? Why me? Why did I have to make
this mistake of all mistakes?" Steve asked, as he got up and
walked to the window in his room.
Mark got up and went beside him, "I don't know why, and I
won't .Why is one of life's mysteries that I can't explain.
Steve laughed at Mark's sort of spiritual side of life; "I
guess your right. I better clean up," he turned around and
picked up a drawer that lay by his bed.
"Yeah, and Steve, after you do, try and get some
sleep," Mark said, walking over to the door.
"Ok dad. Oh yeah and thanks for not going ballistic on
me," Steve said, managing a smile.
Mark walked out smiling, and to his room. He dressed for bed and
rolled down his covers. He lay down and closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, Zack put on the clothes Steve loaned him, which fit
remarkably well. He got his covers rolled down and stared out
onto the ocean. He couldn't stop thinking about that night. He
decided he would try and go to sleep, and closed his eyes.
By this time, Steve had got his room back to normal and his
nightclothes on, a pair of boxers and a T-shirt. He lay in his
bed, staring at the ceiling and thinking about his son. He closed
his eyes in hope of sleep, but that didn't work. He tossed and
turned, trying to get comfortable. He couldn't and decided to go
and have a snack in the kitchen. He walked as quietly as possible
to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. He couldn't seem to
find anything that he would enjoy eating, so he got the carton of
milk out. He got out a glass and filled it with milk. Then he put
the carton back in the fridge. He pulled up a stool that was in
the corner and sat by the counter, as if he were in a bar.
"Man oh man, I am in way over my head. A son?" he
thought. He took a sip of his milk and put the glass down. He was
ready to take another sip until he heard footsteps. He stayed
still, to see whom it was. After about 10 footsteps, Zack came
around the corner. "Oh, it's just you. What are you doing
up? I mean shouldn't you get some sleep?" he asked, trying
to act fatherly.
"I'm twenty-nine, right now, the right amount of sleep
doesn't really matter to me," Zack replied, "plus, I'm
a little hungry and your dad said if I wanted anything-"
"To come to the kitchen," Steve finished.
"Yeah," Zack replied.
"Steve, you have to face this, help him out," Steve
told himself,
"So, what do you want? We have sandwich stuff,
um….cereal, ice cream, soda, milk….." he offered.
"I'll have milk, I'm not exactly a late eater," he
replied.
Steve got a glass and went to the fridge, "There's a stool
in the corner you can sit on if you want," he offered. He
got out the milk and sat it on the counter, "I don't know
how much you want," Zack got the stool and pulled it up
across from Steve's. He got the carton and poured it into the
glass. Then he got up and put it back in the fridge.
"So, um, the clothes fit ok," Steve said, trying to
start a conversation.
"Yeah, thanks, I appreciate it," Zack replied. For
about 5 minutes after that, there was no talking, just sipping of
milk, then Steve asked, "So, how's your mom?"
"She's doing good," Zack replied.
"That's good. Um….do you have a step-dad? Or maybe
other siblings?" Steve asked, "great question!" he
thought sarcastically.
"Um, yeah actually. I have a step-dad named Jason. I also
have 2 little sisters that are my mom's and his," Zack
answered.
"Oh. Good." Steve replied uncomfortably.
"Did you ever get married?" Zack blurted out.
"No, never really had a good girlfriend either. They've
either been murderer's, been murdered themselves, and the ones
that haven't end up having to leave for some reason or another,
two were even married…" Steve replied, managing a
little laugh.
"Sorry about your girlfriends," Zack replied.
"Don't worry about it. I don't mind it," Steve said.
"So, what do you do for a living? Are you still in the
military?" Zack asked.
"No, after Vietnam I got out of the military. I'm now a
police lieutenant for the LAPD," he replied.
"Cool. I used to really want to be a cop, until my mom said
it was too dangerous and got me into other things," Zack
said.
"It is dangerous, I've been shot, I've been hit by cars,
I've been tackled and so much more. Let's just say I've had my
share of injuries!" He laughed, "you have a career or
job?"
"Yeah, I work as a lawyer," Zack replied.
"That's great! I studied law for a while, but I kind of
dropped that. I was in Night School for it, and with my job's
schedule, it got a little tiring," Steve responded.
"Really? My college years weren't exactly restful either,
but what I was worried about was the bar exam," Zack
grinned.
