Chapter 1 - Apple Blossom Road

July 2005 a moving truck pulls up in a neighborhood. All the neighbors are out on their porches trying to see who is moving in. The Treeburn family is moving in at 831 Apple Blossom Lane in Buford, Georgia. The family consists of a mother with two boys. They moved from Los Angeles, California. She wants a quieter existence for her children. The family trailed behind the moving truck as it parked in front of the house. The boys exit the vehicle and give each other a high five once they see the new place that they will call home. The two children can’t wait for their mother to unlock the front door so that they can check out the new digs. Both of them run upstairs as soon as their mom turns the key in the door. Each child claims his space with the approval of their mom. The movers begin to unload the truck as the onlookers hold their position. The kids are moving closer as if to get a good seat at the local theater. They don’t offer to help. They line up along the opposite curb and sit down with elbows on knees and palms holding faces. The movers continue to do their job and pass by the audience with one piece of heavy furniture. The kids are very excited as this would be their first time living in a home of their own. The family always rented apartments prior, so the children never experienced what it was like to have their yard. The mother notices the uninvited attention, but she continues to direct the movers on where to place each item. Occasionally, the mom hears in the distance “Oh, that’s nice,” “I could use something like that.” She smiles to herself because she knows it will be only a matter of time before the welcome wagon comes along to get a closer look at her belongings and how she has set up her home. It took nearly two hours for the movers to finish.
Rosalie Treeburn is a divorced mother who decided to move to this town as a way of finding a new start for her family. Rosalie prides herself on being able to run a business and her household. She is independent, reserved and no nonsense. Rosalie is a little strict in her parenting of her two boys. Rosalie Treeburn is a successful candle-maker. She makes scented candles and sells them online. Rosalie once worked in the corporate business sector but got laid off about two years ago when she was going through the ending of her 15-year marriage. She needed to reinvent herself so that she could help support her family as well as be her own boss. She spent a fortune buying scented candles until one day her ex-husband suggested that with the amount of money she spent on purchasing the product it would be cheaper and more satisfying if she made her own. Now her relationship was rocky, but Rosalie recognized a good idea when she heard one. She started looking into the process, and it became a hobby that she indulges in on the weekends in between John’s sporting events. Rosalie actually would make up a batch of scented candles one week, and the next week she would take a few samples to the office to entice her colleagues. The scented candles became a big hit. She soon receives orders from people in her organization as well as outside. She set up a website to start taking additional orders. Her husband was quite pleased to see that his suggestion turned into a profitable situation for them as a family. Rosalie’s success began to overshadow her husband. He soon felt like he was no longer necessary or even wanted. The two began drifting apart. Eventually, the strain of Rosalie’s success destroys the relationship.
The boys were not happy about their parents getting divorced. Every time Rosalie brought up the issue of moving John would huff and puff like he was the big bad wolf. Rosalie would ignore his antics as she knew he would adjust to the new place and not miss his dad so much after they got settled. Neither of the kids spent much time with their dad as he worked what seemed like morning, noon, and night. They see him at dinner, and they see him before their Saturday activities schedule begin. He never really interacts with them more than to ask is everything going okay at school and wish them good luck at their games. It was almost like they were short visits even though he lived in the home with them up until two years before the move. When the couple realized that the relationship could not be saved, Julius and John’s dad moved out. Shortly after that, Rosalie filed for divorce. The process took about a year. The kids are shaken by the whole event. Rosalie gave them a choice to stay with their dad but Mr. Treeburn was not interested in taking on the responsibility of the children full-time nor did he complain about visitation.
Julius is the older of the two boys. He and his brother are three years apart in age. Julius is a little sneaky, but he is the one who is the most obedient. Julius is a good looking young man with his big brown eyes, curly hair, and deep dimpled cheeks. He attracts attention from the little girls in the neighborhood the moment he steps foot outside of the station wagon. Julius is 16 years old and about to be a senior in high school. He was troubled to have to leave California and not graduate with his friends. All the friends that he made are kids that he knew his whole life. Rosalie felt that moving was the best thing for the children after her breakup with their dad. Julius is such a likable young man. His mother believes he can handle the transition to a new state. Julius was a loaner and kept his circle very closed. He never participated in sleepovers, did not like going to the other kid parties, and got lost in his television programming. Often Rosalie would have to coax him to be social and get involved in activities in the neighborhood as well as at school. Julius spent most of his free time with his little brother John. They have a unique bond that will forever keep them close. Most of the things that Julius enjoyed required just one other person and John was his go-to guy for video games, jumping on the trampoline, shooting hoops, playing a trick on his mom, and sampling new foods. Julius got the bigger bedroom because he is the oldest. Rosalie had the movers load the truck the way that she wanted it unloaded as not to have to waste time with arranging furniture. Julius’ room was the first room unloaded.
