Unforeseen Circumstances: Day 10

Word Count: 60,101

Summary of Events:

Upon returning home from the Lockhart's, Weston went and told his father that he'd apologised before spending the rest of the day with Andie. The following day Weston and Andie had to go to town to get a few groceries, as Andie had decided to make a picnic lunch for the canoe trip she, Weston, and Shawn were going to be taking the day after, and ended up seeing Weston's mother's parents at a coffee shop they stopped at to get a snack. Since Weston had to introduce Andie to them, he worried they might tell his mother as he and Andie sat down for lunch with his father, who noticed his worry and brought it up in conversation shortly…

Excerpt of the Day:

“I don’t know that we ever got snow quite that bad here,” Dad replied. “But we got some pretty heavy ones over the years too. Not that any of this is related to your worry.”

“It’s a welcome distraction,” Weston replied.

“Nevertheless,” Dad said. “What are you worried about?”

“Well, when we stopped for cookies, Gram and Gramp were there,” Weston replied.

Dad nodded.

“They waved me over and I introduced Andie to them because I kind of had to,” Weston went on. “Gram mentioned that she hadn’t heard about Andie from Mom, and I’m a little worried that she might tell Mom, and whatever Mom knows Ross knows.”

“Unfortunately,” Dad agreed with a nod.

“I did call Gram and Gramp and leave a message asking them to let me tell Mom,” Weston said. “So we’ll have to see how it goes.”

“It should be alright,” Dad said. “Frank and Wilma are decent people.”

“But Mr. and Mrs. Cessford were there too,” Weston said. “And since they’re such good friends with Shaw’s parents… well… it might get passed on, all the way to Darryl.”

Dad nodded, understanding evident on his face as he chewed on the bite he’d taken while Weston spoke.

“I would feel really weird calling them and telling them not to tell Shaw’s parents, but I really don’t want them to, and I don’t want Shaw’s parents to tell Shaw, or Darryl,” Weston added.

“I know you’re worried about Andie’s wellbeing,” Dad said. “But you can’t necessarily keep her a secret forever. Her identity’s going to get out there eventually, so you’ll just have to hope that the bad things you’ve been imagining will happen won’t.”

Weston sighed, not terribly encouraged by the fact that Dad didn’t have any suggestions for how he could prevent the information from getting out at all, but unable to deny that Dad was right.

“Remember, Darryl has always been odd and unpredictable, and even though he’s been especially so of late, that doesn’t guarantee that the worst of the worst things you’re anticipating will ever happen,” Dad went on. “But, no matter what, I promise that if there seems to be even the tiniest shred of reason to believe that what you’re afraid of happening might happen, I will do everything I can to ensure Andie’s safety for the entirety of the time she’s under my roof, both during this visit, and any and all future visits.”

Even if that hadn’t entirely been what Weston had wanted to hear, he had to admit that he was grateful for it. He was sure it would’ve happened even if Dad hadn’t pledged it would aloud, but to be able to hear the assurance was particularly encouraging.

“Thanks,” Weston said.

Dad nodded, his gaze showing his paternal affection in its usual somewhat reserved way. “You’re welcome.”