"I know I couldn't handle it, that's why I'm still a
cop," Steve replied. Then, once again, an awkward silence
and more milk sipping. Steve finished his milk, and went over and
put it in the sink, "I think I am going to go back to bed
now, I'm getting tired and I haven't slept in a while,"
"Yeah, I should too," Zack replied finishing the rest
of his milk. He walked over and put it in the sink. Steve walked
out of the kitchen, Zack following. Steve turned off the light
and walked down the hall toward his room. When Zack reached the
guestroom, he walked in and went back into his bed. Steve peered
in and said, "Goodnight Zack, see you in the morning,"
"Goodnight… dad." Zack replied. Steve shut the
door and paused,
"Wow, I actually felt good about that," he thought. He
walked to his room and went to lay in his bed. He laid down and
stared up at the ceiling, thinking, "I can't believe this.
I'm a father. I just had a conversation with my SON. Dad was
right, I have to live with this, so far, so good." He turned
over and closed his eyes. Soon after, he actually fell asleep.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The next morning-
It was 6:30 AM and Mark had just woke up. He got up and walked to
the kitchen to fix breakfast. He got out the Corn Flakes and
fixed himself a bowl of cereal, "Steve should be getting up
soon," he thought as he looked at his clock, "hmm,
Saturday, the newspaper should be here," he told himself as
he got up from his cereal and to the front door. He opened it,
and sure enough the LA newspaper was laying on his welcome mat.
He took it inside and started reading with his cereal. Soon
after, Steve walked in yawning, "Good morning!" He said
joyfully.
"Well, your happy," Mark said, as he looked away from
his newspaper.
"Wow, what a surprise. You were really mad or shall I say
'frustrated' last night," Mark said.
"Well, I am living with it now, I mean, living with the fact
I am a father. Zack and I ended up in the kitchen around eleven
thirty last night, and we actually talked," Steve replied.
"Oh, really? What brought you to talk with him
finally?" Mark asked, lowering his glasses.
"I figured you were right dad, so I started a conversation.
He's a great kid, not to mention smart. He studied law in
college, then passed the bar and is now a lawyer," Steve
implied.
"That's great!" Mark exclaimed, taking off his glasses.
"Now, I got to face his mother," Steve sighed.
"Well, like I said before, live with it," Mark said in
a sort of sighing tone.
They continued talking for a good hour, and then Zack woke up and
walked into the kitchen, just like his father, yawning.
"Good morning Zack!" Mark greeted.
"Good morning," Zack replied, rubbing his eyes.
"Sleep ok?" Steve asked.
"For the most part," he replied.
"Would you like breakfast?" Mark asked.
"Sure," Zack answered.
"We have cereal, oatmeal, waffles and toast," Mark
offered.
"Cereal is fine," Zack replied.
"Ok, we have Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Kix and um, let's see,
Fruit Loops," Mark listed.
"Fruit Loops sound good," Zack replied.
"Coming right up!" Mark happily said.
"How were your nights?" Zack asked.
"Pretty good," Steve answered.
"Mine went good, I just had to sleep after double shifts at
the hospital," Mark replied, pouring the cereal into a bowl.
"You're a doctor?" Zack asked Mark.
"Yes, at Community General. I am also a consultant for the
Police department," Mark added, pouring the milk into the
cereal, "here you go!" he said, putting a spoon in it.
"So, when are you guys going to Heidi's?" Mark asked
Steve.
"I don't know, it's up to Zack," Steve replied.
"Ten is probably the best, my step-dad will be gone with my
little sisters," Zack suggested.
"Little sisters?" Mark replied puzzled.
"My mom and my step-dad's daughters," Zack laughed.
"Oh, whew! Close call!" Mark replied, wiping his hand
on his forehead.
"Dad, really!" Steve joked, then said, "I'm going
to take my shower and get ready for the day," he got up and
walked toward the hall.
"Ok, don't use all the hot water!" Mark yelled after
him laughing.
"Don't worry dad, that's your job!" He yelled back
laughing also.
"I want to thank you for having me stay," Zack said.
"Well, you are now my grandson, and I figured what the
heck!" Mark grinned, "plus, I heard you had a talk with
your dad last night, how did that go?"
"Pretty good actually. He's a great guy, I just wish I knew
him a long time ago," Zack replied, swallowing Fruit Loops.
"You're like your dad, both resemblance and
personality," Mark commented, "well, at least when he
was twenty-nine, he's become a tad more serious since then and
died his hair on occasion,"
"Thanks," Zack replied, "you know, he is sort of
like me when it comes to serious situations,"
"I can see that in you, you are a great kid," Mark
commented, "but I doubt you will become as serious as Steve,
you seem more like my nephew Ron who seems to still be
twenty-nine when he's forty-five,"
"Oh. Well, that's good!" Zack replied.
"Yes, it's a great quality," Mark replied.
"You know, you and Steve have a great relationship, not to
mention a great house!" Zack commented.
