"We might be through with the Past, but the Past ain't through with Us", Chapter Four
Title: "We Might be Through With the Past, but the Past Ain't Through With Us"
Author: becomingblurred
Pairing: Pete/Patrick
Word Count: 4614
Rating: Currently PG
Summary: Patrick's a single father fresh out of college and sinking in debt. Pete, finally, after twentysomething years, decides that he needs to grow up and look for something more long-term. What starts off as two teachers talking about their jobs and lives becomes a relationship that may just make it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is..., My Chemical Romance, or The Sounds. I do own Magnolia and most of the students.
Author’s Note: Any long-term betas in the house? It'd be freakin' awesome. Inquire with comment. Dedicated to twentiethway because she's amazing.
”We Might Be Through With the Past, But the Past Ain’t Through With Us.”
By Donna
Chapter Four: Picking and Choosing, Winning and Losing
William watched Patrick storm into the music office. “I think I attract psycho, stubborn people,” Patrick mumbled, “Yeah, that’s it. Bad luck and psycho people. First Marie, now Pete...”
“Whoa, what’s going on?” Andy asked, looking up from his junior high desk.
“That fucking Pete tried to get me to go on a date with...” Patrick stopped himself. He flopped on his chair and faced his computer.
“Wow, what a jerk!” William exclaimed, “Clearly, you’re not his type. Don’t let it get to you.”
“I think he’s tried to date every person in this school, student and faculty,” Andy added.
“Probably,” William replied, laughing. “He probably just has a little crush on you. He’ll get over it and I’m sure you guys will be good friends.”
Patrick logged on to the computer and muttered something along the lines of, “Why the hell do I like him?”
William looked at Andy. Andy covered his mouth, his eyebrows curling in a rather mischievous matter.
William smirked and said, “Adulthood is just high school on a grander scale, isn’t it?”
Andy nodded in agreement.
**************************************************************
“Are you feeling better today, Maggie?”
“Yes, Daddy! I slept lots and drank orange juice!”
“Good. Very good.”
“Can you come back yet?”
“No, honey. Not for awhile.”
“...Why?” Maggie moaned, sounding suddenly like her age. “I miss you! I want you here to play with me!”
Patrick felt a shudder go through his body. “I know, honey, I know.” How could you tell a four year-old that you couldn’t afford them?
“Well, can you try to come... like tomorrow? Or something? Gramma said you’re far away... but... but you always beat me when we run fast! Maybe you can run?”
Patrick rubbed his eyes. “I can’t come tomorrow... I’m a little too far for running, Mag.”
“So I hafta wait a long time?” She sighed loudly.
“Not too long, honey. Sometime. Maybe in a month. But when I do I’ll promise it’ll be a long time!”
“Can I get a puppy?”
“...We’ll see.” He would have paid anything in the world to see her again, but he knew that it was currently impossible. He couldn’t stand how he fought and fought for her, and then he had to be torn from her. It tore him apart.
The doorbell rang through Patrick’s house. He gasped and said, “Maggie, someone’s at the door. I gotta go. Goodnight!”
“Goodnight!” Maggie exclaimed.
Patrick hung up on her, grabbing an umbrella as he walked to the door. He looked through the peephole and narrowed his eyes. He opened the door and said, “You have terrible timing, you know that?”
Pete shrugged. “I needed to ask you something.”
“You couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
“No! I couldn’t. I wanted to ask you at lunch, but you left.”
“What, you fucking stalker?”
Pete growled. “I’m trying to help you, alright?”
“Why? What’s going on?” Patrick asked.
“I’m worried sick about you. The students are saying things. It’s the third day of school and I think there’s five rumors about you, at least.”
Patrick’s anger shifted to horror. “What is everyone saying?”
“Well, everyone’s saying you have a kid. Or you’re a pedofile. Whatever. You have a picture of a kid on your desk and everyone’s drawing their own conclusions. My second period sophomore class says that you were married off at age fourteen to a royal family and when there wasn’t a son born, they were going to kill your daughter and you ran away with her. Apparently they’re learning about that shit in history, so they’re out of their minds.
“My juniors said your girlfriend died in a car crash and fucked you over with a kid. You’re in Westwood because it’s all you can afford without shattering your dignity. That’s not that weird... I guess.
“And then I subbed a biology class and they said that you were beaten by your girlfriend and that you and your kid left to escape her. Now, I am used to my share of rumors, but I know they all have to come from some sort of root of truth. What is going on?”
“Why do I have to tell you?” Patrick asked.
“Because, I don’t know if you consider me this, but I consider you this... you’re my friend. And as long as neither of us get fired tomorrow, you’re my coworker. I know that whatever is going on is holding you back to no end. I hate guys that do that and I hate not knowing things and I really hate getting bullshit rumors from teenage kids. Who the hell are you, Patrick Stumph, and why the hell are you a waste of a good guy and a decent human being?”
Patrick thought of what William said. High school and adulthood. Drama. Relationships. A good reply. “I’m Patrick Stumph. I don’t know why the hell I’m here, I’m going to assume that my parents just got lucky... or... horrible timing. I’m holding myself back and wasting away because I made a bunch of mistakes growing up. I have a daughter now, and I can’t afford her or be her daddy and achieve in life. I got a dumbass, abusive, selfish, psycho ex-girlfriend that you are reminding me of right now and I just need to get the hell out of this life or something!” Patrick crossed his arms. “And, in case you don’t notice, my daughter is not here because my mom decided that I am the worst father ever and that, after being with my kid all summer long, doing Daddy things, I’m not good enough and I was sent down to this shithole of a state and I am so fucking pissed off at you for cutting off a phonecall to her and I really want to fucking take off your head! But I can’t because I keep telling myself that you’re going to leave once I tell you how fucked over I am!”
Pete blinked. He tried to let it sink in. “Uh, well, I’m not leaving. And I’m really sorry about cutting off your call with your daughter... honestly. But... but I know why you’re so angry now.” He leaned in toward Patrick, but stopped short.
“Go ahead,” Patrick said, his voice suddenly softer.
Pete hugged him tight. “I can’t relate, but I know I can try to help.”
Patrick nearly fell into Pete. He blinked several times, his eyes blinded by Pete’s grey sweatshirt. “That’s... that’s the most I’ve ever said... about my life.”
“Have you been hiding this for four and a half years?”
“Yeah... I haven’t really seen my high school friends since the thing happened... that was right after graduation.”
