At 4:00, Tad stood at the front door to his home after returning from Amy's house, where the two of them had done their homework. With Amy's help, Tad got his Calculus homework done fairly quick and still had time to kill. So, per Leon and Jay's request, the four of them played a few rounds of tag in the Howler's backyard once the twins had gotten their homework done. But, after a while, Tad had to say goodbye to his girlfriend and her brothers. As much as he'd like to stay longer, it was a school night, and Tad had to get back home soon. So at about 3:55, Tad kissed Amy goodbye and promised to text her later tonight before leaving the Howler household and making his way back to his own home.
As he walked down the street and his house came into view, Tad noticed that there was a car in the driveway that wasn't his mother's.
"That's odd..." Tad thought to himself. "I don't think mom is expecting anyone...maybe it's Claire's car?"
Brushing away his thoughts, Tad made it to his house and walked up the driveway, past the car he didn't recognize, and up the stairs onto the porch. Grasping the doorknob in his hand, Tad twisted it and opened the door, stepping inside.
As soon as Tad stepped inside, his nose was greeted to the scent of pork. From within the kitchen, Tad could hear plates and silverware clinking as someone got them out of the cabinets and drawers respectively.
"Think Tad's going to take the news well?" a voice said, whom Tad recognized as Claire.
"I'm sure he will," another voice said, whom Tad knew was his mother.
Slightly confused, Tad began to make his way into the kitchen. Once the kitchen was in view, Tad could see that both his mother and Claire were getting things ready for dinner. Claire was currently setting the kitchen table while Jen was cutting the pork with a large knife.
"Mom?" Tad asked, getting his mother's attention. "What's going on? What's with the big dinner?"
Jen looked up from what she was doing and smiled at her son. "Hi honey," she said. "I know that this big dinner is kind of unexpected, seeing as how we only do this on special occasions. However, tonight is a very special occasion!"
"Oh really?" Tad asked curiously. "And what's the occasion?" It was at this point that Claire had finished setting the table and came over to where Jen was standing before wrapping her arms around the female.
"I know this is kind of sudden Tad," Jen said. "But...Claire and I have been talking, and we both want to stay together forever. I love her, and she loves me. We're not sure what will happen in the future, but I want Claire to move in with us...as my girlfriend."
The last few words out of Jen's mouth made Tad's eyes widen. "Really?!" he said, surprised. "Wow...I'm not sure what to say except congratulations!" His look of shock quickly changed to one of happiness as he watched Claire and his mother kiss passionately in enjoyment of Tad's approval of their relationship.