Steve's Surprise

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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