Pete held Patrick up. “Maybe we should sit or something. Okay? Can you make it?”
“I’m not sick.”
“Well, you know what I mean.”
“Yeah... I do...” They walked to the couch, both suffering from weak knees. Pete sat at the far end, Patrick laying his head on his lap.
“So you have a little girl?” Pete asked, making sure not to touch Patrick too much.
Patrick nodded, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah...”
“What’s her name?”
“Magnolia.”
“Like the flower?”
“Yeah... I got control of her name and I really wanted something nice.”
“Do you have any nicknames for her? Pictures of her? I want to know all about her... it’s not fair to hide someone you love so much.”
“Well, I call her Maggie. I call her monkey when she’s nutty. And... there’s pictures of her all around here. They’re not hard to find. And in my office, which probably sparked the whole damn rumor thing.”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Well, fuck it. I love her so they just have to deal with it.”
Pete smiled. “Anything else?”
“She just told me that when I see her again she wants to get a puppy. I got her a goldfish, but my mom got a little pissed. She said that Maggie wasn’t old enough to feed the damn thing. But the fish is still alive. She really wants to live in a pet store, though. So she can have all the puppies and fish possible. Oh my God... do you have one hundred dollars?”
“...For?”
“A roundtrip to Chicago.”
“At least you plan on coming back.”
“After I kidnap my kid and my mom calls a fucking Amber Alert.”
“I’ll be sure to watch MSNBC 24/7.”
“I’m not serious. I can’t. I need to work!”
“You should apply for a part-time job... you know.. Until things work out. And if you need help, I’m always around.”
“Where the hell would they hire me?”
“There’s a diner nearby. You can try there?”
“I can... I guess. It can’t be that bad.”
***************************************************************
“Boy! Get over here!”
Patrick spun on his heel and ran over to the business man that took a booth right by the exit. “Yes sir?”
“I demanded decaf. I know when my coffee’s not decaf. Take it back.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” Patrick replied, “I’ll be right back.” He took the cup and made his way toward the back. He heard the man mumble, “Kids today...”
Patrick found irony that he was teaching kids and raising a kid, and yet he was still deemed one himself.
Pete looked up from his own booth. “Can I kick his ass?” He grabbed another one of his student’s essays.
“No, I’m sorry, you can’t maul the customers.”
“Stop flirting and get me my coffee!” the man screamed from across the diner.
Pete flashed a snarl at the man and turned back to Patrick.
“I... I better go,” Patrick said, blushing.
“Alright,” Pete replied, snapping the essay cover open.
Patrick got the man decaf coffee and wished his shift would end.
As Patrick passed Pete another time, Pete asked, “Have you sat at all today?”
“Sure,” Patrick replied, “When I drove from the football field to here.”
Pete sighed. “Man, there better be a heaven or something for people like you.”
**************************************************************
On Monday, William entered school with a tray of his own coffee, this time, from Dunkin’ Donuts. “Did you know that half of my select choir was at Dunkin’ Donuts? They’re such addicts! It’s so funny!”
Patrick looked up from his desk. “Weird.”
William took a coffee off his tray and put it by Patrick’s head. “You look like you fell out of a car, rolled into the woods, and then got attacked by the Jersey Devil himself. What happened?”
Patrick looked at the coffee and shuddered. “I got a job at the diner and worked all day yesterday and all night the day before that. And our marching band barely made it through two of our three songs. And I’ve been pouring coffee and messing up the decaf label so much... my wrists hurt. Like hell.”
“A diner?” William asked. “Oh, Patrick...” He went through his things and pulled out a checkbook. He wrote out a check and gave it to Patrick. “You’re a teacher, not a waiter.”
Patrick looked at the check. “I can’t accept this.”
“It’s a gift.”
“I hate getting money as gifts. Take it back, Will.”
William shoved it at his face. “Take the Goddamn check, now.”
Patrick gulped, grabbing it. “Will, I...”
“I want to help you. Put it in your kid’s college fund if you really don’t want it.”
“C-college.”
William pulled a chair next to Patrick. “Oh, and this coffee’s ten times better than diner shit. Nice, Styrofoam cup. Easy on the wrist.”
Patrick nodded, taking a sugar and putting it in his coffee.
“Pete told me about Friday.” He shook his head. “He’s not going to let you out of his sight, now.”
“Great...”
“It’s not bad... I mean, Pete’s sometimes a total idiot, but I really do consider him one of my best friends.”
Patrick took a gulp. “I guess it’s not that bad.”
William tried to figure out if he was referring to the coffee or Pete. “He’s got good intentions... for once. He just wants you to be happy. I’ve never seen him so nice.” He rubbed Patrick’s shoulder. “He’s nuts about you. But... you know, you don’t swing that way... I don’t think... well, I told him you don’t but he laughed. Am I missing something?”
“Hey, Will, when you and Gerard did your little bets on sexuality... when I first got here... what did you guess?”
“Me, personally?” William asked, pointing to himself.
“Yeah. And don’t deny you do it, I got Pete and a student backing me up.”
“I’m not... but... uh, I thought you were straight. Honestly. Why?”
“You lost a bet,” Patrick said, a smile suddenly appearing on his face. William blinked several times. “W-wait... you aren’t... you aren’t going to take Pete’s offer, are you?”
Patrick looked at William and shrugged. “I never had a boyfriend before...” He laughed as he swung the office door open, greeting the early freshmen.
***************************************************************
“C’mon, Wentz, we’re gonna go have lunch together,” Patrick announced before their lunch break. He leaned on the door of Pete’s room, tapping out a beat on the door.
“Really?” Pete asked, peeking from his gradebook. “Sure! You’re smiling... are you going to poison me?”
“No!” Patrick exclaimed. “I just... decided to take up your offer.”
“I knew it... what? What offer?”
“Remember? The whole date thing? Would you like to be my date on Friday to the football game? You get to sit on the bus with me and the band geeks.”
“Are you serious?” Pete asked, putting down his grade book and smiling. “What the hell changed your mind?”
“Well, you don’t go away. And I do like you. Do you play soccer?”
“Hell yeah! I was the soccer player in high school!”
“Good. Maggie wants to learn. You have to promise me you’re going to include Maggie in things. She needs someone that’s more manly than me.”
“I’m great with kids. I got billions of little nieces, nephews, and cousins. Magnolia will be cake. And you’re kinda manly. Although you’re a total band geek.”
