connecting the dots

"See..I just knew it. I just knew Dad had another family." Derrick was full of excitement. He chewed at his thumbnail as he paced the kitchen floor. Amanda was on the phone trying to find their Dad. Even Dan was no help. He was on his way over.

Derrick was full of angst and laughter at the same time. He was mad at his father, as it was. Max should have been too, thought Derrick. But all Max had to say were good things about their Dad, how he'd helped his mother. But she was dead now. He hadn't even been there for the funeral. He was afraid he might be deported. All his paperwork was with him. He just didn't want to have go to Mexico to live with his mother's family. He grew up in Las Vegas. Max kept insisting they were his only family. Amanda was the only one who could help him.

Asa looked through Max's papers. Max was after all their brother. He was family.

"I always wanted a little brother." Derrick said to no one while making a peanut butter sandwich. He made one for Max, too. Of course, Max was only six months younger than him. "You better tell Dad, he's staying with us. We have to stick together. We have too."

Amanda was still on the phone. She rolled her eyes at him. "Dad?" Derrick finally heard Amanda make a connection.

Derrick kept hoping he'd hear his Dad's voice soon. He hadn't heard from him in ages.