Untamed Power: Startup - Ch. 2 - Returning Home - Alpha (Patreon)

Tommy jerked up at the sound of the blaring horn. His eyes focused on the bright red tail lights of the quickly approaching SUV. The seat belt locked, holding his chest in position as his father slammed on the breaks.

“You stupid asshole!” Frank yelled. “Learn how to drive.”

Tommy gazed over at his father. Gone was his lush black head of hair and beard. It was more gray and trimmed short and tight. The wrinkles along the sides of his eyes and forehead were more prominent now. A small sense of guilt lingered in the pit of his stomach that he’d gone too long without seeing him.

When his father caught his glance, he looked over and smiled. “Well hello there sleepy head. Welcome back to the world of the living.”

Tommy smiled and sat up in the passenger seat. “How long was I out?”

“You passed out as soon as we got on the interstate. We’ve only got another few miles to Harrisburg.”

“Sorry about that. I guess I was more tired than I realized.”

“Long night?”

“Yeah… you can say that. I would say it was Jessica’s fault, but I was the one that agreed to go with her. I shouldn’t have slept so long. Now my sleep schedule is going to be a mess.”

“Just get a good workout in tonight, head to bed at a decent hour, and you’ll be all right.”

Tommy looked out the window and realized they were still on the interstate. From what he remembered in traveling back home, they should have been on county roads by now, surrounded by farmland. However, every way he looked, there stood eight hundred thousand square foot warehouses with dozens of semi-trailers backed into them.

“You said we were almost a few miles from Harrisburg? Shouldn’t we be driving on a gravel road right now?”

Frank laughed and pointed ahead. “You have been gone a long time. They extended I-63 all the way up north. Once they finished building the extension, the town really changed. All the farmland has been bought up by industry or warehouses. Our population has more than doubled in the last few years. We’ve got a few new restaurants, a bowling alley, we’ve even got a mall with a movie theater in it.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope and part of me wishes I was. There was something peaceful about that small town feeling. The town used to be this hidden gem along the coast that no one knew about. But now we’re getting tourists every season on the beach. Luckily, the weather keeps it cool enough that it's only a few months out of the year. Since we’re getting ready to hit summer, it’s only going to get busier.”

“Wow, it sounds like a completely different place.”

As Frank continued to speak, Tommy could hear the growing sorrow in his voice. “Part of it is. We’ve still got the town square which has retained a lot of that small town feel. But every day something else changes. All the old buildings are getting torn down daily with new apartments, houses, and strip malls going up in their place.”

“You sound upset.”

“Nah, I’m just an ol’ fart who loves to reminisce,” Frank said with a short laugh. “It’s the place that your mom and I grew up and we raised you so it holds a special place in my heart.”

“That makes sense.”

“Speaking of all the changes… you know what hasn’t changed. Delilah’s. What do you say about stopping for dinner once we drop the truck off?”

Tommy’s stomach growled, eliciting laughter from both of the men. “I think my stomach just answered for me. That’s good that it’s still around.”

“Yeah, I don’t know what I would do without Bernard’s breakfast. I’m usually there every other day.”

“How are they doing by the way?”

“Good, I think. They’re still in the same spot. That part of town hasn’t changed at all. But you can ask them when we get there. I’m sure ”

Tommy wanted to ask about Alanah, but figured he’d wait to ask her father and one of her mothers when he got there. He hadn’t seen his childhood friend since he’d left for college. Life got busy and the phone calls and texts stopped. He tried to push the growing feeling of regret out of his mind and focus on the scenery.

Once they exited the highway on the freshly paved road, Tommy immediately recognized where they were. Dozens of tall, lush-green pine trees surrounded them as they passed by. Through their density, he could see the flowing blue waves of the ocean crashing against the building size boulders below. The sounds of seabirds filled the air as the smell of salt filled in his nose.

