Chapter 5: Grandpa's Son-in-law

Chapter 5: Grandpa's Son-in-law

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The sun had begun to set when the last bell of the day rang at East Meadow High School (EMHS). Typically, the school day started at 8 a.m. and stretched all the way to 6 p.m. Hearing the dismissal bell, Zephyr packed up his books into his bag and stood up.

"Eh, you're already rushing home as soon as the bell rings?" Sam asked, noticing Zephyr's haste.

"Mm. I need to pick up my brother from his school," Zephyr replied, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "See you all tomorrow, then."

"Bye," came a chorus of answers as he walked out of the classroom. The hallways were relatively empty, save for a few students who, like Zephyr, were eager to leave.

As Zephyr stepped out of the school building, he was greeted by the warm, fading light of the setting sun. The sky was a canvas of orange and pink hues, slowly giving way to the encroaching twilight. The streets were quiet, with the occasional bus or motorcycle passing by, their engines humming softly in the background. Zephyr didn't highlight any. Instead, he enjoyed the tranquility of the evening walk, the gentle breeze ruffling his hair as he made his way to Mac's school.

Mac's school was a modest building nestled in a quiet neighborhood. By the time Zephyr arrived, it was all but empty, as most students had left hours ago. Next to the gate was the gatehouse where the elderly gateman stayed. Zephyr knocked on the iron door and waited. He heard the sound of locks being unlatched before the door swung open.

"Brother!" Mac cried, launching himself out of the gatehouse and into Zephyr's arms. "Good evening, brother."

Zephyr laughed, hugging the boy tightly and ruffling his hair. "Good evening to you too, sir," he said, causing Mac to pout. The younger hated being called "sir" the most because it made him feel older than his age.

"Ha, don't tease him too much," the elderly gatekeeper said, stepping out of the house with a warm smile.

"Good evening, grandpa," Zephyr greeted the old man with a grin.

The elderly gatekeeper had been working at the school for as long as anyone could remember. Zephyr didn't know much about his background—where he came from, his name—but he knew the old man had no family. He was always at the gate, even during holidays, a constant presence in their lives.

The gatekeeper had taken care of Zephyr and Mac since Mac started school here four years ago. With his jolly, grandfatherly demeanor, he quickly became an essential part of their lives. Every weekend, the brothers would help tend to the old man's farm and sell produce at the market. It was through these efforts that Zephyr learned to cook, providing for himself and Mac.

The gatekeeper's support had also kept them out of the orphanage, a place Zephyr was determined to avoid. He couldn't imagine what their lives would have been like without the old man's kindness and generosity.

The only downside was the gatekeeper's penchant for teasing, often calling Zephyr 'son-in-law.'

"I didn't know the high school closed so late," the gatekeeper remarked. "It's a good thing I'm here; his teacher wanted to take him home earlier."

"Thank you, grandpa," Zephyr said, setting Mac down. "Go get your bag. It's already late, and you need to sleep early."

"Mm," Mac nodded and rushed back into the house.

Seeing the child had entered the house to hunt down his bag, the gatekeeper addressed Zephyr with a serious expression on his slightly wrinkled face. "At school, who's your year teacher?" he asked.

Zephyr was surprised at the sudden question. The gatekeeper rarely concerned himself with others. Hearing him suddenly curious and serious about his teacher, Zephyr wondered if this was how a parent would be.

"Miss Lauren Hills. She taught today's class well and also engaged everyone," Zephyr replied, thinking about the female teacher's teaching skills. He remembered another matter and reluctantly mentioned it to the gatekeeper. "She does have a certain reputation at school."

"What reputation?"

"It seems ever since she started teaching at the school a few years ago, she has only ever taught the worst classes, with no improvement and no promotions either," Zephyr said.

The gatekeeper let out a surprised sound. "There is such a thing? Shouldn't she be replaced then?"

Zephyr shrugged. "Maybe she has strong backing. Eh, grandpa, why are you asking all these?"