"Well, Steve is my only son, I have a daughter too, but I
don't see her as often as I'd like too. I am also a very
understanding landlord" Mark smiled, "and this house,
it is great, but if I were the only one living here, it would be
hard keeping it up. Where do you live?"
"Well, right now, I live in an apartment closer inland. My
mom lives on the next beach, we have a beach house too, but I
love this beach," Zack answered.
"That's great!" Mark replied.
While Mark and Zack continued talking, Steve took his shower and
dressed up. Later, he walked back into the kitchen. He was
wearing a Levi denim shirt with a pair of Dockers khaki's and
Rockport black leather casual shoes. "Ok, whoever wants to
take a shower can!" Steve said as he sat down on a stool.
"Zack, why don't you, you're going with Steve," Mark
offered.
"Ok, I won't be long," Zack replied.
"Take all the time you need," Mark offered.
"Thanks," Zack smiled, and walked out into the hall.
"Steve, that there is a great kid, I'm happy for you,"
Mark commented.
"He is, but I'm still a little uneasy about the
situation," Steve replied getting the orange juice out of
the fridge.
"How so?" Mark asked.
"Well, as you may know, this is my first kid. What does a
father do?" Steve asked back, going over to get a cup.
"He's twenty-nine Steve, it's not like you'll have to live
with him or buy a lot for him. Unless he takes after you!"
Mark laughed, "we were talking while you were in the shower,
and he said he has an apartment, how independent is that?"
"Well, I'll figure it out," Steve replied, pouring the
OJ into the cup.
"Good," Mark grinned, "Do you know who he reminds
me of?"
"Who?" Steve asked.
"Well, you when you were twenty-nine, but also your cousin
Ron," Mark replied.
"Ron? How so?" Steve replied, taking a sip of the
orange juice.
"You know how Ron is not really like he's forty-five? Well,
Zack sort of has the same personality, except he IS
twenty-nine," Mark laughed.
"Oh, weird," Steve replied, "hey, have you heard
from Ron lately?"
"No, not lately. I wonder when the next time he's flying
in," Mark said.
"Oh well. He'll probably call," Steve said, finishing
the last of his orange juice, "it's eight thirty, about
another hour and a half, I'll be talking to my prom date,"
"Yeah, good luck!" Mark laughed.
"What should I say? I mean I haven't seen her in twenty-nine
years," Steve asked.
"Well, you are going there about Zack. Ask her what you
asked me last night," Mark suggested.
"I asked you a lot last night, be specific," Steve
sighed.
"Ask her 'why?' as in why you didn't tell me?" Mark
suggested.
"Oh man. This is going to be awkward," Steve replied.
At that moment, Zack walked in.
"Hi Zack. Did you find everything ok?" Mark asked.
"Yes. Thank you," Zack replied.
"Good! Would you like anything else to eat?" Mark asked
smiling.
"No thanks, I'm full," Zack replied, sitting on an
empty stool.
"Well, in that case, I'll be going to take my shower, I need
to be at the hospital in less than an hour," Mark said,
getting up.
"Dad, before you do, where's that file?" Steve asked.
"It should be in there," Mark replied, coming back.
"Oh, yeah, here it is. Thanks," Steve said, getting the
file that all along was right there.
"Well, I am off," Mark grinned, and walked out of the
kitchen. Steve opened the file and started looking at it,
"Hmm, that's interesting," Steve murmured.
"What is it?" Zack asked.
"Oh, just an autopsy file of a murder victim I came upon the
other day," Steve answered.
"Oh, neat," Zack replied.
"Well, it's part of my job. My dad and our friends at the
hospital work on MY cases most of the time, actually, make that
ALL the time," he smiled, "and this one we are taking a
look at,"
"Sounds fun," Zack commented.
"It is, but sometimes it is nerve racking," Steve
replied.
"Hmm, it's nine, want to leave at nine thirty?" Zack
asked.
"It's up to you, and how long it takes to drive," Steve
replied putting down the file.
"It takes about a half hour," Zack implied.
"Do you need to call your mom and tell her your
coming?" Steve asked.
"I should," Zack answered.
"Go ahead, the phones right there," Steve responded,
pointing to the cordless on the kitchen table.
"Ok," Zack said. He got up and walked over to the
phone. He dialed, Steve acted like he was looking at the file
again, but he was waiting to hear the conversation. There were 3
rings and Zack's step-dad answered the phone.
"Hello?" He greeted
"Hi, Jason. It's Zack," Zack answered.
"Hi Zack! What's up?" Jason asked.
"Um, well, nothing much. Can I talk to my mom?" Zack
replied.
"Sure, hold on!" Jason agreed. There was a short pause.
Steve tried to be as casual as possible. Finally, Zack's mom
Heidi answered.
"Hello Zack!" she greeted.
