The red-head had a look over in the mirror. A smile spread wide, the 13 yr. old stared at the pictures on his dresser.
"Man," he said in a low whisper, "this is the life. My dad's famous in two fields I highly respect, my mom is living her dream life, and today is the 3 year anniversary of my first date. How much better could things get?" He smoothed back his hair, gave a quick nod, and walked out to the living room with the rest of his family.
"Hello, my friend. It's about time you came out, we were starting to worry." The dark-skinned boy walked up to his friend. "Besides, a few of your cousins are getting fresh with your g/f," he said, pointing to a crowd of rather over- bearing young men.
"Well, I'll show them something." He started to head for the crowd when suddenly a woman with bright red hair stepped out in front him. "Hello, Mother."
"Just once, would you please call me mom? You have already proved you are a genious, must you dwell on it?" The young boy gave a lop-sided grin.
"Sorry, I just want to be as proper as I can. That's the best way to get around in the adult world."
"JJ, you're 13, not 31. Oh, why do I bother? Look, your grandfather would like you to meet some well-educated friends of his."
"Alright, Mother."
"Please!"
"Alright, _Mom_, just one question. Which grandfather?"
"You figure it out, smarty."
"Oh, that's right. You said some well-educated friends. Guess it slipped me. Teiru, would you keep watch over Asterel for me?"
"I don't know, my friend. Are you sure you want to trust her alone with your strikingly handsome best friend?"
"First of all, we have been friends long enough to where I know I can trust you. Secondly, I know you wouldn't even dream of risking her father's rather strong grip."
"Good point. See you later, my friend."
"See you, Teiru." With that, JJ headed towards where his mother had pointed to earlier. He found his grandfather with great ease. "Hello Grandfather. Mother said there was some people you wanted me to meet."
"Hello JJ. Yes, I would like you to meet a few friends of mine. Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to my grandson, JJ. JJ, these are some old friends of mine."
"Hello gentlemen. It is a pleasure to meet you all. Being friends of my grandfather, I'm sure you are probably known world-round for your genious." The men all gave rather apprecaitive smiles.
"You are a very proper young man, JJ."
"Thank you, sir. I find being proper to be a crucial factor to getting through life." Benton was about to speak, but suddenly a white-haired man came barreling up to Benton's side. "Grandfather Roger, are you alright?"
"JJ, please, I have enough trouble with age, don't help. However, Benton, I do need your help."
"What's the matter, Race?"
"I came back in from the kitchen, and Estella said she had been talking with a few of my old friends, ~girl~friends to be percise."
"Why are you worried, Grandfather? You haven't done anything wrong."
"JJ, you don't understand. There's always something wrong when a wife talks to her husbands ex-girlfriends. And quite basically, it means I am dead."
"Hello Race."
"AAAHH!! Rachel, pleaase don't do that."
"Ah, Estella finally got hold of your ex's, right? Oh, hello JJ. How are you? Besides as cute as usual."
"Grandmother Rachel, I'm not cute."
"Actually," Race grinned, "yes you are, kid. Just enough to where...JJ I'd you to meet some friends of mine."
"Oh no, no thank you. I think I'll stay right here." Before he could really do anything, Race grabbed JJ's arm and started to pull him away very quickly. As Race dragged him through the crowd, they were suddenly stopped when JJ's mother stepped out in front of them.
"Well, hey there, Jesse. How're you doing?"
"Hi, Dad. I'm fine, except I'm having some trouble. JJ, have you seen your dad anywhere?"
"Sorry, Moth...I mean Mom. I haven't seen him. But while you're here, would you mind accomponing us as we talk to a few of Grandfather Race's old friends?"
"So, I'm just guessing, but Mom finally ran into your old girlfriends, right Dad?" Jesse giggled.
"Smart elleck."
"Well, maybe one of them can help me in my search. Let's go." JJ silently thanked every spiritual ruler he could think of. Shortly they came upon a group of women all talking and laughing.
"Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in, ladies."
"Hello, Estella, everyone." Estella gave a glinting smile.
"So, Race, how come you never told me you had such interesting friends?" Jesse decided to help.
"Mom, you remember JJ, don't you?" She pulled JJ into the crowd.
"Of course I do. So how are you, little man?" Estella bent a little.
"Fine, considering I was just dragged across the room from a conversation between myself and a few of Grandfather Benton's friends to be used as a decoy by my other grandfather who made the mistake of inviting all his old girlfriends to a party which his wife, two times over, happens to be attending." Estella smiled wickedly. Race nearly had a stroke.
"Uhh, Jesse wasn't there something you wanted to ask your mother?" Jesse looked at Estella with a smile, slowly shaking her head.
"Yes, that's right. I was wondering if any of you had seen my dearly beloved husband, who will be crying for his dearly beloved life if he doesn't show up soon." The women laughed.
"No, sorry. We haven't seen him."
"Well, thanks anyway. I have to go now. Maybe I'll find him somewhere else." She waved as she walked away. Estella decided it was time for introductions.
"JJ, these are your grandfather's old friends. This is Dr. Marie Mettier, Professor Diana Cruz,