“Just, promise me you’re going to be good to her no matter what happens to us?”
“Of course. And I’m not leaving anytime soon... I got tenure.” Pete gave Patrick a cheesy grin.
***************************************************************
“It must be convenient to date a teacher,” Gerard announced as he sat in a small desk for hall duty. “I mean, you don’t have to really strangle a boss for vacation days... you got the whole damn summer. You get days off for no reason... it’s kind of cool.”
“What brought up dating teachers?” William asked.
“I’m trying to make sense of our golden boy dating a certain English teacher.” Gerard shook his head. “I mean, Pete’s cool and all... but how the hell do they work?”
“You saw how they clicked at the restaurant. And shouldn’t you be happy because you won your bet?”
“Oh, I am. I just wish he wasn’t attracted to Pete.”
“I think Pete’s actually thinking this one through. I think this is going to work fine.”
“Would you date a single parent?”
“I have, thank you. She’s still my friend and I love her son to death. The thing is, if the kid doesn’t like you, the girl, or guy, will refuse to like you.”
“Well, blood is thicker than water.”
“Exactly.”
“I think the kid’s gonna look at him and scream. And that’ll be that.”
“Okay, you think that, Gerard. You think that as they make their way to the altar.”
***************************************************************
“Can any of you play half notes?” Patrick asked, throwing his baton down on the stand. “Come on, guys. Lower brass: You’re pissing me off.” He tapped his fingernails on the stand as loud as he could. “Will you stop talking and start playing?”
The lower brass section looked up. “What?”
“Shut up and play!” Patrick demanded.
The section groaned as they brought their instruments to their faces.
Patrick, though ready to maul the lower brass section, was optimistic. The marching band finally came together the day before and he and Pete were going to be able to spend time together that didn’t consist of him yelling at them. Very few things could make the day go any better (aside from the lower brass cooperating).
The bandroom door opened, a secretary eyeing Patrick. “Mr. Stumph, you have visitors.”
Patrick sighed. “I have a class.”
The secretary looked down at the visitor, who hid behind the door. “He’s busy, I’m afraid.”
Patrick heard a familiar voice reply. He perked up. The secretary turned back. “Can they wait in your office until class is over?”
“...I don’t see why not.”
Andy looked up from his desk, poking his head out of the office.
Everyone turned to the doorway as a little girl and an older woman walked into the room, looked at Patrick, and then made their way to the office. The little girl sat in Patrick’s chair and the older woman stood quietly.
“Who’re they?” a clarinet player asked.
Patrick’s jaw dropped. “Maggie?!”
Magnolia poked her head from the office. “Hi, Daddy! I’m sorry!”
The flute section squealed. “She’s so cute!”
Patrick rubbed his eyes in disbelief. “I-it’s okay, honey! But... aren’t you supposed to be in preschool?” Aren’t you supposed to be in fucking Illinois?!
“Me ‘n’ Gramma went on a plane! We flew, Daddy! Gramma said we were a surprise! Did I surprise you, Daddy?” She jumped out of the office. “Surprise!”
Even the trumpet section had to aw after that.
“Maggie, I’m very surprised! Uh, class, this is my daughter... Magnolia.”
“Hi, Magnolia!” the band chorused.
Magnolia blushed, and ran back to her grandmother. Patricia poked her head out and waved. “I wanted to make sure she got here alright.”
“I can take care of her,” Andy said, smiling.
Patricia nodded. “Thank you very much. I’ll sign out, then.” She waved at Patrick and left.
Patrick grinned, looking at his students. “Pack up, alright? We only got ten minutes, anyway.”
He walked into the office and gave Magnolia a huge hug. He kissed her forehead and said, “Do you know how long you’re gonna be here?”
“Uh, I dunno. Are you happy to see me?”
“Of course I am! I can’t wait for you to meet Pete and Will and Gerard... oh my God!” He kissed her cheek. “Did you eat, yet?”
“This nice lady on the plane gave me juice and Gramma gave me a bagel. I wanna have lunch... I had to wake up real early.”
“Are you tired? You can take a nap, you know.”
“Nope! Gramma said I was gonna see you and I was so ‘xited I don’t wanna take a nap!”
Patrick buried his face in her hair, ready to cry.
William entered the office. “Oh! Uhm... is that...”
Andy nodded.
William smiled. He let Patrick let go of her and he bent over to her. “Hey, sweetheart, I’m William.”
Magnolia ran over and hugged him. She barely made it up to his knee.
Patrick smiled, rubbing his eyes. He stayed on the floor, smiling and shaking his head.
William inspected her up and down as he went on his knees. “It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Magnolia. Your daddy’s told me so much about you. Are you going to follow Daddy at work all day?”
“If Daddy lets me.”
“You can, Magnolia. Just behave,” Patrick begged. He figured that he could pull a sob story with his supervisor if it didn’t go over well.
“I will!” she promised, smiling. She did a little jump, the visitor’s pass on her covering up most of the top part of her dress. He noted that her name was written with his mother’s penmanship.
William whispered in Patrick’s ear, “Does Pete know she’s here?”
“I figured I’d tell him... eventually.”
“You better tell him before he just sees her walking the in hall. He’ll have a heart attack.”
“No he won’t! He’ll just be surprised.”
“Who’s Pete? Is he the one you always talk about?” Magnolia asked as the bell rang.
William laughed as he grabbed his plans.
“Yes, Magnolia, that’s Pete,” Patrick replied, embarrassed. “He’s a very special friend of mine that wants to meet you.”
“Oh!” Magnolia gasped. “Is Pete like a mommy?”
William opened the office door, ushering father and daughter out. “She’s good. I love her.”
“Uhm... maybe. I don’t know quite yet, Maggie. Just promise me you won’t tell Gramma about the mommy thing.”
“But William heard your secret, Daddy!”
“It’s okay. William can know. Just... Gramma can’t.”
“Okay, Daddy!” She gave him a side-hug.
They walked down the halls, students staring at them. They passed by Pete’s room. Pete screamed, “What?!” and ran outside. “Magnolia?!”
“Huh?” Magnolia asked, turning her head. She looked at him, confused. “D-daddy!” She hid behind him.
“That’s Pete, honey,” Patrick said, coaxing her in front of him. “Pete, this is Magnolia.” He pushed her gently. “Say hello, Magnolia.”
Magnolia waved, suddenly shy. “Hello.”
Pete walked up to her. “Hey!” Pete greeted, extending his hand.