As they descended toward the city’s cove, the trees cleared, giving them a perfect view of the town. Gone were the hilly flatlands of peppered farms, replaced by full urbanization. Side roads sprouted from the freeway, leading up to private mansions that sat deep into the nearby hills.

Cleared forest, gave way to pockets of brand new houses that shared the same facades as one another. Waving skylights danced on top of the town’s new mall that stood over all the other buildings like a big brother watching its siblings. Along the water’s edge sat a small beach and pier. While dozens of boats anchored just off the coast.

“Wow, you weren’t kidding,” Tommy said. “This looks nothing like what I remember. Those houses we passed had to be what a million dollar homes?

Frank shook his head. “More than that. Probably a couple million at least.

Tommy leaned forward and pointed off to their side. “What are those two high rise buildings near the water?”

“Luxury condos and apartments that no one in the town could afford when they went up. Now they’re completely sold out. But they’re full migrationary birds or whatever it is they call them. They’re only full of rich folk that visit during the summer. Otherwise, they’re completely empty.”

“That seems pretty wasteful.”

“That’s how I feel about the mall. We already have a Mega Mart. When they approved that, I could understand. But why do we need that giant building with a bunch of specialty shops when you can get everything you want from Mega Mart? If you need something that specific then do the half hour drive up to Mumphrey.”

“Seems like a lot of money is rolling in.”

“And money always changes things. The town council should have never elected our current mayor. Instead of hiring someone local, they went with someone with credentials and money. And this is what it does. It turns a good small community into this.”

“I don’t know dad, it looks pretty sweet to me.”

“Eh… like I said, just ignore me, I’m just stuck in my ways.”

The two shared a brief smile as Frank drove them into town. The main thoroughfare led them through the town square where Tommy grew up. New benches, trash cans, and street lamps lined the sidewalks in front of brand new shops with modern architecture. However, once they reached the town square, it was like they drove through a portal twenty years into the past.

The buildings were composed of brick, wood and concrete. They shared connecting walls with more character in their signage. The town hall was the same ol’ building of white pillars holding up a dome tipped steeple. His jaw dropped at the number of people he saw casually strolling along the streets. From what he remembered it would be common to see one to two people walking, but there were dozens on every corner, waiting for a change in light.

“Did they expand the roads?” Tommy asked. “It looks wider than I remember.”

“They got rid of the street parking,” Frank said before pointing to the side. “They put in a couple of public underground parking garages instead.”

When they passed Delilah’s red neon sign, the familiar smell of greasy cooked meat filled his nose. A sudden feeling of deja vu took him back to being a small kid again. He slumped his head back and took in a big breath.

“God I’ve missed that smell,” Tommy said. “Would you believe me if I told you that I used to have dreams about that place?”

“Oh yeah, I’d believe it,” Frank said with a smile. “You, your mom, and I would go there at least once a week. Shit, you and Alanah would be there almost every day after school.”

“It used to be the prime hangout spot. After the bells rang, everyone would just walk down the street, order milkshakes, and shoot the shit until it got dark. We’d drive Bernard wild by throwing quarters in that old jukebox he had, playing the same song on repeat.”

“They can’t anymore, the old thing gave out a few years ago.”

“Damn, really?”

“Yeah, but everything else is pretty much the same. I’m sure you’ll feel right at home.”

After driving through the town square, it was only one more block until they reached their destination. They passed the familiar blue warehouse that was painted with a sign that read Frank’s Machine Shop. The neon open sign that hung in the front window was turned off.

They pulled into the connected parking lot in front of Jim’s garage and backed Tommy’s truck next to a handful of other vehicles that were pending repair. Once Tommy helped Frank lower Old Blue off the back of the tow truck, he followed the vehicle while his dad parked it in front of the garage. Tommy retrieved his bags before Frank locked it and dropped off the keys in a nearby lock box. The two walked next door until Frank stopped in front of a large black truck and fumbled in his pockets

“Woah, what’s this?” Tommy asked.