John Treeburn is aged 13, highly intelligent, and cute as a button. He is quite tall for his age with beautiful light brown eyes with the flex of gold surrounding his irises that are noticeable depending on the lighting. His laughter engages everyone who is within earshot. The caliber of his conversation captivated his audience whether they were male or female. He usually outwits his older brother. John is very outgoing; he always wants to be in the middle of what’s happening regardless of what the circumstance. John needed to hear the roar of the crowd. He never wants to be alone not even for a second if it is possible. He’s also a sore loser, but his brother never allows him to win. He knows to win that you have to earn it because that is what his dad taught him. Rosalie always keeps her eye on John for fear that he may one day get himself into trouble. John’s room was the next to be set up, and he had a race car theme that would make you believe that he had a connection with a pit worker at the Indy 500. John thought very highly of his mother and felt shunned by his father. He would test your loyalty to measure if you were someone that he could trust.
The two brothers are the exact opposite. Julius likes to play it safe. John is a risk taker and will chance anything for the thrill of hoping to succeed and not worried about if it fails. Both are great bike riders, but Julius enjoys the ride while John wants to be the first in the group to try and jump over a crater. Julius has a creative side when it comes to the arts and John wants to know how things work by taking them apart and putting them back together. Julius will find one good friend and John wants to lead a group to follow him to the ends of the earth. If they did not share the same DNA, no one would believe that they are brothers aside from the fact that they both cherished their mother.
Rosalie put the boys on a strict curfew being new to the area she did not leave room for any issues. She knows that they are growing up, but they must both be in the house by dark every evening with no exception. She never had to worry about Julius adhering to the rules. It was always John that she had to remind about what was acceptable constantly and the consequences for not following through. The boys knew when they crossed a line with her when they tried to explain their actions and Rosalie did not respond that meant a grounding was about to occur. Depending on how bad the offense determines what pleasures would be withheld.

Meet John

In the first few weeks, Julius and John were inseparable. They rode their bikes together, walked to the local town store that was on the main road right outside of their subdivision, took an interest in seeing the same movies, and played video games at home. The two would often see other neighborhood boys in their age range, but they would not engage in conversation. A slight head nod as if to knowledge that they’ve seen each before but nothing more. The school year was starting very soon for both of them so making friends could wait as they had bigger worries about acceptance. Julius would be attending Buford High School while John was starting the eighth grade at Twin Rivers Middle School. Each school had a sports program that appealed to both of the boys. Their mom did the best she could to make the beginning of the school year a success. This would be the first time in all of his school years that John would have to start from scratch. He too had a following of kids that he knew from daycare and now in this new state he had no one but his big brother.
It was a very hot day in August just before school was about to start when Julius and John decided to play basketball in the neighborhood. “Mommy, we are going over to the basketball court,” Julius yelled to his mother as he closed the front door. John jumps down the front steps, and Julius follows. John says with a hearty laugh to Julius “I am going to mop the floor with you today,” as the walk down the road. As the boys approach the common area, they notice a group of other kids. Julius slows his pace so that he can survey the area. John has his head held high and quickens his pace as if to let them know that he has arrived so let the games begin. Julius and John notice that there is not only basketball but a tennis court and a swimming pool. John looks to Julius as if he is the first one to spot all of the offerings living in this new subdivision gives them. Julius without so much as a word makes a face to acknowledge that he is quite pleased with all the available options of activities to do there. The two reach the group of kids, and the head nodding begins. This silent way of greeting each other was a common practice amongst teenagers. Julius and John head over to the basketball court where there are a few boys already in a game. Julius calls out “who’s got next,” and he sees two hands go up and he says “okay, I am after whichever one of you is second in line.” They all do the head nodding thing in agreement. John chimes in and suggestions, “there are three of you, and there are three of us, can’t we just play three on three or are you scared.” Julius gives John a look as if to say do not cause problems. John shrugs his shoulders in response to Julius’ response to his suggestion.