Magnolia backed away nervously. Patrick frowned. “Magnolia, come on. Cut it out.”
Magnolia shook her head, holding tight to him.
Pete looked up at Patrick. “I’m so sorry.”
“Daddy said you’re like a mommy... but... but... Mommy...”
“Sh, Magnolia. It’s okay. Pete’s good. Pete’s great. He won’t hurt you.”
Magnolia looked up at her father and then at Pete. Pete put his hands to his sides, feeling suddenly guilty. She grabbed his hand and tried to get a grip around it. She shook it. Pete tried to shake back without scaring her even more.
The bell rang. “We better go,” Patrick whispered. “Come on, Magnolia.”
William nodded, about to follow Patrick. Pete grabbed him. “What am I supposed to do?” he asked.
“What?” William asked.
“She doesn’t like me!” Pete exclaimed, “Magnolia’s gonna fucking beat me up. I figured I’d at least be a little more closer to Patrick before this came into play... but... but she hates my guts!”
“She’s obviously had some issues with her mom. It’s a challenge, Pete. I know it’s not going to be easy, but if you really love him, you’ll give it a shot.”
Pete ran his hand through his hair. “I guess you’re right.”
“Just be nice. Do things for her, but don’t sugarcoat it.”
“Don’t sugarcoat it... right.”
***************************************************************
“So, what do you want for lunch, Magnolia?” Pete asked. “We just got an ice cream maker. It’s pretty good.” He looked at Patrick and said, “I’ll pay.”
Magnolia looked up at her father. “Daddy, is it okay?”
“It’s alright, Maggie. But you need to have an actual lunch first.” He whispered in her ear, “Be polite to Pete, he’s getting you food. Please and thank you.”
Magnolia nodded, looking at Pete. “May I please have vanilla?”
“You’re boring!” Pete exclaimed, causing Magnolia to jump. Pete covered his mouth, then slowly lifted his hands from his mouth. “I mean... uh... try chocolate.”
“How about a swirl?” Patrick suggested.
“Okay,” Magnolia said, her eyes lighting up. Pete got her a small cup. “You want sprinkles?”
“Lots!” Magnolia replied, warming up with thanks from the cool treat.
Pete nearly drowned the ice cream in rainbow sprinkles, handing it to her. Patrick took it from her. “You need to eat lunch first, okay, Maggie?”
Magnolia nodded. “Yes, Daddy.” She looked at Pete. “Thank you, Pete.”
They walked on the cold lunch line, debating as to what Magnolia would have for lunch.
“What do you want?” Patrick asked her.
She tapped her chin, eyeing the ice cream. “Uh...”
“Just let her have the ice cream,” Pete suggested.
“That’s not lunch,” Patrick said.
“Uh... fries?” Pete asked.
“No!” Patrick exclaimed. “How about peanut butter and jelly?”
Magnolia nodded. “Okay, Daddy.”
Pete accidently slipped a, “You are so cute.”
Luckily, Magnolia was flattered. She giggled, bunching up the hem of her skirt in her fists. Patrick got her the sandwich and handed it to her. “I’ll be right back. Meet you at the teacher’s lounge.”
“Don’t leave me, Daddy!” Magnolia squeaked. Pete suppressed a groan.
“Magnolia, please, I’ll be right there. Pete will take care of you.”
Magnolia looked up at Pete. Pete smiled as gently as he could. “I’m a superhero.”
“Really?!” Magnolia exclaimed.
“Sometimes. Come on, let’s go.”
Magnolia followed Pete to the lounge. They sat down at a long table, across from each other.
Pete leaned over. “Give me your sandwich.”
Magnolia’s eyes widened. She looked exactly like her father. “Why?!”
“So you have enough room for your ice cream.”
“Oh! Okay!” Magnolia handed him the tightly-packaged sandwich.
Pete removed the saran wrap. “Okay, I’ll just take half. Less suspicious, right?” He split the precut slices and gave one to Magnolia. “I get the side with more peanut butter.”
Gerard entered and jumped. “What the...”
“Howdy!” Pete said, waving. “Meet Magnolia.”
Gerard gasped. “Th... that’s Patrick’s kid!”
“Yeah! Say hi, Magpie.”
“...Magpie?” Magnolia asked. She looked at Gerard and said, “Uh, hi?”
Gerard waved. “Hey, kid, I’m Gerard.” He looked back at Pete. “What is she doing here?”
Pete took a bite out of his half of the sandwich. “Beats me.”
“Are you the drawer guy?” Magnolia blurted.
“Yep!” Gerard replied.
“Can you draw me a puppy?” Magnolia begged.
“Of course I can!” Gerard replied, making his way to the soda machine. “I’ll draw it during class... which I have to go to...” A Coke fell out of the soda machine and he grabbed it. “Nice to meet you, kid.”
Magnolia waved as he left.
Pete took another bite out of his sandwich.
“If you take too bigga bites you’re gonna choke!” Magnolia warned.
“I’m just hiding the evidence, hun,” Pete said, licking jelly off his hand like a cat. “Your daddy said you want a dog.”
“Yep! I wanna doggie! Gramma let me go to the pet store and play with this puppy... he was so cute! He was all black and he made these really funny noises with his nose!” She tried to impersonate them. Pete determined she referred to a pug. “He was so cute! But Gramma said we can’t have him.”
“I got two doggies,” Pete said, “And you can meet them... they love people. Their names are Hemingway and Wendy. They’re big babies and they sleep all the time. Maybe after Daddy goes to his football game tonight, you can meet them.”
“Meet who?” Patrick asked, sitting down next to them. He looked at the half of a sandwich by Magnolia. “You already ate! Good girl! You can have ice cream now.”
Magnolia smiled as she took her cup. Patrick snatched the other half of her sandwich, nibbling on it.
“I was wondering if you and Mag would like to swing by my place to meet my dogs after the game,” Pete explained.
“Oh, right! Your dogs!”
“Yeah! I got a picture of them in my wallet...” Pete shuffled in his seat as he reached for his wallet. He opened it, pointing to a picture of a bulldog and a boxer. “What do you think, Magpie?”
“They look so cute!” Magnolia squealed. “Kinda like that doggie at the pet store!”
“Why are you calling my daughter magpie?” Patrick asked.
“Daddy, what’s a magpie?” Magnolia asked.
“It’s a bird,” Patrick explained.
“Oh! You can call me a magpie, Pete!”