“It's my new truck,” Frank said. “I got it about six months ago.”

“It's massive,” Tommy said, letting out a short laugh. “Was this just a spur of the moment kind of thing? What happened to Big Red?”

“Transmission finally went out on the old girl. I mean she lasted for almost three hundred thousand miles. Rather than trying to fix her up, I went ahead and bought this brand new.”

“It’s a Longhorn Behemoth, right?”

“Yup, it’s their platinum horn package. So it’s got the twin turbo V8, 10 speed transmission, four wheel drive, heated seats, navigation, collision detection, tow package with a hitch kit, twenty inch wheels, all kinds of bells and whistles.”

“Are you planning on pulling a bunch of stuff with this or something?”

“I bought it mainly for utility. A lot of people around town always needed help hauling things. Once someone finds out you have a truck, they always come to you. I also bought a snow plow so I could plow some spots around town for some additional income.”

“That’s smart,” Tommy said before pointing in the truck’s bed. “Is it okay to toss my stuff in the back?”

“Yeah, it should be fine.”

Tommy tossed his bags in the back and walked to the front of the truck before the two continued down the sidewalk. “That’s one thing I could never do in the city. There’s break-ins happening all the time. Even the suburbs are getting more crime.”

“Yeah, so far crime has been low to non-existent. One of the things that the mayor has done well is keep a good relationship with the local sheriff. They helped fund a new sheriff’s office on the other side of the town hall.”

“Is Sheriff Barney still running things?”

“Nope, he retired a few years ago. But he promoted one of his trusted deputies, Sheriff Riley Parker. She’s a bit on the younger side. Early thirties maybe? She’s a good kid though.”

“Early thirties and a kid? What’s that make me?”

“When you’re my age, almost everyone seems like a kid.”

“I mean you don’t look your age. You’re still looking ripped. I bet those ladies at the bingo table are going crazy for those forearms of yours.”

Frank jumped and pulled Tommy in a headlock. “Don’t you remember who your daddy is, son. I may be old, but not old enough to whoop your ass.”

The two shadow boxed each other and laughed as they continued down the street. When they reached the crowd, they stopped and waved at the gawkers before wrapping their arms around each other’s shoulders. The two separated as they reached the diner’s glass door. Tommy pulled it open for his father waving him in.

The diner was just as Tommy remembered it. Decorative brown tile covered the floor from end to end. Rustic wood and brick walls held up a curved creme ceiling that hung lights every few feet. Red padded benches covered the closest walls, set across creme tables with condiment bottles sitting on top of them.

In the center room a long bar extended nearly end to end, with stools sitting in front of them. Behind the counter were drink stations, display cases for food, and milkshake stations. Along the far wall, a small cutout with hanging orders flapping in the steam presented the owner and head chef.

Bernard’s curly red head and beard had speckles of white and gray in it since the last time Tommy had seen him. Yet, the highland holfstaur man’s figure hadn’t aged a day. He still commanded a strong upper chest with massive shoulders, arms, and forearms. His horns were almost as wide as a doorway.

“Someone will be right with you,” Bernard shouted from the back, not looking up from the grill.

“Don’t mind us, we’re just going to our favorite corner table,” Frank shouted back.

“Frank, is that you? If it is, then I’m going to tell Alanah she can take her time.”

“Yeah, but I brought a guest with me this time, and he would not stop talking about how he missed your burgers on the drive over.”

Bernard smiled and quickly glanced up and back down only to raise his head and stare into Tommy’s eyes. A wide smile formed on the red-bearded man’s face as he dropped his spatulas and wiped his hands. “Is that who I think it is? Young Tommy Russel?”

“Yep it’s me,” Tommy said, rubbing the back of his neck and smiling.

“Alanah! Hurry up!” Bernard shouted before looking back over at Tommy and holding up a finger. “Give me one second to get this order ready and I’ll be out.”

