I let dad get back to work, but he said I couldn't leave the house so I had to find something to do. I didn't own any of my own instruments, so I couldn't practice. I decided to go up to my room and find something there.

I grabbed my backpack and placed it on my bed while I searched through it. I found my sketchbook hiding between two binders, so I pulled it out. Flipping through, I saw all the quick doodles I did while bored in class. Some drawings of dogs, as I wished to have one of my own, some doodles of me and Daisy, and some doodles of dad and the band. I even drew myself playing some instruments I wish I owned. I smiled as I flipped through. Once I found an empty page, I carried the book to my desk and sat down. I grabbed a pencil off the desk and started drawing.

My mind thought about what dad said. What surprise did he have planned for my graduation? Maybe I was finally getting a dog, or maybe I was getting my own drum set or guitar, maybe even a piano. My face lit up as one thought came to mind. I was turning 18 a week before graduation, so maybe I was getting a tattoo like I always wanted. I flipped the book to a fresh page and started doodling tattoo ideas.

I drew up plenty of ideas. Most were music related, including lyrics I wanted on my shoulder and piano keys on my forearm. I knew if I was getting a tattoo, my first would be small. I drew two drumsticks crossing each other in a 'x' shape. This design would go on the back of my neck.

"Parker!"
I closed my notebook as dad's footsteps got closer to my room.
"Yeah dad?" I turned around in my seat to see him standing in my doorway.
"I have to go out for a bit. Eric will be here in a few minutes"
"Since when do I need a babysitter?" I asked, annoyed dad couldn't trust me home alone for a little bit.
"Since you ran off to go party" Alright, he had a fair point. "Don't give Eric any problems"
"Nah, I'm always good for him"
Dad rolled his eyes and walked out. I smiled and got up, following dad to the living room to wait for Eric to arrive.

I was lounging on the couch while dad made sure he had everything he needed while he was out. There was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it" I said while getting up. I walked over to the door and opened it to see Eric standing on the other side.
"What's up Park" he said happily as he walked in. Usually I was excited to see Eric, but the idea of him babysitting me made me less happy to see him.
"Ah, Eric. Can we talk before I head out?" Dad appeared from out of the hall before Eric followed him to the office. Curiosity got to me so I snuck down the hall to get close enough to hear.

"I don't know what to do Eric" I listened to dad speak while pressing myself up against the wall, trying not to be seen. "I was looking forward to him working with us this summer, but now I don't know if I can trust him"
Weren't they going on tour this summer? Was I going to join them?
"Relax Brent. He's acting like any boy his age."
"Do boys his age sneak out the drink and party? He had a hangover this morning!"
"And you never did at that age? I'm sure it will be all out of his system by the time he graduates, especially if he's not having fun with the aftermath of all this"
"I want to trust him, but he's never been like this before"
"That's why you should trust him. You know him better than anyone, and I know you know he's still a good kid"
"Maybe you're right." There was a pause "I should get going before I'm late" that was my cue to get out of there.

I rushed to the living room and jumped onto the couch, pulling out my phone to look like I've been scrolling on it the whole time. Dad and Eric walked into the room, still talking.
"Let me know if he gives you any trouble" dad said, patting Eric's back before starting to the door. That hurt to hear, did he really not trust me anymore?
"We'll be fine" Eric said as he walked over to me, sitting on the arm of the couch. I sat up and looked at dad, who had one hand on the doorknob ready to leave.
"Be good Parker. I'll be back" he left before I could respond.

Eric told me he'd be right back as he walked out to his car. At least he trusted me alone for a few minutes. I took my phone out and scrolled through twitter until he got back. Eric walked into the house with an acoustic guitar in his hands.
"Want to play?" He asked, taking a seat next to me. As much as I missed playing, I shook my head no. I just wasn't in the mood to play anything right now.
"Not now Eric" Eric put the guitar down and put an arm around my shoulder.
"What's bugging you man?" He asked sincerely.
"I don't know. I just feel terrible. I know I messed up, but dad is still acting like I didn't learn anything" I almost started crying, but I didn't want to in front of Eric.
"Give him time bud. This just happened last night, you need to time show him you learned your lesson"
"Do you believe I learned?" I asked, curious of what he thought.
"I know you feel real guilty, and I'm sure you don't want to feel like you must have this morning, so i think you learned your lesson. But I also don't blame your dad for being upset and worried" I guess he had a point.
"Thanks E-Bass" Eric smiled and pulled me in for a hug.

I was standing in the kitchen looking out the window while Eric sat at the dining table, playing on his phone.
"Hey Eric, is it cool if I hang out in the backyard?" I asked.
"As long as you stay in the yard" he didn't even look up from his phone.
"Thanks" I called out as I was already out the door. I took a deep breath as I walked out onto the patio. It was nice getting a moment to myself in the fresh air. I looked around the yard, my smile disappearing when I saw the chair up against the fence. I walked towards it, stepping up to peer over the fence.

I looked down and saw the mark in the dirt where I fell. I still can't believe I did it.
"What are you doing Parker?" I turn around to see Eric standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed.
"I'm just looking before moving the chair back" I explained. I hopped down and dragged the chair back to the patio, placing it back at the table with the others.
"Is that how you got out?" Eric asked as he stepped outside and stood by my side.
"Yeah. I was just looking at where I landed. Pretty stupid of me figuring I was injured in that fight just the day before" I felt Eric put an arm around my shoulder and pull me into his side.
"You're young, you're going to do stupid things" I smiled and looked up at him. "As long as you learn, right?"
I sighed and looked out into the yard
"I heard you and dad talking in the office"
"Oh yeah, what did you hear?"
"That I was going to work with you guys this summer, but now he doesn't trust me"
"He'll learn to trust you before summer comes. Don't worry about it" I smiled and leaned my head on Eric's shoulder. I was glad to have support like him in my life. Things would probably be harder if it was just me and dad, but Eric, Zach, and Barry were family and I was so lucky to have them