"Hi mom. Can I come over in about an hour?" Zack asked.
"Sure! Why?" She asked.
"Well, I met someone that wants to talk to you, I'm bringing
him over," Zack replied uneasily.
"Who is it?" she asked
"Just somebody. You'll find out when I come," Zack
answered
"Well, ok," she replied.
"Good. Is Jason or the girls going to be there?" Zack
asked.
"No, Jason is taking them to the mall," she answered.
"Ok, good," Zack replied.
"Well, I better go, one of the girls is calling me. Love
you!" She gushed.
"Ok, love you too. See you in and hour!" he replied.
"Bye!"
"Bye!" he said and hung up.
"So, what are we doing?" Steve asked, as if he didn't
hear a word.
"She said ten would be good, my step-dad and my little
sisters are going to the mall then," Zack sighed.
"Ok, well, we'll leave in about twenty minutes ok?"
Steve suggested.
"Works for me," Zack agreed.
"Um, do you want to drive? Or do you want me to drive? Or I
follow you?" Steve asked.
"Well, it would be better if you followed, since I need my
car and I can't bring you back. I have to drop by work from my
mom's," Zack insisted.
Meanwhile, Mark had just gotten out of the shower and ready for
work. He put his watch on and walked out of his room whistling.
"Well, I'm off to work!" He sang as he walked into the
kitchen.
"See you dad," Steve replied with a grin.
"Hope everything works out!" Mark sang.
"Thanks for everything, grandpa," Zack smiled.
"No problem!" Mark grinned, and walked out,
"Bye!" He walked out to his car smiling, "Grandpa,
wow, that's a great word," he thought.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Amanda walked out the elevator, ready
for the day ahead. She went to the locker room and got her lab
coat on, then went to the lounge for some coffee. She walked in,
and noticed Jesse sitting with his head on the table, snoring.
"Jesse, Jesse, wake up!" Amanda said as she placed her
hand on his back.
"Oh…what? I don't want to wake up mommy," Jesse
muttered half asleep.
"Jesse, wake up! There's an emergency!" Amanda faked.
"Huh? Emergency? Where?!" Jesse exclaimed as he raised
his head.
"Jesse, you should go home," Amanda smiled as she
placed a coffee cup on the table next to him.
"Thanks Amanda," Jesse yawned, then looked at his
watch, "but I can't, I have rounds in five minutes!"
"How long have you been here?" Amanda asked, sitting
down with her coffee.
"Um, well," he looked at his watch again, "Close
to forty-eight hours, with about eight of those sleeping,"
"Jesse, promise me you will go home after rounds and get
some sleep!" Amanda insisted.
"I'll try," Jesse yawned, took a sip of his coffee and
continued, "I better go, rounds start in about two
minutes!"
"By Jesse!" Amanda replied.
"Bye, see you later!" Jesse yawned and walked out.
Amanda sat and drank her coffee and looked at a magazine. After
about five minutes, Mark walked in.
"Hello Amanda! Good morning!" He smiled.
"Hi Mark! Good morning to you too!" she replied.
"So, how have you been?" Mark asked.
"I've been ok, a little tired, but not as tired as
Jesse," Amanda grinned.
"Let me guess, fell asleep right here?" Mark laughed.
"Yes, I had to wake him up so he wouldn't forget
rounds," Amanda sighed.
"He should get more sleep," Mark replied.
"Yes he should," she sighed, "but before we get
into that, how have you been?"
"I've been doing good. Steve had some news last night that I
helped with, but he's better now," Mark responded.
"Oh really?" Amanda asked in a worry tone, "what
happened?"
"I would tell you, but I would have to ask Steve
first," Mark sighed.
"Oh, sorry if I intruded," Amanda said.
"Oh, don't worry about it!" Mark smiled.
"Thanks!" Amanda replied, "Well, I better get to
work, I have a lot of it,"
"Ok, I better too. Bye Amanda!"
"Bye Mark, see you later!"
Mark sat there for a few minutes, then decided he should get to
work.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, Steve and Zack had left for Heidi's. Steve followed
Zack in his car. As Steve drove, he thought, "Oh man, I
don't want to do this. What do I say?"
He took a deep breath and exhaled, then thought, "Why? Why
did you say that I left?" He did this as if he was
practicing talking to her. About thirty minutes of continuous
talking to himself, he noticed Zack pulled over. Zack got out,
then stood waiting for Steve. Before Steve got out, he took a
deep breath and exhaled once again, then finally got out.
"You ready?" Zack asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Steve murmured.
"Ok, let's go," Zack replied, walking up the front
steps. Steve looked at the house. It sort of looked like his
dad's, but a little different in color. On the front door, there
was a wooden sign that said 'welcome'.