Tommy and his father waited as Bernard prepared the meal. When he exited the twin doors, he hand delivered the plate to a customer at the bar before approaching with his arms opened wide. He wrapped Tommy up in his seven and a half foot frame, patting him on the back hard enough to nearly knock the wind from his lungs.

“How're you doing kid?” Bernard asked. “It’s been way too long.”

“Not too bad,” Tommy said after clearing his throat. “I figured I was do for a visit.”

“It’s been what? Almost ten years? I haven’t seen you since you graduated. Frank, why don’t you bring him around more.”

“Don’t blame dad for it,” Tommy said, reaching out and grabbing his father’s shoulder. “It’s totally my fault. Life just has a way of getting in the way of things.”

“Yeah, don’t blame your best paying customer,” Frank said, crossing his arms and smiling. “Otherwise, I’ll have to take my business elsewhere.”

“Frank, you’ve been coming here for twenty damned years. Ain’t no way you’re leaving now.”

“You’ve got a point.”

The group shared a laugh before Bernard rested his large mallet-hands on Tommy’s shoulder. “Well, you’re here now and that’s all that matters. Alanah is going to be smitten to see you here.”

Tommy cocked his brow. “Alanah’s working at the diner?”

“When she needs a few extra bucks, she’ll work the night shift with me. Otherwise, she does her own thing. Speaking of… where is that girl?” Bernard turned his head toward the kitchen. “Alanah!”

The sound of a slammed door preceded crashing of pots and pants from the back room.

“What do you want, dad?” Alanah shouted. “I told you I needed to go to the bathroom. Didn’t you hear me? I swear you never listen.”

“Quit dallying about girl and get out here. You’ve got a visitor.”

“It better be the president of Kalia with the way you’re yelling at me.”

The brief glimpse Tommy caught of Alanah as she passed through the kitchen window piqued his interest, only to be reinforced when she walked through the double doors. Alanah was definitely her father’s child. She was almost a foot taller than Tommy, had a full head of red hair, and two horns that protruded from the top of her head. Her skin was pale white and dotted with freckles.

However, the last time he saw her, she was as thin as a beanpole. But now, she had thick arms with apparent peaks as she walked. Her thighs were as wide as the pine trees they passed on their way in. The red apron she wore barely rode up her waist due to her massive breasts that were bigger than the dinner plates they served.

When she locked onto him with vibrant green eyes, she froze. “Tommy?”

“Hey Alanah,” Tommy said, smiling and waving.

“Tommy!” she shouted rushing around the corner, nearly knocking out one of their other patrons. As her father stepped out of her way, Alanah assumed his place, wrapping her arms around Tommy and pulling him face first into her breasts. She squeezed him tight, picking him up in the air, and swung him around. “Oh my god, Tommy, I can’t believe it's you.”

As Tommy struggled to speak while being accidentally suffocated, Alanah’s father came to his rescue. “Put him down girl, you’re going to squeeze the life out of him.”

“Oh, sorry,” she said laughing as she set Tommy back on his feet.

“It’s good to see you too, Alanah,” Tommy said, laughing. “You’ve changed a lot. You look great!.

Alanah twisted in place as she looked at him with bashful eyes. “Thank you. I’ve been working out late lately. But enough about me. What are you doing here? When did you get into town? Are you staying long?”

“Geeze, girl, let the boy breathe for a minute,” Bernard said, resting his hand on her shoulder. “You’re going to have him running back to the city with all your questioning.”

“It’s okay,” Tommy said, chuckling. “I just got in, and I couldn’t think of anything better than making Delilah’s my first stop. I’ve been dreaming about your dad’s burgers. As far as the other questions… I’m not so sure.”

“Then it sounds like you need a good meal. I know Frank’s order by heart, yours still the two mini triples, fries, a water, and a strawberry shake?”

“Yeah, I’m surprised you remember that.”

“You and Alanah ate the same thing for what, ten, twelve years? You may have been gone a long time, but you’re still family. Of course, I remember.”

