So I was back to Texas before I could even say a word. Dad paid a taxi driver to wait for us as I packed my bags, and soon we were on our way.

My dad's private A380 jet was ready and waiting out in the nearby Wingham airport hangar. It was my first time riding the swift-flying silver 'fox' as my dad called it, for he only used it for his business affairs. It was a small airliner with lavish seats with sturdy platforms you could use as tables. There was even a sofa you could relax in, or lie down if you wanted to.

My dad's pilot was a wise man by the name of Mr. Stephen Burgess. He was a licensed pilot who had fifteen years' experience working for companies that delivered products abroad. Thus, my dad instantly picked Mr. Burgess out of the line-up because of his excellent resume, and has flown with him ever since.

~~

As we were flying over some mountains, my dad fell asleep on his seat. We were flying in a jet where the seating arrangements was so comfy, and equipped with soft, yet firm pillows; so I couldn't blame my father for becoming so stressed out. After all, he flew all the way to pick up poor little me, the only son he'll ever have.

Oliver Thomas had a difficult way of showing how he loved me, for he had a stone, cold heart that only looked out for his women and work. Thus, I always wondered if he ever intended to be a young father or if I was just a burden to him.

I looked into my father's eyes. The tall, blonde man looked a little like me except for my hair. I wish I was blonde, but I took more after my mom. I had her kind personality, yet would flare up like my father whenever I was provoked. However, I still had part of his manly facial features = brown eyes, pointed nose, tender cheeks and a warm smile.

At that time though, I just didn't know that I was an attractive man like him with endless women going gaga over a baseball player like me. (And I was always flattered when you used to touch me Marlene. I knew I was handsome in your eyes.)

[Marlene felt her cheeks burn as she read this. She knew he was still thinking of her]

My dad's snores were pretty loud, and was quickly bored looking straight at him, so I unbuckled my seat belt and decided to talk to Mr. Burgess.

I got up from my seat and quietly walked through the burgundy floor pattern that led into the pilot's cockpit.

I waited to talk to the pilot, since I actually wanted to see him fly the plane. But as soon as he felt my strong presence, Mr. Burgess knew something was on my mind.

"Come on in Son, and have a seat. Hang on just one minute, since I'll put this jet on autopilot and we can have a quick chat."

A man in his fifties, Mr. Burgess was a bright old man who would take his short time in helping others out. He had two sons that he had to raise on his own after his wife passed away. It devastated Mr. Burgess, but he did what he could to make sure they were taken cared of.

Since his sons, Simon and Seth were on their own now, Mr. Burgess planned to help me out as well.

That was actually the first time I ever met the pilot while we were in the air.
I previously met Mr. Burgess when he first came to the house to apply for this pilot job, but that was a long time ago. So, many things have changed throughout the years, and I guess he learned how troubled I had become.

After he pressed the button I assumed was autopilot, he turned to me.

I was sitting on the chair next to him as if I were his co-pilot.

"So what can I do for you Sonny? It's Owen right?" he asked.

I nodded yes.

"I'm sorry to bother you Mr. Burgess, I just needed someone to talk too. Dad's asleep, and we somehow just don't see 'eye to eye'. It's breaking me apart! Can I ask how did you deal with your own sons?"

The pilot turned around, and saw his light blue eyes focused right at the window. His wrinkled forehead showed.

"You have to toughen yourself up Owen. I know Mr. Thomas is pretty demanding at times ... I've seen how he has dealt with his business clients. However, I didn't think he would do it to his own child. Tell him how you feel son. My boys always told me that and that's why Simon has a successful computer software job, and Seth is now a high school teacher."

I put that idea in mind to have a talk with my dad. I already knew I wanted to do that ahead of time, but I just didn't know how I would approach it.

I also remembered listening to a song that mentioned that we needed to make up before it was too late. I just knew that if he could see it my way, we would have a better father and son relationship.

I thanked Mr. Burgess for our short conversation and left him to do his job. As I was heading back to my seat, I found that my dad had awoken from his nap, since he stretched his arms up towards the gray ceiling.

I cleared my throat and began to speak, before he'd changed the subject.

"Dad, we need to talk."

He yawned, before looking at me.

"Go on Owen, I'm listening."

"I think ... "

RING, RING, RING, RING!

"Hang on son, I need to take this important call."

I was disappointed at that time because he couldn't just ignore that cell phone! As I said it was either his work or his women that had first priority, but when it came to me, I was placed on hold.

When he got off the phone, I tried speaking to him again.

"Dad, can I talk to you now?"

"Just a minute son."

Dad then reached for his eyeglasses in his bag, and sat back down. I sighed because I had a feeling that those glasses he was wearing now made him superior to me.

"Okay, I'm all ears!"

RING, RING, RING, RING!

This time when he picked up the phone, I looked up at him with a hurtful expression. I believe he got the message, because he automatically surprised me by telling the caller he had to attend to me.

"Listen, I'll call you back later. I've got to spend some time with my son."

It made me smile, a smile that would last only for a minute, but it was a short experience I would never forget.

As he got off the phone, I wanted to tell him what has been bothering me for days.

"Thanks Dad."

I picked up my strength and started talking.

"You know I really need you, and you were never there for me. I always hated it that you totally ignored me, and went out with your lady friends or was always at work. You never had time for me! And then I really hated it when you told me that I was a menace to society! How do you think that feels, Dad? I'M NOT STUPID! You never gave me a chance. I rebelled because I wanted your attention. I felt you never wanted me in your life and always had to give me a 'fake mom'! I don't want to even start another fight with you Dad, but we need to fix this relationship right now!"

I was already burning up and felt a tear flowing down my cheek.

"My, my ... I have a son who's now a grown man!! You know Owen I was never good in being a great father when I married your mom. But it doesn't mean I don't love you. I guess I just have a hard time showing it. You are my son, and you will always be one. I'm glad to have this short talk with you. But ... "

"But what Dad?"

I think I knew what he was going to say next, but instead he gave me a great big hug, and walked away to an isolated corner. I just knew this conversation would turn short. Oliver Thomas always had a loss for words when it came to me. And later Marlene, he'd turn his back one final time, once I started living with my Aunt Tess.

But he arranged to have the pilot's son, Seth, as my teacher. I was home-schooled for a year, where my Dad would observe what I was doing.

~~

Hello fellow readers,

Oliver Thomas and his former wife had Owen at such a young age, and yes - Mr. Thomas is not an ideal father. He is just one who likes to simply say I care for my son, by making sure he is in good hands and wants to get him out of trouble.

I am dedicating this chapter to my new follower Nat Bradford. Thanks for letting me know about your profile Nat!

Above is a picture of Justin Hartley. I think he is good candidate to portray as Oliver Thomas.

The song attached to this chapter is "Cats and the Cradle" by a 1970's singer, Harry Chapin. It was during my mother's time and I got used to listening to music beyond our own modern era. I think it sends Oliver and Owen's message pretty well. Anyway, enjoy and I'm sure I put the name of the pilot and his son Seth there for a reason. Stay tuned to find out why. Till, next time!