“And then it was over. That was the end of the episode and it’ll be at least nine months before the next season premiers,” Luke lamented.

Sebastian chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll survive till then. Sounds like you had a good weekend though.”

Luke nodded. “It was peaceful. What did you do this weekend?”

“I got roped into helping Eddie clean out his attic. We found some interesting stuff but it was still mostly boring.”

“What kind of things did you find?”

“Old toys, clothes, books— we found one art journal that belonged to his grandfather actually.”

“Oh?”

“Yep, it was full of charcoal sketches. I took pictures of a couple if you want to see them.”

“Ah, maybe next time. Edmund’s here.”

“Hmm?” Sebastian looked over to the door just in time to see Ed walk inside.

“I’ll get going then, bye,” Luke said as he got up.

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” Sebastian replied, watching as the younger boy hurriedly left. “Did you do something to intimidate Luke?”

“Uh, not that I can think of,” Edmund shrugged. “Actually, I’m eighty percent sure you’re the only person he talks to casually. That took a few months, didn’t it.”

“Yeah, maybe he’s just nervous because no one else makes the effort to let him be comfortable.”

“I’d put in the effort but unlike you, I only see him for a few minutes at a time whenever I come to find you after this class.”

“He’s a good kid really, he deserves more support,” Sebastian sighed.

Edmund thought a moment. “You could invite him to hang out with us after school on Wednesday.”

“Good idea, but what if he doesn’t want to join us.”

“It’s your birthday, he can’t say no.”

“That’s a little underhanded...”

“Maybe, but as you said, the kid deserves support. We can give him a little, even if it’s just the two of us.”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Sebastian weighed the pros and cons in his mind. “Two friends are better than one. What should we do though?”

“Something relaxed but fun? What do you want to do for your birthday?”

“We could go bowling. We haven’t done that in a while and what better way to get to know each other than by trying to best each other at knocking things over.”

“Yeah, and the bowling alley has pretty good fries... now I’m hungry.”

Sebastian laughed. “You're always hungry. Come on, let’s go so we can grab you something quick before work.”

Edmund nodded and followed after Seb. “How are you going to invite Luke though?”

“Hmm, I’ll message him. That way, he can take his time replying.” Sebastian took out his phone and frowned when he noticed a message from Nick.

“What’s wrong?”

“I... I’m not sure. Nick asked if I can come home immediately after school.”

“Guess I’ll get something to eat at your house then.”

Sebastian didn’t reply as his mind was too busy thinking through all of the reasons that Nick could have sent such an urgent message. His nerves built with each minute they spent driving from school to the house. When they arrived, Seb noticed his mom’s car was already there as well.

“Should I wait here?” Edmund asked.

Sebastian shook his head. “No, you know you’re always welcome, and... and I have no idea what’s going on, so I’m going to need some support.”

Edmund nodded. “I’m right behind you then.”

They both went up to the house and Seb unlocked the door for them. Once he opened it, Bruce came eagerly to greet him. He gave the dog a quick scratch behind the ears and then stepped inside. When Bruce saw Ed, he seemed to cower a little but accepted an ear scratch from him as well.

“Nick? Mom?”

“We’re in the kitchen!” Emily replied.

Sebastian exchanged an attentive glance with Edmund and then proceeded towards the room. He found his parents sitting at the kitchen table. The first thing that stood out to Sebastian though was Nick’s face. He looked absolutely exhausted. His gaze seemed far away and there were dark circles under his eyes. His normally well-kept hair looked like it had fought a storm, and lost. Even his grip on the mug in front of him seemed weak and unsure.

“What happened?” Seb asked, almost rushing to his parents’ side.

Emily looked up. “He- It was--”

“I’m alright, kiddo,” Nick said in a hoarse voice.

“You obviously haven’t looked in a mirror then.”

Emily gave him a look for that comment but Nick simply laughed at it. “I look horrid, I know, but we need to talk to you about something.”

Sebastian bit his lip but sat down and motioned for Nick to continue.

“There is something that we’ve been keeping from you. But you knew that from when your grandmother appeared. We can’t explain it though because we made a vow to wait until you were eighteen.”

Emily sighed. “Perhaps we should have set the time for sooner, but we just wanted to be sure... to be sure you wouldn’t be pulled into anything too soon.”

Nick nodded. “Something has come up now. We can’t tell you the details because of that vow, but we can tell you that it has to do with your grandmother, and- and will mean we have to leave you for a few days.”

Sebastian frowned. “You... Is this to do with something... Supernatural?”

Emily and Nick exchanged a look and Nick answered, “Yes. We would prefer to bring you with us, but it’s safer here.”

“And you both have to go?”

Emily nodded. “It’s a matter of life-or-death and... and your father would want to help them. So, we need to go in his steed.”