All of the boys on the basketball court agree with John’s idea, and they team up to play a game. Julius and John select one of the boys who was waiting to play. This boy’s name is James. He and John are the same age. James is pretty tall for his age, so Julius feels like they have an advantage over the other team. The two teams go through two rounds of rock, paper, and scissors to decide who will get the ball first. The other team wins and get to have the ball first. John is huffing and puffing as the others look at him wondering if he is about to have an asthma attack and Julius pays him no attention. Julius checks the ball to the other team player and the game ensues. John is all over his man and knocks the ball away, James gets the ball, passes it to Julius and Julius makes the two point shot. John is clapping his hands, and James is smiling when he gives John a high five. James points in Julius’ direction and says, “You are the man.” Julius nods in agreement as they now have scored as he checks the ball to the other team again.
This was Julius and John’s first trip to the common area, and their basketball skills drew a small crowd of onlookers. John’s defensive play is a little aggressive for a tween, but he does not like to lose so he puts everything on the line. James blocks a shot and John gets the ball to make a sweet three-point play. Julius with a big smile screams, “That is what I’m talking about.” James does a cartwheel while the boys on the other team have knitted eyebrows and stomping around the court. The first team to get to twenty-one would be the winner. By the time the game was finally over Julius, John, and James were victorious. The score was twenty-one to seventeen. Many of the other children who were cheering the new kids on wanted to play next, but it was getting late, and the winners of the game were a bit tired. John was walking around pumping his fist in the air with a big grin on his face. James was shouting, “We’re number one, we’re number one.” Julius was smiling and shaking his head at the spectacle that John and James were putting on. Julius walks over to James and tells him, “You are welcome to play on my team anytime.” James feels honored that an older kid would have him be a teammate. John and James shake hands as they part ways. Julius and John head home. John can’t wait to let his mom know that he played well and won the match. Julius is still shaking his head with a slight smile looking at John bounce with pride all the way back to the house.
The next day Julius and John head to the common area to go for a swim. Again Julius yells through the house, “Mommy, we are leaving for the pool,” as he tucks his towel underneath his arm as he and John exit the house. Julius and John walk down the road where they see James. John says, “Jules, isn’t that the dude from the game yesterday?” Julius looks over in James’ direction and nods in agreement. John call out, “Hey teammate, what’s up?” James hears John calling out to him and waves to acknowledge them. The two brothers continue to walk down the road until they reach the common area. Most of the neighborhood kids are on the basketball court and the pool. Julius heads through the gate to the pool area and John follows behind. They both dive into the pool and swim from one end to the other. The two start horsing around because they have a captive audience and do a synchronized swimming imitation to which all of the kids sitting around the pool laugh. John was having the best time being the center of attention while Julius was just happy to be in the cool water on another very hot day. Other kids got into the pool and joined in with Julius and John’s antics. All that participated had a good time. There are a few teenage girls in the pool, and they can’t seem to take their eyes off of Julius. He notices and begins to clam up not being so goofy with his brother. The girls giggle every time Julius looks in their direction. Julius becomes a little uncomfortable with the attention. He decides that he is just going to sit on the side of the pool and watch John and the others do their water tricks. The two spent nearly three hours at the pool before they decided to go home. Julius was ready to leave after two hours, but he could not leave his brother down at the pool alone because his mother would get upset. As the two walked back to their house, they once again see James walking along, and this time, they are close enough to have a short chat. John says, “Hey if you are not doing anything if you want, you can come by our house and jump on the trampoline,” as the come face to face with James. James smiles and nods his head in agreement. Julius and John smile with acceptance of the invitation. James says, “What time is good since you two are all wet?” Both Julius and John look at each other and look back at James replying at the same time, “In about one hour would be great.” They all nod in agreement and keep walking their separate ways.
