I’m not grey haired. But I suddenly feel so old.
It was an abnormally good day. Really, my wife and I watched football all day, always a good thing. The boys were visiting their Aunt. The teenager volunteered to clean the garage (this will figure prominently later, more in a moment). The only thing missing was Ed McMahon showing up with a check. Life was good.
A couple of days ago the owner of the building informed me that one of the neighbors is moving. I’ll eventually be taking their garage, so now I have additional storage space. The plan is to put my pool table in my existing garage and use the other for the cars. So the first order of business is to start cleaning it out.
Around 4 I check it out. He’s done a good job; he’s arranged chairs into a comfortable sitting area. He’s hooked up the old stereo. It’ll make a great little playroom when the cars are out of the way. I pay him and his crew (girlfriend and best friend) a couple of bucks, and go back upstairs.
It’s now halftime during the Seattle/Minnesota game. Phone rings, my SIL, the boys are ready to be picked up. No problem, it’s only 10 blocks, I shouldn’t miss much of the game. I go down to the garage, which is still unlocked. To this moment I don’t know what made me bang on it before opening it. As I open the door, I hear unmistakable scurrying. My first glimpse is my teenage who’s hiding behind my wife’s car. I can see the top of his girlfriend’s head on the passenger side. She obviously adjusting her clothes, or pulling them on.
I can hear my heartbeat. “I’m uhm, about to pick your brothers up.” I say. I walk unbelievably casually to my car get in back out. Look up to confirm that my son is indeed going to close the door. I go pick up the boys all the while thinking over this totally unexpected development. Incidentally I wasn’t too worried about them leaving before I got back, neither owns a car, and the bus service on Sundays is just short of non-existent.
When I got home they were standing at the stairs, obviously scared. I sent the boys upstairs and brought them back to the garage. I said to my son; ‘you know we’ve talked about this and you know my feelings’. “I hope the both of you were at least responsible enough to use protection.” I got embarrassed nods in response. (at least they didn’t try to lie to me, I was thinking) I then talked about the importance of finishing school, and the difficulties an unexpected baby would bring. They both said they were careful. (HA – is that why I caught you, I was thinking). I then said to my son “If you’re going to be a man now, then act like one an escort the young lady home.”
They’re both months shy of their 18th birthday hers next month. I’m trying to decide if I should contact her parents or not.
I would not tell her parents, she’s 18 or near enough that it’s just quibbling. She’s an adult and respect her as such (which it sure sounds like you’re doing).