EXPECTATIONS

Disclaimer: I do not own SeaQuest or it's characters. I'm just borrowing them for fun.

It was just as he'd expected. No one came to his graduation, so why would he be greeted when he came home from college.

Even so, standing in the front doorway with his suitcase, hearing his father work in the other room but not come out to greet him, he couldn't help but feel disappointed anyway.

Not bothering to push his hair out of his face, Lucas Wolenczak walked into the living room and dumped his suitcase on the floor, sighing loudly. He glared through the open door at his father's turned back, rolling his eyes and heading into the kitchen. He'd walked passed his father on several other occasions when he was stoned and his father was facing him, and had still been ignored. He figured it'd be at least a few hours before his presence (presents, lol jk) was noticed, which was probably why his father's softly spoken words made him jump out of his skin.

"Lucas."

Lucas jumped and spun around to face his father, blinking twice to check that the man had actually gotten up to face him.

He struggled with his own voice, not sure what to say. It didn’t seem to matter though, Lawrence Wolenczak had already decided what to say next, “I’ve got some exciting news.”

Lucas stood rigid. Exciting news for Dad wasn’t always exciting news for him.

“I’ve spoken to some of the people pretty high up in the UEO,” his father shoved his hands into his pockets, looking at his son, “I’m sure you’ve heard of the flagship, the SeaQuest. Well, guess what? No need to unpack your suitcase, because I’ve got you a position on board,” he father smiled.

“What?” Lucas glared. There was silence between them for a few moments, “SeaQuest is a nuclear submarine.”

His father was slightly taken back but recovered quickly, “It’s a research vessel, Lucas. You’ll love it there. Plus, there’ll be people there to keep you in line.”

“In line!?” Lucas was furious, “What line!?”

“Exactly,” his father responded without changing his tone.

“I’m not going,” Lucas stated flatly.

“Well then, better figure out where you are going to go, because you aren’t staying here,” his father told him seriously.

“You’re kicking me out?”

“No, I’m having you placed elsewhere.”

“You did this behind my back? Without even asking me what I thought?” the angry teenager demanded.

“Oh,” his father feigned surprise, “You have plans about what you want to do with your life?” his father patronized.

“As a matter of fact I do!” Lucas snapped, “I want to stay in college – get my PhD.”

“You can pay for that yourself,” his father told him, “Lucas, this is an incredible opportunity. You won’t believe the strings I’ve pulled to have you placed there. The UEO wanted you,” he encouraged, “The UEO is giving our research team has an extra 90 million a year in consideration.”

“Consideration?!” Lucas gasped, “You sold me?”

“Oh, Lucas, don’t be so dramatic,” his father started showing the first signs of irritation, “I’ll still be your guardian.”

“Lucky me,” Lucas snapped sarcastically.

His father shook his head, “This is a great opportunity. You’ll love it,” he turned back to his work, “Look on the bright side, it’s not like you’re leaving any friends behind.”

Lucas stared at him, “You really don’t know how much you hurt me just by not caring do you?”

He turned away sadly to pick up his suitcase.