Zack rang the doorbell. Steve heard a seemingly distant 'ding
dong,' and once again took a deep breath. When he exhaled, Heidi
answered the door.
"Hi Mom," Zack greeted, "You know my dad,"
Steve looked at her, a beautiful woman with blonde hair and green
eyes, his first love, "Still as beautiful as she was in high
school," he thought.
Heidi looked back at Steve in a bit of shock,
"S-Steve," she stammered, "S-Steve Sloan,"
"Heidi," Steve sighed.
"I got to get to work," Zack interrupted,
"Bye," At that, Zack walked back to his car and drove
away.
Steve looked back, sighing as Zack drove away.
"Come in, I guess," Heidi offered, opening the door
wider and moving out of the way.
"Thanks," Steve said and walked in. He stopped at the
entrance of the house and looked around a bit. Heidi walked over
to where a couch was and sat down.
"Come, sit down," she offered.
"Ok," Steve replied, and walked over to a light blue
chair that was across from the couch. He sat down and sighed.
"So, what are you doing here?" Heidi asked.
"What am I doing here? That's an odd question, considering I
HAVE A SON WITH YOU!" Steve yelled, "you told him I
left? You know I didn't. You never told me! Why Heidi? Why?"
His face turned a brilliant red.
"Steve, you don't understand!" Heidi argued.
"I don't understand? Understand what? That you never told
me? That I was just the person who fathered your son and you blew
me off?" Steve yelled back.
"Steve, honestly, calm down!" Heidi replied, in a quiet
voice.
"Calm down?! You want me to CALM DOWN? Why should I?"
Steve argued, getting up out of the chair.
"Look, Steve, let me explain, please!" Heidi replied, a
tear falling from her eye.
"That's right, I need an explanation!" Steve yelled
back. He went back and sat down in the chair. He brought his hand
over his hair.
"Steve, we had broken up and-" she started, but Steve
interrupted,
"Your right, we did break up! But you could have still told
me!"
"Let me finish!" Heidi yelled, then continued in a
quieter voice, "you went to Vietnam, I didn't know how to
get a hold of you,"
"I came back two years later! The Americans came back!"
Steve argued.
"How was I supposed to know Steve? You might have been hurt,
you might have been DEAD," she cried. Steve thought a
moment, then replied:
"That makes no difference! You know my dad! You could've
called him!"
"Steve, on top of everything else, I was scared! I was
eighteen, I didn't know where to turn. My parents helped, but I
was still scared. I didn't know how you would react," she
explained, crying. They sat for a minute in silence, but that
silence was broken when a man walked to that room from the
kitchen.
"Jason? I thought you were with the girls," Heidi
asked, wiping her tears.
"They met some friends and I told them I would leave them
alone and pick them up later," Jason replied, wondering whom
the other guy was, "who is this?"
"I'm Zack's dad," Steve replied, solemnly. By now, his
face was red and his hair was messed up. Jason looked at him, in
shock. He walked over to the couch and sat by his wife,
"Is this true?" Jason asked, uncertainly.
"Yes," Heidi sniffled. Jason looked at Steve still in
shock,
"H-how-"
"Zack found him," Heidi replied. Steve sat in the
chair, the redness in his face going down. There was an awkward
silence for around five minutes, then,
"Steve, I'm sorry, really I am, you have to
understand," Heidi stated.
"I don't understand, but I'll figure it out. I forgive
you," Steve said uneasily.
"Thank you," Heidi replied, managing a smile.
"I think I should go, I have some things to do today,"
Steve said, getting up. Heidi got up and walked toward the door.
She opened it, and held it open for Steve. Steve walked out,
"Bye," he said, walking to his car.
"Bye," Heidi replied, "Call sometime, Zack has the
number,"
"I will," Steve said, opening his door. He started his
car and drove off. Heidi shut the door and looked at Jason, who
was on the couch with his head back, looking at the ceiling,
still in a bit of shock.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, at the hospital-
Ron Sloan, Mark's nephew walked into the hospital lobby, in
search of his uncle. He went toward the front desk, but then
noticed Amanda. He walked over to her,
"Hi Amanda!" He greeted.
"Ron! Hello!" Amanda replied, looking from a chart.
"Haven't seen you in a long time!" Ron exclaimed.
"Yeah! That brings me to wonder why the sudden
surprise…" Amanda smiled.
"Well, actually, I was sent to fly out here last night. I
didn't have time to call, so I decided to surprise you
guys!" Ron replied.
"Well, welcome back!" Amanda smiled.
"Sorry to cut our chat short, but do you know where my Uncle
Mark is?" Ron asked.
