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Sage:: He ate breakfast and hurried outside, so glad today was Friday. He smiled at his dad as he began walking down the lonely street. All the sudden he heard his name. The bullies again! Sage shook his head and kept walking. Ignoring them. When Sage didn't run from them, the lead bully in the group punched Sage in the eye. Sage fell on his knees, gripping his eye and wincing. The bully kicked Sage in the side and pounded him down. They took off running for the school, laughing the whole way. Sage lied on the ground, clutching his stomach and wincing. He wouldn't let them get away with hitting him. Noticing a puddle, Sage noticed his eye. Purple and swollen. Sage flopped back onto his side, still holding his stomach. It was cold outside, which made Sage get a little chilly.

Meanwhile...

Adam:: He went and fed Jinx. Patting the big dog on the back. Adam heard some random knock on the door and went straight to it. Who is it? He asked, putting his hand on the door knob. He could hear paws on the porch and panting. When he opened the door, he got a bigger surprise. A really big surprise. A very healthy looking english mastiff sat there. On his collar there was a note. On it read, This is Brock. Take good care of him! Thanks. Adam brought him in the house. Pulling out an old pot and pouring some food in it. Giving it to him.

Adam:: He was sitting in the living room, trying to think of a good name for the mastiff. He took a minute. Butch. He said and the big dog let out three massive barks. Adam smiled and patted the big dog's head. Good boy. He said, Jinx looking over at the other dog enviously. All of the sudden Adam heard a pounding at the door and jumped up. Hurrying to the door, he reached for the cold knob, turning it and opening the door. What, what, what, what , what? He asked, looking her over. Adam looked around her, not knowing if she was the one who needed help or what. Adam was a pretty good cop, always alert and ready for almost anything.
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Sage:: He looked up, not really feeling well enough to try and call for his dad. Sage put his head down again and groaned some. His stomach felt like it was on fire, which only made him feel like a piece of burning paper. Sage looked back at the little kids, he hadn't noticed them before.

Adam:: Sage, He began, rushing over and opening the truck door. Adam picked Sage up out of the truck and hurried him inside. Adam took him straight to his room, leaving the door open for Sarah if she wanted to come in. Adam lay Sage on the bed in Sage's room, his obviously. He looked around, thinking of what his wife would have done if her son came home with a black eye and was acting as though he could die at any moment. Adam knew Sage wasn't at the dieing point, which calmed him down. Jinx and Butch came racing upstairs, barking and sniffing around Sage.
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Sage:: He opened his eyes slowly. Dad. He said weakly, trying not to make much noise. His stomach was hurting way to much for him to sit up so he lay his head down on the pillow. The bullies. He said and shut his eyes. Sage was a strong kid, strong like his father, he felt so weak and pathetic. I'm sorry. I-I'm sorry, I'm not the son you wanted. I couldn't fight those bullies off. He said in almost a hush whisper.
"Don't say that. Your everything I want in a son. I love you just as much as any father would love their kid." Adam said.
Sage shook his head weakly and looked at his father. Adam felt on Sage's chest and around his sides. No ribs were broken thank goodness! Dad, I want mom. Sage said and shut his eyes again. Tears began rolling down Sage's face. He got a little choked up on words. I want mom. He said, Adam looking at his son.
"I can't help you unless I know what's hurt." Adam said, changing the subject. Sage pointed to his head and to his eye. And then to his stomach. Adam nodded.

Adam:: He watched her every move, seeing how loving and nurturing she could be to a child that wasn't even her's. Adam recognized the lullaby, something his wife used to sing to Sage when he would have troubles sleeping. Adam moved back a little bit while she was crouched over Sage. Adam stood up and put his hands in his pocket, smiling just barely. He watched her intently, already knowing she'd never hurt Sage on purpose. When they all gave Sage kisses, Adam couldn't help but give a better smile. Sure. He said in response to her question. He couldn't believe how much was going to change. He could tell things would be different sooner or later. Adam looked at Sara, re-focusing on her eyes rather then her. She had beautiful eyes. Adam moved over to Sage and leaned in, kissing him on the forehead. Adam put his hand on Sage's cheek. Your not going back to school till you feel 100% alright? He said, he would never make Sage do anything when he wasn't feeling good. You can go downstairs, I'll be down in a minute. He said quietly, but loud enough for Sarah to hear it.
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Sage:: He nodded and relaxed a bit more. Thanks. He said, directing it to Sarah actually. Sage looked at his father. Then at the elmo doll, Sage couldn't comprehend why Haley was being so nice about it. He looked at Haley and nodded. Soon Sage was asleep.