Patrick shook his head. He looked at Pete and said, “Pete... uh... you have peanut butter all over your face.”
Author: becomingblurred
Pairing: Pete/Patrick
Word Count: 4614
Rating: Currently PG
Summary: Patrick's a single father fresh out of college and sinking in debt. Pete, finally, after twentysomething years, decides that he needs to grow up and look for something more long-term. What starts off as two teachers talking about their jobs and lives becomes a relationship that may just make it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is..., My Chemical Romance, or The Sounds. I do own Magnolia and most of the students.
Author’s Note: Any long-term betas in the house? It'd be freakin' awesome. Inquire with comment. Dedicated to twentiethway because she's amazing.
”We Might Be Through With the Past, But the Past Ain’t Through With Us.”
By Donna
Chapter Four: Picking and Choosing, Winning and Losing
William watched Patrick storm into the music office. “I think I attract psycho, stubborn people,” Patrick mumbled, “Yeah, that’s it. Bad luck and psycho people. First Marie, now Pete...”
“Whoa, what’s going on?” Andy asked, looking up from his junior high desk.
“That fucking Pete tried to get me to go on a date with...” Patrick stopped himself. He flopped on his chair and faced his computer.
“Wow, what a jerk!” William exclaimed, “Clearly, you’re not his type. Don’t let it get to you.”
“I think he’s tried to date every person in this school, student and faculty,” Andy added.
“Probably,” William replied, laughing. “He probably just has a little crush on you. He’ll get over it and I’m sure you guys will be good friends.”
Patrick logged on to the computer and muttered something along the lines of, “Why the hell do I like him?”
William looked at Andy. Andy covered his mouth, his eyebrows curling in a rather mischievous matter.
William smirked and said, “Adulthood is just high school on a grander scale, isn’t it?”
Andy nodded in agreement.
**************************************************************
“Are you feeling better today, Maggie?”
“Yes, Daddy! I slept lots and drank orange juice!”
“Good. Very good.”
“Can you come back yet?”
“No, honey. Not for awhile.”
“...Why?” Maggie moaned, sounding suddenly like her age. “I miss you! I want you here to play with me!”
Patrick felt a shudder go through his body. “I know, honey, I know.” How could you tell a four year-old that you couldn’t afford them?
“Well, can you try to come... like tomorrow? Or something? Gramma said you’re far away... but... but you always beat me when we run fast! Maybe you can run?”
Patrick rubbed his eyes. “I can’t come tomorrow... I’m a little too far for running, Mag.”
“So I hafta wait a long time?” She sighed loudly.
“Not too long, honey. Sometime. Maybe in a month. But when I do I’ll promise it’ll be a long time!”
“Can I get a puppy?”
“...We’ll see.” He would have paid anything in the world to see her again, but he knew that it was currently impossible. He couldn’t stand how he fought and fought for her, and then he had to be torn from her. It tore him apart.
The doorbell rang through Patrick’s house. He gasped and said, “Maggie, someone’s at the door. I gotta go. Goodnight!”
“Goodnight!” Maggie exclaimed.
Patrick hung up on her, grabbing an umbrella as he walked to the door. He looked through the peephole and narrowed his eyes. He opened the door and said, “You have terrible timing, you know that?”
Pete shrugged. “I needed to ask you something.”
“You couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
“No! I couldn’t. I wanted to ask you at lunch, but you left.”
“What, you fucking stalker?”
Pete growled. “I’m trying to help you, alright?”
“Why? What’s going on?” Patrick asked.
“I’m worried sick about you. The students are saying things. It’s the third day of school and I think there’s five rumors about you, at least.”
Patrick’s anger shifted to horror. “What is everyone saying?”
“Well, everyone’s saying you have a kid. Or you’re a pedofile. Whatever. You have a picture of a kid on your desk and everyone’s drawing their own conclusions. My second period sophomore class says that you were married off at age fourteen to a royal family and when there wasn’t a son born, they were going to kill your daughter and you ran away with her. Apparently they’re learning about that shit in history, so they’re out of their minds.
“My juniors said your girlfriend died in a car crash and fucked you over with a kid. You’re in Westwood because it’s all you can afford without shattering your dignity. That’s not that weird... I guess.
“And then I subbed a biology class and they said that you were beaten by your girlfriend and that you and your kid left to escape her. Now, I am used to my share of rumors, but I know they all have to come from some sort of root of truth. What is going on?”
“Why do I have to tell you?” Patrick asked.
“Because, I don’t know if you consider me this, but I consider you this... you’re my friend. And as long as neither of us get fired tomorrow, you’re my coworker. I know that whatever is going on is holding you back to no end. I hate guys that do that and I hate not knowing things and I really hate getting bullshit rumors from teenage kids. Who the hell are you, Patrick Stumph, and why the hell are you a waste of a good guy and a decent human being?”
Patrick thought of what William said. High school and adulthood. Drama. Relationships. A good reply. “I’m Patrick Stumph. I don’t know why the hell I’m here, I’m going to assume that my parents just got lucky... or... horrible timing. I’m holding myself back and wasting away because I made a bunch of mistakes growing up. I have a daughter now, and I can’t afford her or be her daddy and achieve in life. I got a dumbass, abusive, selfish, psycho ex-girlfriend that you are reminding me of right now and I just need to get the hell out of this life or something!” Patrick crossed his arms. “And, in case you don’t notice, my daughter is not here because my mom decided that I am the worst father ever and that, after being with my kid all summer long, doing Daddy things, I’m not good enough and I was sent down to this shithole of a state and I am so fucking pissed off at you for cutting off a phonecall to her and I really want to fucking take off your head! But I can’t because I keep telling myself that you’re going to leave once I tell you how fucked over I am!”
Pete blinked. He tried to let it sink in. “Uh, well, I’m not leaving. And I’m really sorry about cutting off your call with your daughter... honestly. But... but I know why you’re so angry now.” He leaned in toward Patrick, but stopped short.
“Go ahead,” Patrick said, his voice suddenly softer.
Pete hugged him tight. “I can’t relate, but I know I can try to help.”
Patrick nearly fell into Pete. He blinked several times, his eyes blinded by Pete’s grey sweatshirt. “That’s... that’s the most I’ve ever said... about my life.”
“Have you been hiding this for four and a half years?”
“Yeah... I haven’t really seen my high school friends since the thing happened... that was right after graduation.”
Pete held Patrick up. “Maybe we should sit or something. Okay? Can you make it?”