“Thanks Bernard, that means a lot.”

“You two get settled, and I’ll start working on the meals,” the chef said before turning to his daughter. “And Alanah go check in on the other customers.”

Alanah frowned. “But dad, Tommy’s here.”

“And you’re still on the clock. You two can catch up after work or another time. I’m assuming he’s not leaving tomorrow.”

“Definitely not tomorrow. A few days at minimum, but things are kind of up in the air right now. I’m still trying to figure things out.”

“Well, I want to hear all about it,” Alanah said before leaning in and whispering. “I’ll try to sneak over here when I can.”

“Okay,” Tommy whispered back.

At the sound of new customers coming into the diner, Bernard headed for the kitchen. Alanah looked quickly over her shoulder and back at him, biting her bottom lip as she backpedaled to greet the new patrons.

Tommy sat in the booth before he leaned forward and whispered to his dad. “What the hell happened to Alanah?”

Frank cocked his brow, looked over his shoulder before turning back and shrugging. “What do you mean?”

“She’s fucking jacked!”

“Oh that’s right. You hadn’t seen her since… sorry I sometimes forget how long it's been since you’ve been back.”

“So what’s the story?”

“You’re the story.”

Tommy shook his head. “I don’t get it.”

“Once you got your scholarship to Chaha State University for weight lifting and left, Alanah was trying to follow in your footsteps. She started taking lifting seriously. She competes in strong women's competitions now.”

“Seriously?”

Frank nodded his head. “Mmhmm, and she’s pretty good too. She’s won some competitions. I didn’t think anything of it because she’s looked like that for the last few years. But don’t tell her I told you that. That’s just something Bernard told me father to father.”

“I had no idea she was even into weight lifting. She always used to give me shit for how much I worked out.”

“She wasn’t until you left. I think she was trying to fill a hole after you left. She really looked up to you. I’m surprised you two didn’t stay in contact. You both used to spend every single day together.”

Tommy hung his head in his hands. “It’s my own fault. We texted and called for about the first six months. Then classes got harder, training even moreso, I just stopped responding. I’m surprised she even hugged me.”

“You know how she is. She’s one of the friendliest people out there. I don’t think she’s capable of holding onto a grudge.”

Tommy looked over his dad’s shoulder over to Alanah. After laughing at a customer’s joke, she glanced over at him. She brushed her red bangs from her eyes and they shared a smile before the customer pulled her attention.

“Order up!” Bernard shouted before hitting a bell.

Alanah moved behind the bar and grabbed the two plates from the bar along with two waters. While she walked across the diner, she eyed Tommy the entire time. She set the plates down along with the beverages before dropping several straws and napkins.

“I’ll be right back with your shakes,” Alanah said, nearly jumping.

Tommy wasted no time biting into the greasy burgers. Even though they were simple in their design, the small, soft buns, cheddar cheese, with three beef patties, were some of the best burgers Tommy had ever had.

He let out an audible moan as he took a big bite. “Oh my god, so good.”

“You’ve definitely been missing out since you’ve been gone. I’ve been eating here almost every day. Since Bernard started sourcing everything locally, I feel like the food just got that much better.”

“I should have had you bring me food up during your visits,” Tommy said, taking another bite.

“Or you could have visited home more often.”

Tommy froze midchew at the sudden directness of his father’s words. When he looked up at him, he could see the seriousness in his eyes. He knew he was right, and felt compelled to apologize.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m sure you had your reasons.”

Before Tommy could respond, Alanah approached the table and set down a strawberry and vanilla milkshake in white crystal glasses. “Here you go.”

“Thanks Alanah,” Tommy said with a brief smile.

Alanah pinched her brow and crossed her arms. “Is everything okay?”

“Oh everything’s great. I definitely missed this food. Oh, I’ll want to get an order to go as well if that’s all right.”

“Okay… I’ll go put that second order in but if you need anything just give me a shout okay?”