The doorbell rings twice, and Rosalie answers to find that James has come to visit Julius and John. Rosalie is thrilled the boys have made a new friend. She asks, “And who might you be?” James looking up at her wide-eyed says, “I’m James; I play basketball with your sons, and they asked me to come over.” “Is that going to be okay with you ma’am?” Rosalie smiles at James and takes two steps back to invite him inside the house. She closes the door and walks to the staircase to call Julius and John. “Boys you have a visitor, do want him to come up?” John answers, “Yes, send him upstairs mom, thanks.” Rosalie looks at James as if to give permission for him to go upstairs to the boys’ room. James climbs the stairs, John pops his head outside the room door and waves his hand to signal James to come towards him. James nods his head and walks towards John. He enters the room, and he sees it’s decked out with all of the latest tween gear, football and basketball posters on the walk, bunk bed, Sony PlayStation unit, computer, telephone line, and color television. James is so impressed, with John’s room, but he cannot let on, so he just says in a very low slow voice, “cool room.” John says quickly “thanks,” and proceeds to ask him has he played Grand Theft Auto. James shakes his head not knowing what John is talking about. John asks him if he would like to play and James nods in agreement. The two sit down on the floor and John hands James, a controller. James gets killed a few times before he gets the hang of it. He begins to beat John, and that does not go well. John begins huffing and puffing as Julius comes into the room doorway. James is looking at John as if there is a problem. Julius immediately chimes in and say, “Dude do not pay him any attention, he hates to lose and has a whack attack every time that he does.” James nods and under his breath says, “No one likes to lose.” John looks at James and smiles as if to say finally someone who understands me. They both continue to play the game. Julius watches for a while and then leaves to go back to his room. The three never go out back to jump on the trampoline. James stays over until nearly dark when Rosalie prompts John that it’s time to end his visit. John walks James to the door and states that they should get together tomorrow on the basketball court. James nods in agreement never really saying much the whole time they are together but from the smile on his face, he enjoyed his time with John.
The next day John heads out to the common area alone. He goes to his mom’s office in the back of the house to let her know that he is leaving to play with James. Rosalie looks over her shoulder as she is designing labels for her candle business on the computer and nods to acknowledge that she heard what he said. Julius comes downstairs and asks “Where do you think you are going?” with a curious look on his face. John says, “I’m going to hang out with James, do you want to come?” Julius shakes his head to show that he was not interested today and walks into the kitchen. John walks out the door and closes it behind him. He is walking toward the common area where a few blocks down he sees James walking in his direction. He waits for a moment to see if James notices him standing there. James looks up and sees John waiting and starts to jog toward him. They come to face to face where they do their little handshake. The first thing that James says is “Thanks for having me over the other day that was cool.” John smiles at him and nods his head in agreement that the visit was enjoyable. The two start walking towards the common area where they come upon some other boys who are in the open field having a discussion. John motions to James that they need to see what’s going on and they both walk over to hear what is being said. Touch football is the topic, and the group is trying to decide if there are enough people to form two teams to play. John says he is interested and James nods in agreement.

Meet James

They are one guy short, and out the corner of John’s eye, he sees another kid about to enter his home. He appears to be unloading groceries from his mom’s car. John decides he is going to run over and ask him if he was interested in joining them on the field. The boy was carrying the last bag into the house. By the time John reaches him the front door closes. John began to knock on the door, and a man answered. The man looks down at John who had a perilous look on his face and says, “How can I help you?” John out of breath says, “Hello sir, I was hoping that your son could come out and play.” “We are just right over there on the field.” The man knits his eyebrows because he doesn’t recognize John so his inclination was to let him know that his son would not be coming out. The man begins to close his front door, and John wedges his foot in the doorway, looks at the man in despair with his full eyes and state, “Sir, we are a man down, and we could probably win this match if you only give us a chance.” The man was startled by John’s insistence while his son stood behind the door listening to the whole conversation and his wife was leaning in the kitchen doorway quietly chuckling to herself because of the passionate plea John was making to her husband. The man took two steps back to widen the door to give his son a chance to exit and only had one message to them both. “You’d better win,” John smiles at the man thanking him for the opportunity. His son Jack is excited because this is the first time that he gets a chance to interact with the other kids in the neighborhood. As the two leave the front door of Jack’s house, you hear John say, “What’s up guy, I’m John and I live on Apple Blossom Lane.” The boy replies, “I’m Jack, and I have not lived here long.” The two run over to the field where the other boys are waiting and James looks at John in amazement of how he handled the adult. The group divided into two teams of eight players. Julius wonders down to the field to see what John and James were up to and sees that they are getting into a football game. Julius decides to be the referee. Of course, the other neighborhood kids came to watch. It was a full crowd on the field. Even Jack’s dad decides to come out of the house and sit on his porch so that he could watch what John has pulled together.