"Oh, no problem, I have to get to work," Amanda replied
looking at her watch, "I think he's working right now, but
his shift should be over in a few minutes. You can wait in the
lounge if you want to,"
"I think I will," Ron replied, "I'll see you
later,"
"Bye Ron!" Amanda said, walking off. Ron walked toward
the lounge. He was about to open the lounge door when he heard a
familiar, joyful voice. It was his Uncle Mark's.
"Just rest for now, and the test results will be ready in a
few hours," Mark smiled, and walked out of a room.
"Uncle Mark!" Ron greeted as Mark walked toward him.
"Ron! When did you get here?" Mark smiled.
"This morning, I left last night around eleven and got here
around twelve. I would of called, but I figured it was to
late," Ron grinned.
"That's ok! How have you been?" Mark asked.
"Good, and you?" Ron replied.
"Just fine!" Mark joyfully replied, opening the lounge
door. He walked in, Ron followed.
"How's Steve?" Ron asked, sitting at a chair that was
by a table.
"Well, he's not at his best. He had a little problem last
night," Mark sighed, getting a cup of coffee.
"What happened?" Ron asked concerned.
"Well, I'm not going to tell you, I'll let Steve," Mark
replied.
"OK?" Ron thought, "this can't be good if Mark
can't tell me," then said aloud, "Where is Steve?"
"Well, he might be at home. He went somewhere this morning,
but I can't imagine it lasted this long," Mark replied
looking at his watch, "Amanda, Jesse and I are going there
for lunch, you could come with us,"
"Well, I was planning on coming anyway," Ron smiled.
"Fine with me!" Mark grinned. They continued talking
until Mark's break was over. Ron then decided he would go to the
hanger at the Air Force Base and check on his plane.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, Steve drove back to the Beach House and was standing
on the deck looking at the ocean thinking. The cordless phone
sitting on the table interrupted his thoughts. It was ringing. He
walked over and pressed the talk button, "Hello" he
greeted.
"Hi, is Steve there?" the voice at the other end asked
"Speaking," Steve answered.
"Hi, it's Zack," the other voice replied.
"Oh. Hi Zack!" Steve greeted once again.
"So, how did it go?" Zack asked.
"It went ok, your step-dad showed up," Steve replied,
sighing.
"Oh. That wasn't supposed to happen," Zack replied.
"It's ok, he didn't talk much," Steve replied.
"Well, thanks," Zack said.
"For what?" Steve asked.
"For not going away I guess," Zack replied.
Steve laughed, "It's not easy, but I'll live,"
"Good," Zack replied.
"Do you want to come over for lunch?" Steve offered.
"Maybe, what time?" Zack asked.
Steve looked at his watch, "Um, about noon?"
"That works," Zack replied.
"Great, my dad and our friends will be joining us,"
Steve said.
"That's great!" Zack replied, "Well, I better get
back to working so I can make it,"
"Yeah. Bye," Steve responded.
"Bye," Zack replied. They both hung up. Steve walked
back over to look at the ocean. He stared out at the glistening
water,
"Wow, this isn't so bad," he smiled.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
About an hour later, Mark, Jesse and Amanda arrived at the beach
house, "Hi dad," Steve smiled.
"Hello!" Mark replied happily.
"I'll set the table!" Jesse offered.
"If you want to," Steve grinned.
"I'll help Jesse," Amanda suggested.
"I don't mind," Steve smirked.
"We'll work on lunch," Mark offered.
"Ok then," Jesse, said enthusiastically. Jesse and
Amanda got plates, silverware, napkins and cups and went outside
to the deck. They started setting the table. Mark prepared a
salad, and Steve started making Sloppy Joes.
"Zack may join us," Steve said.
"That's great! How did your talk with Heidi go?" Mark
asked.
"It went ok, can we talk about it later though?" Steve
replied.
"Sure," Mark smiled, "oh, by the way, Ron is
joining us too,"
"Ron? He's in town?" Steve asked.
"Yep, he came in this morning," Mark grinned. At that
moment, the doorbell rang, "that's him!"
"I'll get it, go tell Amanda and Jesse to set two extra
places," Steve said. He walked toward the door and opened
it. Sure enough Ron stood before him.
"Hey cuz!" Ron greeted.
"Hey Ron!" Steve grinned, "Come in!" Ron
walked in,
"Sorry I didn't tell you guys I was coming, it was sort of
last minute,"
"Well, you're here," Steve grinned, "Sloppy Joe's
ok?"
"Anything sounds good now, haven't eaten today yet, so
yeah," Ron grinned.
"Well, my dad and I are fixing lunch and Amanda and Jesse
are setting the table,"
"I'll help with the table…" Ron laughed.
