#WaltonR4

[potential-fate]

After what felt like hours, but in reality was likely only 30 minutes, his mother offered to free him and Callum of her presence. She pulled him into a hug, and Abe tried not to let it show how shocked he was at that. He couldn't remember the last time his mother had shown any of them physical affection.

He wondered absentmindedly if it was mainly a show because they weren't alone.

“Well, honey… I am so glad you like the house.” Elaine said, as she pulled away, “And as I said before, it’s a gift, obviously. To thank you for helping me with these ‘big shot’ lawyers from Olsen Corporation.”

“You know I’d help either way, mom…” Abe said. 

“Of course, hon.” Elaine patted his arm once more, then looking towards Callum, she smiled the same polite smile she had plastered on before, “I do hope you settle in well here Callum” 

“I’m… sure I will, ma’am.” Callum said, “Everyone here seems quite… nice.” 

When Elaine turned and opened the front door, he shot Abe a look.

Abe only smiled apologetically at him from the doorway.

[potential-fate]

Abe watched as his mother and Callum made small talk on the obvious topics. What Callum had done for schooling and how he planned to use said degree, what his parents did for work, that sort of thing.

"Callum, an off topic question, but did you have braces as a child?" Abe gave his mother a confused look. Why on earth would she care about that?

"Uh... no," Callum rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

"oh, well then you must be lucky," Elaine said simply, "You have such a pretty smile. I'm sure you get all the girls attention. Maybe you can teach my son something after all."

Abe cringed, silently giving Callum a look that begged him not to say anything in response to that. If Callum saw it though, he didn't acknowledge it.

"ah... haha, thanks." Callum smiled in embarrassment.

His mother smiled politely the entire time, but Abe knew better than to trust that. He’d seen her do the same to every friend he’d ever had, every acquaintance of his father’s and anyone Lucy or Nathan brought home. He expected she’d probably do the same of the other mothers at his youngest sibling’s daycare, if she’d ever been the one to drop them off. Luckily the other parents in town were saved from Elaine’s judgment since his father took care of their kids more often than not. Callum, unfortunately, was not.