Cody was in the shotgun seat of the car, sitting next to
his Father who had a destination in mind. Cody was kept in the dark, as Jerry
just told him to get dressed and get ready to go. When asked where they're going, Jerry told his son
"Trust your father, and get dressed."
Now, the two were sitting in the car. Jerry's hands on the wheel in a 10 - 2 formation, and Cody's hands on his phone, passing the time until he has to pay attention. He had no idea where he was going, but he tried not to think about it too much. He just wanted to get it over with so he could go home and chill on his computer. Cody was browsing incognito mode, checking the content on his favorite websites before Jerry told him to get ready, and Cody felt it fitting that his father would decide to start some father/son bonding when he wanted some alone time.
"So, Cody. How's the love life?" Jerry asked.
Cody instantly stopped paying attention to his phone screen and found himself somewhat flustered.
"Uhh... wh-what?"
"The love life. A girl, do you have a girlfriend?" Jerry asked, glaring at Cody. He saw that his son looked uncomfortable with the question, and seemed to have issues finding a suitable answer. Cody felt on the spot, and felt that being honest wasn't what his Father wanted to hear.
"No girlfriend?" Jerry asked.
Cody looked at his father, turned away and shook his head, letting out a meek "no."
Jerry sighed and nodded his head. Cody saw his father's knuckles grow white and saw the gears grind in his mind.
"You know... I don't know why I'm disappointed to hear that, because I expected it too."
Cody looked down and felt like there was something wrong with himself. Then, he grew upset and responded
"I... you sent me to an all boys school-"
"So that means you don't like girls?"
"No!"
"Then what does that have to do with anything!? Whatever, it doesn't matter." Jerry said with a grimace. Cody frowned and looked back at his phone, hoping to find something to shift his focus.
"Well, this is a reason why we're going out. I'm going to help you."
"What?"
"I've asked a friend to help teach you to be a man."
Cody sat in his seat, thinking about what this means. He remembers a few times his father tried to teach him how to be a man, and realized how each time it was basically just him getting beat on. Cody shook his head and bent over, his hands on the dashboard.
"Dad, please, you don't have to-"
"Yes, I do! I'm not gonna have a son of mine turn into some pansy-ass bitch who can't talk to a girl or stand up for themselves! You have to learn!"
Cody thought about the hypocrisy that was being forced to learn how to stand up for himself when he doesn't want to. But he decided to do nothing but sit there and let it happen. He felt it would be easiest to just shut up and get it over with. Maybe it won't be so bad.
Then, he realized that he just convinced himself to not stand up for himself when he was told he was to learn how to stand up for himself, and then felt like a coward. Cody focused on his phone and tried to pretend he didn't have a choice in the matter.