"Fine with me," Steve said. They walked into the
kitchen. To Steve's surprise, Mark was making Sloppy Joe's and
Amanda was working on the salad. Jesse was making lemonade.
"Hey Jesse! Hey Amanda!" Ron exclaimed, "Hi Uncle
Mark!"
"Hey Ron!" Jesse replied, but then, accidentally
squirted lemonade into his eye, "Ow!"
Amanda laughed, "Hi Ron!" then continued laughing at
Jesse, "Are you going to be ok?"
"Yeah, I'll be ok…I think…" Jesse stammered,
rubbing his eye.
"Hi Ron," Mark smiled, "Jesse, are you sure you'll
be ok?"
"Ok, I will survive!" Jesse grinned, opening his eyes.
"That's good!" Steve laughed.
"Well, looks like the sloppy Joe's are ready, how's the
lemonade Jess?" Mark smiled.
"Well, it's done, but…" Jesse stammered.
"But what?" Amanda asked.
"Well, it's not too good," Jesse managed a 'please
don't hurt me' smile.
"Not too good? Then why did you finish it?" Ron asked.
"You didn't let me finish-not too good in your eye!"
Jesse laughed.
"I see, thanks for the warning. We'll be sure not to put
lemonade in our eyes today," Steve grinned. The group
laughed.
"Ok, well, I think we're ready!" Mark cheerfully
smiled.
"Ok, let's eat!" Jesse exclaimed. He grabbed the
lemonade and went out to the deck. Mark grabbed the Sloppy Joe's
and Amanda got the salad. Ron and Steve followed. Before Steve
walked out the door, he heard the doorbell,
"I'll get it," Steve said and walked out the kitchen.
"Who is at the door Mark?" Jesse asked, sitting down
and grabbing a napkin.
"Steve's news," Mark replied.
"Oh, good or bad?" Amanda asked.
"Both," Mark sighed, "No matter what Steve says,
don't suggest or object to anything,"
"Whoa, this is serious," Ron murmured. Steve reached
the front door, and opened it.
"Hi," Zack greeted.
"Hi, come in! We're just sitting down," Steve smiled.
"Cool," Zack grinned, "Thanks for inviting
me," he walked in.
"No problem," Steve smiled. They walked through the
kitchen and out onto the deck. Everyone looked up at Zack,
"Hello Zack!" Mark welcomed.
"Hi," Zack replied.
"This is Amanda, this is Jesse and this is Ron," Steve
pointed.
"Nice to meet you," Zack smiled.
"You too!" Jesse replied, smiling.
"Nice to meet you too," Amanda smiled.
"Hi," Ron grinned.
"Sit down," Mark insisted. He pulled back the chair
that was next to him. Steve walked over to the empty chair next
to Zack, uncomfortably.
"So, um, how do you know Mark and Steve?" Jesse asked,
getting a sloppy joe off a plate in the middle of the table.
"Well, um, we are kind of, well…" Zack started,
not knowing how to tell people he just met. He looked up at Steve
in hopes of help.
"Well, he is my son," Steve blurted out. The attention
of the other four looked from Zack to Steve in amazement. Zack
looked at the group uneasily. There was an awkward silence. It
was dead silent at the table; all anybody could hear were
seagulls gliding over the beach. Amanda, Jesse and Ron looked at
Steve, then back to Zack. Ron broke the silence,
"That means that Uncle Mark is well…um-"
"A grandfather," Mark finished.
"Wow," Ron replied, shocked, "congrats
Steve…"
"Yeah, congratulations!" Jesse chimed in, looking at
Mark.
"That's really great!" Amanda smiled, also looking at
Mark.
"Thanks," Steve grinned, looking at his dad knowing
that he had told them something about the nature of the news.
Everybody stayed silent for a while, eating their food, and
feeling really uncomfortable. Mark finally got really uneasy with
the silence, so he interrupted it,
"So, how was everyone's day so far?"
"Great!" Jesse, Amanda and Ron eagerly replied. They
were all glad somebody finally spoke.
"How about you Steve?" Mark asked.
"Fine," Steve managed a smile.
"And you Zack?" Mark inquired. Jesse and Ron looked at
him curiously waiting for an answer; Amanda just looked at him
and smiled. Steve and Mark took some bites of food.
"Pretty good," he smiled.
"Good!" Mark exclaimed.
"How about you Mark?" Amanda asked.
"Same old stuff, work, and happy, recovering patients,"
he smiled.
"That's good," Amanda replied.
"Whew, I was afraid we forgot how to speak," Ron
laughed.
"Yeah, especially with us," Jesse added, smiling.
"This is a great lunch, thanks for having us join you,"
Amanda thanked Mark and Steve.
"It's no problem at all," Mark smiled.