Tommy took another bite out of his burger. “Will do!” He waited for Alanah to leave before looking at his father to continue their conversation, only to have Frank raise his hand.

“We don’t have to have this conversation now,” his father said. “Let’s just enjoy this fine meal and each other’s company.”

Tommy nodded and the two ate the rest of their food in silence. Alanah dropped off the to go order along with the check. Frank insisted on paying, pulling out cash and dropping it off at the table. When they waved their goodbye’s and exited the front door, Alanah rushed around the bar.

“Tommy, wait!” the horned beauty shouted. When Tommy turned around, she hovered over him with bright red cheeks and a nervous smile. “I’m not sure what your plans are this week, but if you’ve got time, maybe we could hang out? We could go to the beach, I could show you around town, or whatever it is you want to do.”

“I’d love that. It would give us time to catch up.”

“Yay! This is going to be just like old times. I can’t wait.”

“How do I get in touch with you? I’ve changed numbers a few times.”

“Oh silly me,” Alanah said, pulling out a small notepad and pen. She scribbled on it before ripping the paper off and handing it to him. “That’s my number. Feel free to call, text, facechat, whatever, anytime of the day.”

“Thank Alanah it really is good to see you.”

Alanah grabbed Tommy and pulled him into her arms. He was starting to get used to being smothered in between her giant pillows. Her smell of sweat and the diner were oddly comforting. He wondered how long she would let him linger, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tighter. But after standing there for a few seconds too long, Frank cleared his throat and the two departed.

“Bye Alanah, I’ll give you a shout later,” Tommy said, backpedaling down the sidewalk, holding his bag of food.

“Looking forward to it!” she said, waving.

Tommy chortled as the shout from Bernard pulled Alanah back into the restaurant. He followed his father to his truck and jumped in the passenger side. The drive home was a step back in time. He rolled the window down, allowing the cool sea air to brush through his short brown hair and trimmed beard. He hung his hand out the window, swimming it through the wind like a dolphin.

They drove the five minutes north, just outside the city and up the hill where their home stood. His father turned down the long driveway that all of the delivery services seem to miss. They winded through the thick pine trees until the truck’s headlights shined on the exterior.

It was a log cabin that slopped on an incline that his father built for his mother when he was but a child. The front had large windows that curved up into a peak, allowing for plenty of natural light. The green roof matched the surrounding trees.

The front was surrounded by a deck, with stairs leading up to the front door. Cobblestone lined the chimney and basement exterior that provided separate access to Tommy’s room and the basement.

Frank pulled the truck into the detached garage that was full of tools, lawn equipment, and storage boxes. Both men got out of the truck once it was turned off with Tommy grabbing all of his bags and food out of the back. They walked up to the front door and waited for Frank to open the door.

Once inside, Tommy was in awe at how familiar everything felt. The door opened into the great room that was part living room, dining room, and kitchen. His father’s maroon leather recliner sat in the same spot in front of the television. The hand-made long table that his father made still had the same wick chairs he used to sit at as a boy. His mother’s ceramic pig cookie jar sat on the edge of the kitchen counter waving at everyone who entered.

“Wow, this place hasn’t changed at all.”

“I figured you’d say that,” Frank said with a smile. “But I’ll have you know the HVAC system is only a few years old. I also replaced all the faucets and kitchen appliances.”

“You still got that old busted projection TV though.” Tommy said, pointing over his shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m never here enough to really watch anything. My good TV is down at the shop.” Frank approached Tommy with an extended hand. “Here, hand me your burgers, I’ll throw them in the fridge and you go set your things down.”

Tommy handed his father his food and walked around. He turned down the nearby hallway, checking the guest bathroom that still had the large trivia books sitting on a built in shelf. He passed his mother and father’s room that was covered in bright pastel colors of the ocean.

When he looked at the closed door at the end of the hallway, he stopped. The hair stood on the back of his neck. He had to fight through everything telling him not to go through that door. But he clenched his jaw and reached for the handle.