The touch football game begins, per usual John, is a captain and James is on his team along with newcomer Jack. Julius flips a quarter to determine what team will receive. John’s team wins the coin toss, and they decide to receive the ball first. The opening kick is made by a scrappy teenager with a lot of power, but Jack catches the ball and takes off like a rocket. John and James are stunned by his ability to maneuver around the other kids and get into the end zone. Julius is busting a gut because he can’t believe his eyes. The kids roar at Jacks speediness and you can hear his dad in the background from his porch screaming, “That’s my boy.” “Go, Jackie, go, Jackie.” His wife comes running to the front to see what has happened and witnesses her husband having a victory dance when he is not even playing in the game. The kids in the stands turn and start to chant the same “Go Jackie, go, Jackie, go, go.” Jack is a bit shy, so this attention is a little overwhelming but John runs up to him, and they do a high five. This gesture makes Jack feel welcomed. By the time the game gets to the second quarter, several parents have arrived to watch and cheer on their little athletes.
It’s the last quarter of the game the ball field is electric as John’s team is ahead by one touchdown. The other team has the ball and can tie the game or John’s team can cause a fumble or steal to give them the win. The opposing team is at second down and slowly moving up the field. The quarterback tries to do a play that the New Orleans Saints use and throws to a player running sideways, but James sees it coming and intervenes to get the ball and runs in the opposite direction. Everyone in the field area is on their feet. All the kids are screaming as well as the parents and James pass the ball to Jack who runs right into the end zone. John’s team wins the game because Jack didn’t give anyone a chance to lay a hand on him. The entire team is jumping up and down thrilled by the dramatic win. The losing team can’t even be mad because it was a tight game and everyone did their best. John made sure that they acted like professionals and each team lined up and walked past each other shaking hands. All the parents clapped and were proud of the sportsmanship that was shown. John invited James and Jack over to his house for dinner. Of course, John walked back to Jack’s house to get permission from his dad. The dad was still sitting on his porch with his camcorder no less. Jack’s dad said that if his mom says it’s alright, then he did not have a problem with Jack going a few blocks away from the house for a few hours. The four them headed back towards Julius and John’s home. Julius was showing the boys the plays that he caught on his nifty binocular camera. “Wait until mommy sees this,” said Julius with a big crazy smile plaster on his face. John, James, and Jack are very pleased with themselves, and the fact that Julius who was much older than the three thought that they are awesome is high praise.
“Mommy, where are you?” Julius screams as he enters the house. Rosalie appears from the kitchen in a hurry thinking something might have happened to John. “What’s happened?” she answers with a bit of concern in her voice. Julius goes on to show her his snapshots on his binocular camera. Rosalie laughs and says, “Looks like you boys worked up an appetite with all that running back and forth.” The four boys nod their heads in agreement. “Well, sounds like a victory meal is necessary,” says Rosalie. “Dinner will be on the table in a few moments.” “You two are welcome to join us.” Both James and Jack nod in acceptance of the invitation as they head up to John’s room. John’s turns back and asks “What’s on the menu?” Rosalie gives him a side glance and states that it’s his top five things. John turns and skips up the stairs elated that his favorites are about to be on the table. Within half an hour Rosalie calls out to them, “Dinner is ready, please wash your hands and come to the dining room.” She hears Julius respond, “We are coming right now.” The four boys appear in the dining room. Julius and John take their normal sitting position while James and Jack are directed to the available seats left.

Meet Jack

Mr. Treeburn arrives the weekend before the beginning of the school year. Julius is thrilled to see his dad and tell him how much he likes the new house. John is walking around huffing and puffing barely acknowledging his father’s presence. Rosalie shows her ex-husband to the guestroom where he will sleep while he visits his family. The boys stay close to home during their father’s visit. They stop going to the common area and having friends over. It was time to get serious as both Rosalie, and her ex-husband was very firm about the importance of education and being focused on school success. Julius and John spent the weekend laying out their wardrobe for the first week of school. They went over supply lists and filled backpacks. Julius did share with their dad the snapshots from John’s first touch football game in the neighborhood. Mr. Treeburn did not seem very interested as he looks but sits up straighter with an approving nod with each play that Julius shared especially when John was passing the ball and showing leadership. John was so uncomfortable in the presence of his father that he tried to leave any room that his dad was in for more than a few moments. The Treeburn family even though split apart still functioned as a cohesive unit. Mr. Treeburn was there to meet teachers, make his presence know at the local school to show full support and interest in the education of his children.