"What he said!" Steve laughed, "No really, we're
glad your over,"
"So, Ron, how long will you be here?" Mark asked.
"Well, I think a week, but it might be shorter," Ron
answered, taking a sip of the lemonade, "Good lemonade
Jess!"
"Well, it should be good after the trouble I went through to
make it," Jesse laughed.
"Where are you staying?" Steve asked Ron, "It is
good, Jess, I got to hand it to you,"
"Well, I was hoping there was a vacancy….? If not, I
can stay at the base," Ron smiled. Mark looked at him and
laughed,
"An understanding landlord and hotel manager, I'm just too
nice!"
"Thanks Uncle Mark!" Ron grinned from ear to ear.
"Hmm, no mention about Zack, this is strange, I wonder why
they aren't asking questions…" Steve wondered,
"Something's not right here…"
Well, they continued talking, laughing and even talking about
past stories. It was a great lunch, Zack enjoyed listening. There
were some questions for Zack, but nothing more than, "how
old are you?" and jokes about Steve being a dad, like
imagine that! It was not really taken seriously though; Zack
laughed quite a bit. All in all, it was a great lunch…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Later that afternoon, Jesse had had the rest of the day off, so
he decided to hang out at the beach house with Steve and Ron. By
this time, all of them had changed into a comfortable pair of
shorts, shirts and sandals or casual shoes. Zack, Mark and Amanda
had returned to work,
"So, Steve, is Zack really your son?" Ron asked,
nervously, hoping Steve wouldn't get mad.
"No, Ron, I just said that for fun," Steve replied
sarcastically.
"You did?" Ron asked, confused. He doesn't get the
concept of sarcasm with Steve.
"NO!" Steve gushed.
"Oh, ok, sorry, don't bite my head off!" Ron argued,
stepping back.
"So, how did it happen?" Jesse interrupted, looking up
from a surfing magazine he was reading on the couch.
"Long story," Steve replied with a sigh.
"Hey, I don't have work today, I have plenty on time,"
Jesse smiled curiously.
"Same here," Ron chimed in.
Steve looked at the both of them. "Well, their going to find
out someday anyway," he thought, the said aloud, "It
happened on my prom night,"
"I love stories like this," Jesse enthusiastically
said, getting up from lying on the couch. He plopped the magazine
on the coffee. Steve and Ron looked at each other then over at
Jesse, "what? My uncle had a lot of them…"
"You have some weird uncles," Ron said.
"Hey! They taught me all I know!" Jesse argued.
"That can't be good!" Ron laughed. Jesse got up,
looking like he was just going to slug Ron in the nose.
"Hey, c'mon guys, you're acting like nine year olds,"
Steve said, getting up and in between Ron and Jesse.
"Fine, but don't talk about my uncles!" Jesse yelled.
"Agreed," Ron agreed, sitting back down. Jesse sat back
down on the couch, eyeing Ron the whole time. After Jesse finally
sat down and looked back at Steve, Ron continued as if nothing
just happened, "So, continue with your story," Jesse
glared at him. When Ron and Jesse get together, they can't help
but argue once in a while, just like siblings. Steve also joined
in on that, but was mature about it; he was always the older
brother, while Ron was the middle child and Jesse the baby in the
family.
"Well, that's pretty much it, my prom date is Zack's
mom," Steve sighed, "Do we really have to talk about
it?"
"No," Ron replied.
"Awe c'mon! There has to be more!" Jesse squeaked. Ron
and Steve looked at Jesse as if to say 'no way Jess,'
"Well, my uncle's had much more!" Jesse argued, then
looked over at Ron with a mean look like he was saying, 'don't
say a word!'
"I'm not saying anything," Ron smirked, knowing that
look.
They continued talking, Ron not daring to say anything about
Jesse's uncles. They didn't talk much about Steve, but still
joked.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CONCLUSION:
The next week…
Steve and Zack had gotten aquatinted by this time, and Heidi,
Jason and Steve had become good friends. To celebrate a 'new
beginning' Jesse, Ron, Amanda, Mark threw a party at BBQ Bob's.
Heidi, Jason, Zack and Zack's little sisters joined in the fun
too.
"I would like to propose a toast," Mark smiled,
standing up with a glass of champagne, "to Steve and Zack,
wishing them a very happy future as father and son," he
raised his glass to the middle.
"To Steve and Zack," Ron smiled, "especailly to
Zack, good luck!"
Everyone laughed, stood up, and in unison, knocked glasses,
"To Steve and Zack!"
Steve and Zack joined into the toast, and laughed right along
with everyone else. Steve went beside Zack, and put his arm over
Zack's shoulder, "To my son,"
Zack smiled, and returned with, "To my dad,"
THE END
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