“I’m not sick.”
“Well, you know what I mean.”
“Yeah... I do...” They walked to the couch, both suffering from weak knees. Pete sat at the far end, Patrick laying his head on his lap.
“So you have a little girl?” Pete asked, making sure not to touch Patrick too much.
Patrick nodded, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah...”
“What’s her name?”
“Magnolia.”
“Like the flower?”
“Yeah... I got control of her name and I really wanted something nice.”
“Do you have any nicknames for her? Pictures of her? I want to know all about her... it’s not fair to hide someone you love so much.”
“Well, I call her Maggie. I call her monkey when she’s nutty. And... there’s pictures of her all around here. They’re not hard to find. And in my office, which probably sparked the whole damn rumor thing.”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Well, fuck it. I love her so they just have to deal with it.”
Pete smiled. “Anything else?”
“She just told me that when I see her again she wants to get a puppy. I got her a goldfish, but my mom got a little pissed. She said that Maggie wasn’t old enough to feed the damn thing. But the fish is still alive. She really wants to live in a pet store, though. So she can have all the puppies and fish possible. Oh my God... do you have one hundred dollars?”
“...For?”
“A roundtrip to Chicago.”
“At least you plan on coming back.”
“After I kidnap my kid and my mom calls a fucking Amber Alert.”
“I’ll be sure to watch MSNBC 24/7.”
“I’m not serious. I can’t. I need to work!”
“You should apply for a part-time job... you know.. Until things work out. And if you need help, I’m always around.”
“Where the hell would they hire me?”
“There’s a diner nearby. You can try there?”
“I can... I guess. It can’t be that bad.”
***************************************************************
“Boy! Get over here!”
Patrick spun on his heel and ran over to the business man that took a booth right by the exit. “Yes sir?”
“I demanded decaf. I know when my coffee’s not decaf. Take it back.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” Patrick replied, “I’ll be right back.” He took the cup and made his way toward the back. He heard the man mumble, “Kids today...”
Patrick found irony that he was teaching kids and raising a kid, and yet he was still deemed one himself.
Pete looked up from his own booth. “Can I kick his ass?” He grabbed another one of his student’s essays.
“No, I’m sorry, you can’t maul the customers.”
“Stop flirting and get me my coffee!” the man screamed from across the diner.
Pete flashed a snarl at the man and turned back to Patrick.
“I... I better go,” Patrick said, blushing.
“Alright,” Pete replied, snapping the essay cover open.
Patrick got the man decaf coffee and wished his shift would end.
As Patrick passed Pete another time, Pete asked, “Have you sat at all today?”
“Sure,” Patrick replied, “When I drove from the football field to here.”
Pete sighed. “Man, there better be a heaven or something for people like you.”
**************************************************************
On Monday, William entered school with a tray of his own coffee, this time, from Dunkin’ Donuts. “Did you know that half of my select choir was at Dunkin’ Donuts? They’re such addicts! It’s so funny!”
Patrick looked up from his desk. “Weird.”
William took a coffee off his tray and put it by Patrick’s head. “You look like you fell out of a car, rolled into the woods, and then got attacked by the Jersey Devil himself. What happened?”
Patrick looked at the coffee and shuddered. “I got a job at the diner and worked all day yesterday and all night the day before that. And our marching band barely made it through two of our three songs. And I’ve been pouring coffee and messing up the decaf label so much... my wrists hurt. Like hell.”
“A diner?” William asked. “Oh, Patrick...” He went through his things and pulled out a checkbook. He wrote out a check and gave it to Patrick. “You’re a teacher, not a waiter.”
Patrick looked at the check. “I can’t accept this.”
“It’s a gift.”
“I hate getting money as gifts. Take it back, Will.”
William shoved it at his face. “Take the Goddamn check, now.”
Patrick gulped, grabbing it. “Will, I...”
“I want to help you. Put it in your kid’s college fund if you really don’t want it.”
“C-college.”
William pulled a chair next to Patrick. “Oh, and this coffee’s ten times better than diner shit. Nice, Styrofoam cup. Easy on the wrist.”
Patrick nodded, taking a sugar and putting it in his coffee.
“Pete told me about Friday.” He shook his head. “He’s not going to let you out of his sight, now.”
“Great...”
“It’s not bad... I mean, Pete’s sometimes a total idiot, but I really do consider him one of my best friends.”
Patrick took a gulp. “I guess it’s not that bad.”
William tried to figure out if he was referring to the coffee or Pete. “He’s got good intentions... for once. He just wants you to be happy. I’ve never seen him so nice.” He rubbed Patrick’s shoulder. “He’s nuts about you. But... you know, you don’t swing that way... I don’t think... well, I told him you don’t but he laughed. Am I missing something?”
“Hey, Will, when you and Gerard did your little bets on sexuality... when I first got here... what did you guess?”
“Me, personally?” William asked, pointing to himself.
“Yeah. And don’t deny you do it, I got Pete and a student backing me up.”
“I’m not... but... uh, I thought you were straight. Honestly. Why?”
“You lost a bet,” Patrick said, a smile suddenly appearing on his face. William blinked several times. “W-wait... you aren’t... you aren’t going to take Pete’s offer, are you?”
Patrick looked at William and shrugged. “I never had a boyfriend before...” He laughed as he swung the office door open, greeting the early freshmen.
***************************************************************
“C’mon, Wentz, we’re gonna go have lunch together,” Patrick announced before their lunch break. He leaned on the door of Pete’s room, tapping out a beat on the door.
“Really?” Pete asked, peeking from his gradebook. “Sure! You’re smiling... are you going to poison me?”
“No!” Patrick exclaimed. “I just... decided to take up your offer.”
“I knew it... what? What offer?”
“Remember? The whole date thing? Would you like to be my date on Friday to the football game? You get to sit on the bus with me and the band geeks.”
“Are you serious?” Pete asked, putting down his grade book and smiling. “What the hell changed your mind?”
“Well, you don’t go away. And I do like you. Do you play soccer?”
“Hell yeah! I was the soccer player in high school!”
“Good. Maggie wants to learn. You have to promise me you’re going to include Maggie in things. She needs someone that’s more manly than me.”
“I’m great with kids. I got billions of little nieces, nephews, and cousins. Magnolia will be cake. And you’re kinda manly. Although you’re a total band geek.”
“Just, promise me you’re going to be good to her no matter what happens to us?”