It’s the first day of school both Julius and John are a bit stressed. Julius has to be in class first, so the family heads to the Buford High School to make sure that all the introductions are made. Rosalie and ex-husband meet the principal, guidance counselor, and the homeroom teacher. Julius gets his locker assignment and enters his homeroom hanging his head. The family leaves him to get on with his day. Rosalie lets him know that she will be in the pick-up area at 2:30 pm. Julius acknowledges his mother’s instruction. Julius is not happy about what this first day in a new state and new school will hold for him. The parents think to themselves one down and one more to go as Rosalie and her ex-husband take John to school at Twin River Middle School. John’s heart is racing as they pull up to the building and park. He can hardly wait to see what is in store for him. The three exit the car and John walks ahead of his parents. Both Rosalie and Mr. Treeburn watch the anxiety build with each step that John takes towards the school. The routine is the same, they meet the principle, find his locker, and meet the homeroom teacher. John is bouncing around like a rubber ball as he walks into his classroom he notices something that his mom does not, it was like a heat sinking missile as John honed in on his target. It was James from the neighborhood, he and John were in the same class. John was smiling from ear to ear, and James gave him the familiar acknowledging head nod. Rosalie watched John’s demeanor change and then she sees that his new friend of only two weeks was in his class. Rosalie knew that John’s transition was going to be alright now. The parents leave and Mr. Treeburn notices the look of calm on Rosalie’s face. He says, “What going on, did I miss something?” as he held the car door open for Rosalie to enter. She glanced at him and replied with a slight chuckle, “John’s buddy is in his class, so we don’t have to worry about him having a meltdown the first day.” Mr. Treeburn replied with raised eyebrows, “Ah, so that means I can go now.” Rosalie looked at him and gave him a nod of agreement.
Each of the boys has a great first day of school. Julius did not make any friends, but he got comfortable as his day went along learning the routine and the class schedule. John’s day was worry free as he had James to eat lunch with and go from class to class. Those two are going to try out for the middle school basketball team. Rosalie could not be more pleased with the outcome. Mr. Treeburn is quite surprised considering the whole reason for coming was to deal with any issues that might arise with the boys in their new educational environment. Mr. Treeburn was scheduled to be there for the first week originally, but after such a great first day he decides that he will leave after day two. Julius is sad about his dad’s decision, but John could care less. “John, why have I not meet your new friends?” Mr. Treeburn asks at the dinner table. John looks at him as he eats and shrugs his shoulders. “I think it is important to know who you are paling around with, don’t you?” Mr. Treeburn says at John with raised eyebrows. John start his huffing and puffing and asks his mom Rosalie “Maybe I be excused, I’m not very hungry anymore?” Rosalie gives him a stern look and lets him know, “You need to answer your father’s question first and then you can go.” John sighs and looks at his dad to say “I didn’t think it was important because you don’t live with us anymore.” Rosalie gasped at John’s response to his father’s inquiry.
Mr. Treeburn dropped his fork and gave John a look as if he was looking through him and not at him. Julius caught a chill from the confrontation. With sternness in his voice, John’s father makes a clear statement that the boys knew he was serious, “I always need to know whether I am in the household or not because if something happens to either of you, there will be hell to pay and I want to know where to start.” Julius and John looked at each other stunned by the words their father used. Rosalie also felt Mr. Treeburn’s hammer hitting statement with goosebumps appearing on her arms. John says in a very low voice, “Fine; I will ask my friends to come by the house tomorrow to meet you, sir.” Mr. Treeburn’s tone softened as he picked up his fork to continue eating his meal as he shook his head to acknowledge that his request would be honored. John left the table; he headed upstairs to his bedroom once again huffing and puffing all the way.