It was all still there. His mom’s drawing tablet sat underneath her two monitors on a custom incline that his father built for her. Hundreds of thick animation and art books stacked haphazardly in bookshelves beside them. Her dozens of portraits hung from the far wall, displaying all the characters she created over the years.

To his left, Tommy’s trophies and ribbons of all of his sports accomplishments filled an entire bookshelf. A beautiful flower rug covered the center floor. The lounge chair where she would read to him asleep was there.

For so long he feared coming back here. But now that he was here all he could do was smile. The creaking floor behind him, gave way to his father’s approach.

“Mom…” Tommy said out of the blue, looking back.

“I’m sorry?” Frank asked.

“I didn’t want to come back after she left. I felt as though the further I got away from this place, all the memories, it wouldn’t hurt as bad.”

“You don’t need to say another word. I completely understand.”

“It’s all right. It feels good to talk about it. The funny thing is, the harder that I trained and the further I tried to run away from home, the more I thought about her.”

“I think she pushed you harder in high school for sports than I did.”

“Yeah, she was always the one screaming from the sidelines in football and wrestling.”

“She was your biggest cheerleader and toughest coach for sure.”

Tommy turned around, leaned against the doorframe, and smiled. “Do you remember when she got the air horn? Everyone hated her for that.”

“She definitely drew the ire from the rest of the parents,” Frank said laughing. “But man she loved being at your games, cheering you on, and watching you succeed. She’d be proud to see all you’ve accomplished.”

“I know she would. I just wish she was here.”

“Every moment of every day I wish for the same thing too, son. But unfortunately we can’t have it that way. Your mother was sick, and she did her best to prepare us for what happened. Now we only have each other.”

Tommy dropped his bags and reached out to hug his father. “I’m sorry it took me so long to come back, dad. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“Of course I do, son. We all dealt with it in our own way. I’ll never blame you for that. I’m just glad to have you finally home.”

The two squeezed each other before departing, with Frank sniffling. “Damn did someone cut some onions in here or what.”

“Nah, it's just your allergies,” Tommy said with a smile.

“Well, it’s been a long day for me. I’m going to go hit the hay.”

“You don’t want to do a workout with me?”

“This late? I don’t think my old bones could take it. But if you want to do it in the morning—”

Tommy waved his hands in the air. “No way. I’m done with all that 5am shit you used to do to me.”

Frank tilted his head with a smug smile. “Yeah, I did do that, didn't I?”

“Yes, and I’m so glad that’s over.”

His father reached out and patted him on the shoulder. “Well good night, son. Sleep well. If you need anything just knock on the door.”

“Thanks dad.”

Frank smiled and nodded once more before closing his bedroom door behind him. Tommy picked up his bags and returned to the main living area. He walked through the open doorway down the stairs into the basement. When he reached the bottom, he flipped on the bottom lights and smiled.

The rubber floor mats had been well taken care of along with all of his equipment. A row of dumbbells sat along a side wall, with several kettlebells sitting next to it. A squat rack with a bench stood in the middle of the opposite wall.

Several rubber metal plates stood in custom fabricated metal cages, allowing for quick access and ease of storage. Behind them, the entire wall was covered in floor to ceiling mirrors. The nine foot ceilings wouldn’t allow for him to do any standing overhead presses, but he would be able to cover the majority of his normal routine.

He took off his shoes and walked across the mats to a side door that opened into his bedroom. The light switch turned on the red lava lamp that sat on a nightstand next to his bed. His walls were plastered with a collage of gaming and metal postals hung by sticky tack. His wooden bed frame and dresser all matched the same orange wood the house was built with. Another custombuild thanks to his father.

Tommy grinned ear to ear when he sat down on the edge of his bed and the waves of his motion rippled across the mattress. He climbed in, wrapped himself up in his black and silver comforter, and let the bed rock him to sleep.