The old man chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm just curious who'll be teaching a smart boy like my son-in-law. Eh, say, hasn't your brother been in there for a long time? Why isn't he out yet?"

"I'm here!" Mac yelled, emerging from the house with his bag. He looked at the adults with a sweet smile, his dimples deepening. "I saw that brother and grandpa were talking, so I didn't want to interrupt."

Zephyr rolled his eyes, while the gatekeeper laughed heartily, patting Mac's hair. "Aren't you too smart for your age? Good, good. As expected of my child's future brother-in-law."

"Grandpa, don't put ideas in his head. In the future, I won't be able to find a partner in peace," Zephyr said, feigning exasperation.

Mac looked up at him, confused. "Isn't grandpa's child your future partner? Why would you look for another future partner?" he asked, puffing his cheeks in anger. "I won't let you. You only need one future partner."

Zephyr facepalms. "See what you've done," he said helplessly, much to the gatekeeper's amusement.

"Come on, let's get going. Say bye to grandpa," Zephyr said to Mac.

"Bye, grandpa. See you tomorrow!" Mac said, hugging the elder tightly before they left.

As they made their way down the street, Zephyr listened to Mac's enthusiastic rant about everything that had happened at school that day. Mac's animated recount of his day brought a smile to Zephyr's face. The boy's excitement was infectious, and Zephyr couldn't help but laugh at the more exaggerated parts of his brother's stories. It was a while before they fell into a comfortable silence.

The silence only lasted for a few minutes, though, as Mac had another question.

"Brother, you were joking when you said you'll find another future partner, right?" the child asked, looking up at Zephyr with wide, innocent eyes.

Zephyr suppressed another eye roll. "Yes, Mac," he replied.

"So, that means you'll definitely marry Grandpa's child in the future?" asked Mac again, his tone serious.

"Definitely, Mac," Zephyr said, smiling at his brother's earnestness.

Mac cheered, running ahead of him in joy. Zephyr couldn't help but laugh. Who would destroy such joy by telling him Grandpa didn't have a child?

Definitely not Zephyr.

They walked past the familiar landmarks of their neighborhood, the streets lined with small shops and homes that had become a part of their daily routine. The sky was gradually darkening, stars beginning to peek out as the night took over. Streetlights flickered on, casting a warm glow on their path.

As they neared their home, Zephyr felt a sense of peace. Despite the challenges they faced, moments like these made everything worthwhile. His thoughts wandered to Miss Lauren. He wondered what kind of person she was outside of her role as a teacher. The reputation she had at school was troubling, but Zephyr couldn't deny that she had made a good impression on him today. Perhaps there was more to her story, something that the rumors and gossip didn't capture.

They reached their small, modest home, the porch light casting a welcoming glow. Zephyr unlocked the door and stepped inside, followed closely by Mac. The familiar scent of home greeted them, a mix of the evening's lingering warmth and the comforting smell of their living space.

"Go wash up, Mac. I'll start dinner," Zephyr said, setting his bag down and heading to the kitchen.

Mac nodded and ran off to the bathroom. Zephyr busied himself with preparing dinner, the routine motions helping him unwind from the day's events. He chopped vegetables and set a pot of water to boil, the rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board soothing in its familiarity.

Dinner was simple but hearty, a stew made with the vegetables from the gatekeeper's farm. Zephyr set the table and called Mac to join him. They ate together, the silence between them comfortable. After dinner, they cleaned up together, Mac drying the dishes while Zephyr washed.

"Brother, do you think Grandpa will have more stories tomorrow?" Mac asked as they finished up.

"Probably," Zephyr replied with a smile. "He always has a story or two up his sleeve."

Mac grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't wait."

They settled into their evening routine, Zephyr helping Mac with his homework before tucking him into bed. As Zephyr sat by his brother's side, he felt a surge of protectiveness. No matter what waited for them in the future, he was determined to keep Mac safe.

"Zero, bring up the interface"