Dustin was dizzy and confused from what just happened, not to mention
the feeling that everything in the room was smaller than it was
before. It occurred to him distantly that to him, everything now was.
He put his hand to his forehead and felt it slick with sweat, like he
had just had something a bit too spicy. In fact, his stomach felt like
that, too.
"So, what just happened?" Dustin felt like the slow kid in class for
asking that question. Matt turned to him from the stove with a grin
filled with warmth and pride.
He came to the table and said, "Sit down, son," just as he did the
same. Dustin heard the slight creaks in the chairs as they took on
more weight than they ever had before. "Now, I can see how this might
be hard for you to understand. Believe me, it wasn't easy for me,
either. You see, I never knew my daddy. My mom had to raise me herself
after he died when I was just two years old. When I was thirteen she
told me some things that I think you oughta know, too, now that your -
my son." The last part came with the slightest of pauses, causing both
Dustin and Matt to smile.
"My father's name, my name, and now your name is Langley. And it's a
name to be proud of. You see, there are three things you must know and
always remember about the Langley men. First, the sons always outgrow
the fathers. My mama told me dad was a little over six feet tall, and
his father just under. You know how tall I am, and, if I have my guess
right, you're probably right around six foot five, give or take."
"No, I'm --"
"Not any more," Matt resumed with a smile. "Don't you worry though,
sport, you got some growin' left in you. I at least hope you'll grow
into those feet," Matt joked. Dustin looked down self-consciously. He
had thought his feet pretty hefty at size fourteen, but there was no
way he could squeeze his massive dogs into those any more. Especially
if the ruined remains of his old shoes were any indication.
"You will grow into them," Matt said firmly, noting the concerned look
on Dustin's face. "And until we get some new ones, you can wear my
shoes, though they might be a bit tight. As I was sayin, you are gonna
be a big boy. But that's just the first thing. The second is that
women find Langley men hard to resist, and during some phases of the
moon, they go crazy for us. I just want you to be prepared. Always be
prepared. And if you need extras, just ask me." Dustin couldn't
believe he was talking about this with his dad, but even more
unbelieveable was the fact that it seemed so natural. Like he was some
combination of older brother, best friend and great dad. Ty had really
struck gold with this one.
"Finally," Matt concluded. "Langley men are warm and passionate, but
we also have a temper. We have a hard time taking anything from
anybody. So, you must ALWAYS treat people with respect. And if they
still won't quit, well then, I'm sure you can use your imagination."
With that Matt grinned, stood up and pulled Dustin up with him. He
looked at his son for a moment and said, "Yep, just about six five,"
causing them both to smile again.