Adam:: He grabbed a blanket and put it over Sage. Turning the light off in Sage's room he left the curtain open so that Sage would have light in there. Adam looked down at Jinx, who was sitting there in the doorway. Jinx, keep watch. He said and patted the dog's head. Adam walked slowly down stairs, looking over at Sarah. He walked over to the couch and sat there for a minute or two before standing up. Adam placed his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned in to Sarah. Giving her a light kiss on the lips. Thank you. He stood back a little bit, Butch looking between the two of them. Adam went to the fireplace and lit it, making it nice and warm in the living room. After all, it was soon becoming fall and it was getting a bit chilly outside. Are you, thirsty or anything? He asked, hoping to get off the subject. He never really was sincere about that kiss but he wanted to let her know that she did mean something to him and his son after all. Butch made a grunting whine noise, standing up and walking over to the couch. He flopped down just in front of the fireplace and fell asleep.

Adam:: He nodded and went to the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle and two glasses. Adam sat the bottle on the coffee table and sat the glasses gently beside it. I don't think so. He said, unsure. It's just my way of saying thank you. He said and smiled some, sitting down next to her. Adam poured her a glass and poured a little bit for himself. He didn't like wine that much but he would drink it if he wanted to. Adam put the glass on the table and sat back, grabbing the remote and turning on the t.v to, Alchemy. It was an okay movie. Sitting back, Adam crossed his legs. Relaxing as usual. He watched some of the movie, right before he put his arm around Sarah. He didn't know what to do anymore. Now that Sage was feeling bad. Adam looked down at the glass, lifting it up and taking a sip of it before putting it back down again. Butch stood up, jumping on the couch and laying down beside them both. Putting his head in Adam's lap. Of course Adam smiled and scratched Butch's head. It was just in his nature to be very sweet and very loving.
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Sage:: Jinx. He said weakly. Water please. He said, the german shepherd racing down the hall and somehow getting the fridge open. Jinx took a water bottle in his mouth and pawed the door closed. He took off back upstairs and dropped the water on Sage's stomach. Sage patted him. Thank you. He said and opened the water, taking a sip of it.

Adam:: He just sat there and watched her make a scene. Sarah. I don't want anything from you. He said, just loud enough for her to hear him. Butch tilted his head and got up. Walking over the the chair and jumping in it, laying down and going to sleep in the chair. Adam looked at Sarah when she was back under his arm. Adam took a second before standing up and turning off the television. He looked at Sarah and it took him a minute to process everything right. Today was just not his day. I'll be back. He said and walked upstairs. Adam went into Sage's room and looked at him, knowing he wasn't asleep. "Dad. What's for dinner?" He asked, Adam taking a minute to think about it. I'll make some subs is that alright? He asked, Sage nodding. Adam walked in his room, sitting on the corner of Sage's bed. "You like her don't you?" Sage asked. A little bit. He said finally. Sage shook his head, "I'm not calling her mom." That's okay. You don't have to. And I'm not going to make you. Adam said, totally relaxed. Sage struggled but sat up, "Why are you trying to replace mom?" I'm not Sage, I'm jus- "Shut up!" Sage exclaimed. Adam stayed quiet for a mom. First, watch your mouth. This is your father your talking to. Second, I'm not trying to replace your mother. Some things, you just have to let go Sage. He said, knowing what it was like to feel alone at some points in his life. "Dad, I think you should just go. I want to be alone." Sage said and looked over at Jinx. Adam stood, walking out of his son's room and down to the kitchen. He had all the stuff to prepare subs with but he decided he'd just order them from a really nice diner. He called them up and ordered 3 subs, hanging up and walking back into the living room. Adam sat on the couch, sitting far from Sarah. He wasn't trying to get away from her, he was just, wanting a little time to think. Adam sighed some and moved to the middle of the couch with Sarah, totally mused with her just being her.

Adam:: It's alright. He said, putting his hand on her's. A few awkward moments went by before Adam leaned forward a little bit and kissed her, pulling her a bit closer to him so that he wouldn't have to reach so far. Footsteps began in the stair well. It was Sage. He was sneaking a peak at them because it had gotten quiet. When Sage saw his father kissing Sarah he nearly blew a gasket. Sage forced himself not to scream, walking slowly back up the stairs. Butch got off the chair and walked over, licking Sarah on the cheek. Adam pushed him away gently. Butch tilted his head and barked. Adam looked over at him. Stay. He said and kissed Sarah again. Butch looked at him and sat down. Wanting to jump all over them. Sage sat back down on his bed and pulled out a notebook. Sage began writing,
July 31, 2010:
Found dad smooching on some lady he met only a few days ago! What's wrong with him!? Why does he not care about me!? I can't believe he'd actually kiss her, it's only been a year since mom died. I can't believe that he could get over her so quick. I don't even think he knows what he's doing. I love my dad a lot, but I really don't like that lady. I don't know what I should do. I want my dad to be happy but what about my happiness? Sometimes I wonder if he even cares that mom died. Sage put the pen down, falling asleep in deep thought. The notebook was still open and on his lap.