“Of course. And I’m not leaving anytime soon... I got tenure.” Pete gave Patrick a cheesy grin.
***************************************************************
“It must be convenient to date a teacher,” Gerard announced as he sat in a small desk for hall duty. “I mean, you don’t have to really strangle a boss for vacation days... you got the whole damn summer. You get days off for no reason... it’s kind of cool.”
“What brought up dating teachers?” William asked.
“I’m trying to make sense of our golden boy dating a certain English teacher.” Gerard shook his head. “I mean, Pete’s cool and all... but how the hell do they work?”
“You saw how they clicked at the restaurant. And shouldn’t you be happy because you won your bet?”
“Oh, I am. I just wish he wasn’t attracted to Pete.”
“I think Pete’s actually thinking this one through. I think this is going to work fine.”
“Would you date a single parent?”
“I have, thank you. She’s still my friend and I love her son to death. The thing is, if the kid doesn’t like you, the girl, or guy, will refuse to like you.”
“Well, blood is thicker than water.”
“Exactly.”
“I think the kid’s gonna look at him and scream. And that’ll be that.”
“Okay, you think that, Gerard. You think that as they make their way to the altar.”
***************************************************************
“Can any of you play half notes?” Patrick asked, throwing his baton down on the stand. “Come on, guys. Lower brass: You’re pissing me off.” He tapped his fingernails on the stand as loud as he could. “Will you stop talking and start playing?”
The lower brass section looked up. “What?”
“Shut up and play!” Patrick demanded.
The section groaned as they brought their instruments to their faces.
Patrick, though ready to maul the lower brass section, was optimistic. The marching band finally came together the day before and he and Pete were going to be able to spend time together that didn’t consist of him yelling at them. Very few things could make the day go any better (aside from the lower brass cooperating).
The bandroom door opened, a secretary eyeing Patrick. “Mr. Stumph, you have visitors.”
Patrick sighed. “I have a class.”
The secretary looked down at the visitor, who hid behind the door. “He’s busy, I’m afraid.”
Patrick heard a familiar voice reply. He perked up. The secretary turned back. “Can they wait in your office until class is over?”
“...I don’t see why not.”
Andy looked up from his desk, poking his head out of the office.
Everyone turned to the doorway as a little girl and an older woman walked into the room, looked at Patrick, and then made their way to the office. The little girl sat in Patrick’s chair and the older woman stood quietly.
“Who’re they?” a clarinet player asked.
Patrick’s jaw dropped. “Maggie?!”
Magnolia poked her head from the office. “Hi, Daddy! I’m sorry!”
The flute section squealed. “She’s so cute!”
Patrick rubbed his eyes in disbelief. “I-it’s okay, honey! But... aren’t you supposed to be in preschool?” Aren’t you supposed to be in fucking Illinois?!
“Me ‘n’ Gramma went on a plane! We flew, Daddy! Gramma said we were a surprise! Did I surprise you, Daddy?” She jumped out of the office. “Surprise!”
Even the trumpet section had to aw after that.
“Maggie, I’m very surprised! Uh, class, this is my daughter... Magnolia.”
“Hi, Magnolia!” the band chorused.
Magnolia blushed, and ran back to her grandmother. Patricia poked her head out and waved. “I wanted to make sure she got here alright.”
“I can take care of her,” Andy said, smiling.
Patricia nodded. “Thank you very much. I’ll sign out, then.” She waved at Patrick and left.
Patrick grinned, looking at his students. “Pack up, alright? We only got ten minutes, anyway.”
He walked into the office and gave Magnolia a huge hug. He kissed her forehead and said, “Do you know how long you’re gonna be here?”
“Uh, I dunno. Are you happy to see me?”
“Of course I am! I can’t wait for you to meet Pete and Will and Gerard... oh my God!” He kissed her cheek. “Did you eat, yet?”
“This nice lady on the plane gave me juice and Gramma gave me a bagel. I wanna have lunch... I had to wake up real early.”
“Are you tired? You can take a nap, you know.”
“Nope! Gramma said I was gonna see you and I was so ‘xited I don’t wanna take a nap!”
Patrick buried his face in her hair, ready to cry.
William entered the office. “Oh! Uhm... is that...”
Andy nodded.
William smiled. He let Patrick let go of her and he bent over to her. “Hey, sweetheart, I’m William.”
Magnolia ran over and hugged him. She barely made it up to his knee.
Patrick smiled, rubbing his eyes. He stayed on the floor, smiling and shaking his head.
William inspected her up and down as he went on his knees. “It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Magnolia. Your daddy’s told me so much about you. Are you going to follow Daddy at work all day?”
“If Daddy lets me.”
“You can, Magnolia. Just behave,” Patrick begged. He figured that he could pull a sob story with his supervisor if it didn’t go over well.
“I will!” she promised, smiling. She did a little jump, the visitor’s pass on her covering up most of the top part of her dress. He noted that her name was written with his mother’s penmanship.
William whispered in Patrick’s ear, “Does Pete know she’s here?”
“I figured I’d tell him... eventually.”
“You better tell him before he just sees her walking the in hall. He’ll have a heart attack.”
“No he won’t! He’ll just be surprised.”
“Who’s Pete? Is he the one you always talk about?” Magnolia asked as the bell rang.
William laughed as he grabbed his plans.
“Yes, Magnolia, that’s Pete,” Patrick replied, embarrassed. “He’s a very special friend of mine that wants to meet you.”
“Oh!” Magnolia gasped. “Is Pete like a mommy?”
William opened the office door, ushering father and daughter out. “She’s good. I love her.”
“Uhm... maybe. I don’t know quite yet, Maggie. Just promise me you won’t tell Gramma about the mommy thing.”
“But William heard your secret, Daddy!”
“It’s okay. William can know. Just... Gramma can’t.”
“Okay, Daddy!” She gave him a side-hug.
They walked down the halls, students staring at them. They passed by Pete’s room. Pete screamed, “What?!” and ran outside. “Magnolia?!”
“Huh?” Magnolia asked, turning her head. She looked at him, confused. “D-daddy!” She hid behind him.
“That’s Pete, honey,” Patrick said, coaxing her in front of him. “Pete, this is Magnolia.” He pushed her gently. “Say hello, Magnolia.”
Magnolia waved, suddenly shy. “Hello.”
Pete walked up to her. “Hey!” Pete greeted, extending his hand.
Magnolia backed away nervously. Patrick frowned. “Magnolia, come on. Cut it out.”
