Driving down the road, Earl’s head spun on how to sneak in, and what would happen if he were caught. He could not make his parents more disappointed in him.

“Are you ok, Earl?” Asked Alder with a concerned tone.

“No, I’m not. “He replied

Alder pondered, “If you don’t mind could I ask why?”

“My father is going to be furious.” He emitted

The shabby car turned to see a marble pillar gate surrounding the massive white mansion with 2 large lion statues standing on the gateway. There was an immense water fountain in the middle of the driveway with a donut-shaped pathway leading up to a large dark wooden door. A lion carved knocker was placed in the middle of the door adding to the house's lion theme. Earl stepped out of the car and quietly closed the door. Alder sat in the car not sure if he should drive off yet, but when he saw the door open to two eerie figures standing in the doorway, he knew he had to help somehow. Earl looked over at the car with the most terrified face Alder had ever seen.

Each step towards the door felt like a slow-motion action movie scene. Alder didn’t exactly know why he was helping Earl. Most people Alder met were not able to become close to him because of how reclusive he acts. But, with Earl, he feels like he cannot just leave him alone.

“Why weren’t you in your room.” Mr. Hughes spat out at Earl

“I,” He stuttered, “I went out this morning.”

“Ms. Marie told us you weren’t in your room when she checked on you last night.” replied his mother Amelia with sad eyes. “Honey, why would you leave us?”

Earl stared at his mother with his mouth gaped open; he was not sure how to reply. With slow steps, Alder walked towards the entrance while Mr. Hughes gave the man behind Earl a sinister glare.

With fire in his eyes and wrinkled eyebrows, Mr. Hughes yelled, “Who is this man Earl? No one is permitted in my residence unless they have my permission!”

Alder with the most courage he could muster up said, “Sir, please don’t blame your son. I take full responsibility for distracting him from his work.”

Ignoring the man, Mr. Hughes looked over at Earl and stated, “Make a decision now; work and have absolute success or leave us and go on your own with no tangible way to find the success you would be losing. If you cannot even do the small job I have given you, then you will never be ready to take over the business.”

Alder stepped back from the door and was ready to leave; He didn’t want to interfere anymore. Earl gave him a slight nod and Alder left him alone. The car rumbled down the driveway and silence sat between Earl and his parents.

“Father, please stop yelling. I have heard enough. I will never be the perfect son. I accept that, but..”

Tears rolled down his face.

“You can’t keep acting like I’m a failure. Give me another chance and I promise to try my best. But I don’t believe I can take over your job.” His father snorted and gave a slight grin.

His mother walked towards Earl, held his hand, and whispered “Honey, let’s talk inside. It’s too cold out here.” Amelia grabbed her husband's shoulder, yanking him inside the house. “Ass,” she muttered under her breath.