The next school day each of the brothers takes the school bus. The bus stop for all the neighborhood kids is located in the common area. Julius gets a ride from his dad to the common area to make sure that he is not alone in the darkness still being unfamiliar with the area. A couple of hours later it's John’s turn to go to the bus stop, and his dad insists on taking him. John is huffing and puffing as he puts on his seatbelt, Mr. Treeburn ignores his antics because he accepts it as part of John’s personality flaw. When they arrive, John sees James and Jack already there. He takes the opportunity to introduce them to his dad. Mr. Treeburn is quite surprised that he seized the moment feeling validated that he got his point across at dinner last night. John gestures to James and Jack with a waving motion to walk over to him where he was standing by his dad’s car. The two look at each other gives the normal acknowledging nod as they walk towards where John is standing. Mr. Treeburn has the window rolled down and said, “So, you are part of John’s new click.” Both of the boys smile and nod. John begins the formal introduction, “James and Jack this is my dad Mr. Treeburn.” In unison, they reply, “Good morning, Mr. Treeburn, sir, nice to meet you.” John’s dad smiles, he says, “Likewise, have you lived in the neighborhood long?” John is mortified that his dad is interrogating his friends as he has not even asked them any questions about their home life yet. Each of the boys responds first James, “Yes, my family has lived in the neighborhood for two years.” Then Jack on the tail end says, “My family just moved here about three months ago.” At that moment, John learned more about his two new friends then he has the whole two weeks that he has known them. Mr. Treeburn then says right as school bus pulls up, “You guys have a good day.” They all give the nod in agreement and walk back to the curb to get on the bus. On the ride to school, John decides it is the perfect time to find out more about James and Jack. He asks Jack, “What grade are you in?” Jack answers that he is in the 7th grade. Both John and James are in the 8th grade, but that does not deter them from being friends with Jack.
Mr. Treeburn prepares to leave and return to California. Julius is sad that his dad has to leave and John stomps around the house with knitted brows and arms folded. The entire family just ignores John’s behavior because the communication is never forthcoming and it is a fight that no one wants to start. Julius goes to the guest room where his father is packing and as he stays in the open doorway asks, “Dad, do you not like it here?” Mr. Treeburn looking over his shoulder with a smirk on his face replies, “Yes, your mother did a good job picking this state and town.” “It’s a little slow for my taste, but I can see you and your brother doing big things here.” He stops and turns to look at Julius. John is in the hallway out of his father’s view but listening to the conversation. Julius asks his dad, “Do you think that one day you will move closer to us?” Mr. Treeburn looking at the wanting in Julius’ eyes shakes his head as he did not want to lie to his son. Julius nods his head to acknowledge that he understood and John not far away looking at Julius turns and tiptoes away to his room head hung and shoulders hunched forward. Mr. Treeburn turns his back to Julius to continue to pack his suitcase. Julius turns and goes to his room. Rosalie is sitting at the bottom of the staircase and hears the whole exchange. She knows that the boys miss their dad, but she also knows that it’s not the distance that is the problem. Mr. Treeburn and his ex-wife Rosalie refuse to deal with the issues in their family. It has torn the family apart, all they have to do is just face the situation and fix it once and for all.
The third day of school and Mr. Treeburn will be leaving town today. Rosalie says to her sons. “Boys, make sure you say goodbye to your dad as he will not be here when you return from school.” Both Julius and John before leaving the house go to the guestroom where dad is staying and wish their dad a safe trip and hope to see him again soon. Mr. Treeburn says, “Remember to behave for your mother and know that I will always love you guys no matter where I call home.” The two nod in agreement with their dad’s message to them and out the door they run. John is walking on air this morning. His head is held high, and it is like his feet are not touching the ground. Julius feels lighter as well, with the reassurance of their father’s love, but it’s not as obvious as his little. They get to the bus stop where John meets up with James and Jack. He lets them know that his dad is leaving today and invites them over after school to play video games. Both James and Jack accept the invite and notice that John is extremely happy. They do not think much of it and go on with conversations about the school day. As Mr. Treeburn loads his car, Rosalie watches from the doorway of her home. She thinks to herself if only she had the courage to solve all of her problems with her ex-husband then maybe John would turn out to be a better man in the future. Rosalie knows that she cannot do it alone, but Mr. Treeburn has to be willing to stand by her side to combat and correct the issue. Rosalie worries for her family and tries her best to keep it together for her children. There are many things that need attention at the house of the Treeburn family on Apple Blossom Lane.