Magnolia shook her head, holding tight to him.
Pete looked up at Patrick. “I’m so sorry.”
“Daddy said you’re like a mommy... but... but... Mommy...”
“Sh, Magnolia. It’s okay. Pete’s good. Pete’s great. He won’t hurt you.”
Magnolia looked up at her father and then at Pete. Pete put his hands to his sides, feeling suddenly guilty. She grabbed his hand and tried to get a grip around it. She shook it. Pete tried to shake back without scaring her even more.
The bell rang. “We better go,” Patrick whispered. “Come on, Magnolia.”
William nodded, about to follow Patrick. Pete grabbed him. “What am I supposed to do?” he asked.
“What?” William asked.
“She doesn’t like me!” Pete exclaimed, “Magnolia’s gonna fucking beat me up. I figured I’d at least be a little more closer to Patrick before this came into play... but... but she hates my guts!”
“She’s obviously had some issues with her mom. It’s a challenge, Pete. I know it’s not going to be easy, but if you really love him, you’ll give it a shot.”
Pete ran his hand through his hair. “I guess you’re right.”
“Just be nice. Do things for her, but don’t sugarcoat it.”
“Don’t sugarcoat it... right.”
***************************************************************
“So, what do you want for lunch, Magnolia?” Pete asked. “We just got an ice cream maker. It’s pretty good.” He looked at Patrick and said, “I’ll pay.”
Magnolia looked up at her father. “Daddy, is it okay?”
“It’s alright, Maggie. But you need to have an actual lunch first.” He whispered in her ear, “Be polite to Pete, he’s getting you food. Please and thank you.”
Magnolia nodded, looking at Pete. “May I please have vanilla?”
“You’re boring!” Pete exclaimed, causing Magnolia to jump. Pete covered his mouth, then slowly lifted his hands from his mouth. “I mean... uh... try chocolate.”
“How about a swirl?” Patrick suggested.
“Okay,” Magnolia said, her eyes lighting up. Pete got her a small cup. “You want sprinkles?”
“Lots!” Magnolia replied, warming up with thanks from the cool treat.
Pete nearly drowned the ice cream in rainbow sprinkles, handing it to her. Patrick took it from her. “You need to eat lunch first, okay, Maggie?”
Magnolia nodded. “Yes, Daddy.” She looked at Pete. “Thank you, Pete.”
They walked on the cold lunch line, debating as to what Magnolia would have for lunch.
“What do you want?” Patrick asked her.
She tapped her chin, eyeing the ice cream. “Uh...”
“Just let her have the ice cream,” Pete suggested.
“That’s not lunch,” Patrick said.
“Uh... fries?” Pete asked.
“No!” Patrick exclaimed. “How about peanut butter and jelly?”
Magnolia nodded. “Okay, Daddy.”
Pete accidently slipped a, “You are so cute.”
Luckily, Magnolia was flattered. She giggled, bunching up the hem of her skirt in her fists. Patrick got her the sandwich and handed it to her. “I’ll be right back. Meet you at the teacher’s lounge.”
“Don’t leave me, Daddy!” Magnolia squeaked. Pete suppressed a groan.
“Magnolia, please, I’ll be right there. Pete will take care of you.”
Magnolia looked up at Pete. Pete smiled as gently as he could. “I’m a superhero.”
“Really?!” Magnolia exclaimed.
“Sometimes. Come on, let’s go.”
Magnolia followed Pete to the lounge. They sat down at a long table, across from each other.
Pete leaned over. “Give me your sandwich.”
Magnolia’s eyes widened. She looked exactly like her father. “Why?!”
“So you have enough room for your ice cream.”
“Oh! Okay!” Magnolia handed him the tightly-packaged sandwich.
Pete removed the saran wrap. “Okay, I’ll just take half. Less suspicious, right?” He split the precut slices and gave one to Magnolia. “I get the side with more peanut butter.”
Gerard entered and jumped. “What the...”
“Howdy!” Pete said, waving. “Meet Magnolia.”
Gerard gasped. “Th... that’s Patrick’s kid!”
“Yeah! Say hi, Magpie.”
“...Magpie?” Magnolia asked. She looked at Gerard and said, “Uh, hi?”
Gerard waved. “Hey, kid, I’m Gerard.” He looked back at Pete. “What is she doing here?”
Pete took a bite out of his half of the sandwich. “Beats me.”
“Are you the drawer guy?” Magnolia blurted.
“Yep!” Gerard replied.
“Can you draw me a puppy?” Magnolia begged.
“Of course I can!” Gerard replied, making his way to the soda machine. “I’ll draw it during class... which I have to go to...” A Coke fell out of the soda machine and he grabbed it. “Nice to meet you, kid.”
Magnolia waved as he left.
Pete took another bite out of his sandwich.
“If you take too bigga bites you’re gonna choke!” Magnolia warned.
“I’m just hiding the evidence, hun,” Pete said, licking jelly off his hand like a cat. “Your daddy said you want a dog.”
“Yep! I wanna doggie! Gramma let me go to the pet store and play with this puppy... he was so cute! He was all black and he made these really funny noises with his nose!” She tried to impersonate them. Pete determined she referred to a pug. “He was so cute! But Gramma said we can’t have him.”
“I got two doggies,” Pete said, “And you can meet them... they love people. Their names are Hemingway and Wendy. They’re big babies and they sleep all the time. Maybe after Daddy goes to his football game tonight, you can meet them.”
“Meet who?” Patrick asked, sitting down next to them. He looked at the half of a sandwich by Magnolia. “You already ate! Good girl! You can have ice cream now.”
Magnolia smiled as she took her cup. Patrick snatched the other half of her sandwich, nibbling on it.
“I was wondering if you and Mag would like to swing by my place to meet my dogs after the game,” Pete explained.
“Oh, right! Your dogs!”
“Yeah! I got a picture of them in my wallet...” Pete shuffled in his seat as he reached for his wallet. He opened it, pointing to a picture of a bulldog and a boxer. “What do you think, Magpie?”
“They look so cute!” Magnolia squealed. “Kinda like that doggie at the pet store!”
“Why are you calling my daughter magpie?” Patrick asked.
“Daddy, what’s a magpie?” Magnolia asked.
“It’s a bird,” Patrick explained.
“Oh! You can call me a magpie, Pete!”
Patrick shook his head. He looked at Pete and said, “Pete... uh... you have peanut butter all over your face.”