You may remember this? Guess what, the saga continues.
Perry was sitting outside the school kitched alone waiting for the teacher and his classmates to get there. It was his last two classes of the day and then there was only one more day before weekend. He couldn't wait. The cooking classes were fine although the school kitchen was disgusting. Actually, he only liked the cooking part of it. Since the teacher had a bizarre obsession with spam he never ate anything there. His mother had also told him not to, because she was sure he'd get hepatitis or AIDS or something. It wasn't until he'd had his first sexual education class a week earlier that he'd heard about AIDS. Before that he though it was food poisioning. Of course he hadn't asked if he could get AIDS in the school kitchen because Perry was too shy to say anything. Besides his teacher, who had kept scratching his beard the entire time, had said that one could get gonorrhea in the throat so why not AIDS.
The bell disturbed his thinking and his classmates came storming towards the door just in time for the teacher to open the door. The teacher, a woman in her late 40s was the same teacher he had in 4 other subjects and she'd also taught John, his big brother when he went to the school. Perry walked into the school kitchen last as usual, or second last. The new boy was trying to look invisible behind him. The new boy smiled at Perry as he made his way towards the table with the popular boys. "Oh great" Perry thought to himself, "another one". He walked towards the girls table where he usually hung out. Up until now he had been pretty popular with the girls. They'd hang out after school playing with Barbie dolls. Perrys collection was ever growing and some of the girls had been quite jealous. Still now, at age 14 things had changed. He was alone, surrounded by his former friends. Now they giggled talking about Thomas, the attractive football player with the killer smile. Perry liked Thomas but he couldn't remember ever speaking to him except the time when one of Thomas friends had held him down and his other friend had painted Perry all over his face with a permanent marker. Thomas had come over and apologised afterwards. That was at the beginning of the year. It was now spring and the summer holidays were coming up. Finally.
The new boy seemed to fit in at the popular table. He laughed at the right times and smiled at the girls next to Perry. It made Perry want to cry. He just wanted to be noticed by someone besides the hag teaching the class. Perry was an excellent cook, his mother had taught him everything she knew and he liked it. Besides cooking spam meals didn't require a lot of talent. When the bell rang, they were dismissed. He took his time packing up his school bag and walking out of the school kitchen. With any luck the others were half way to the bike sheds by now.
He was surprised when he walked into the open air. The new boy was standing by the door waiting. Perry wondered who he was waiting for, but dismissed the thought and nodded as he walked past. He had no idea what his name was, the new boy had just started the other day and it had been very unlikely he'd want to be friends with the class loser. The new boy ran after Perry. "Hey! wait up!" he yelled. Perry froze and a million images ran through his mind, most included Perry with his head down the toilet. The new boy caught up and introduced himself as David. David then asked if he was doing anything that afternoon. Perry thought for a moment, his mother was at work pretending to work late for covering up her appointments to a psychiatrist and his dad wouldn't be home until 8pm on Thursdays. "No, I've just got to do my homework though" Perry said. David smiled, revealing beautiful white teeth, "can we go to your place? My place is still a bit of a mess with moving boxes everywhere". Perry showed the way. They walked together talking about this and that.
By the time they had reached the church, Perry relaxed. He had been expecting that his classmates had been up to something, using the new boy. Perry hadn't brought home any friends in about a year. In fact he liked it better that way, especially as he made a pretty good impression with parents and his mother Angela rarely made a good impression with the people he brought home. He showed David into his room while he went to make sure the door to Seans room was closed. The shrine to his dead brother was too intense for everyone, especially on a first visit. David quickly started playing with some Lego that was scattered on the floor. Thankfully he'd cleaned up his Barbie stuff a few days ago and Perry had quite liked playing with Legos.
They sat for hours playing and assembling Lego cars, houses, castles and they'd just started building a pizzaria when his mother knocked on the door. Angela didn't wait for an answer, she opened the door and peeked inside. Angela nearly fell over when she saw that the other voice wasn't just Perry pretending to be his Ken doll Marc. She quickly introduced herself and excused herself again retreating to the living room where she made herself a dirty martini. For a while she was shocked, then she was happy and then she realised that David would probably not come back for a second visit. Angela didn't know if she was too sad about that, she much prefered the house was as free of kids as possible and if Perry was alone he wouldn't get hurt by anyone. After all it took such an effort for her to pretend to care. David left around 6pm.
Kenneth didn't come home until after Perry had gone to sleep. Angela had waited up for her husband but had finally gone to bed around midnight with a book and a dirty martini. He came in looking very tired. As he stripped off his clothes and went to bed, Angela turned off her reading lamp and turned over. She was in no mood to talk to him when clearly he had given up on their marriage. Staying out doing lord knows what until this late while she was at home taking care of house and home.
Time flew by for Perry and before he knew it, the summer holidays had started. Every day David had come home with him after school and they'd played computer games on his Commodore Amiga 2000 as well as played with Legos. Angela had finally warmed up a bit to David and it had become a ritual that she brought home something nice for lunch after work. They'd sit together the 3 of them in the kitchen and eat, talking about this and that. David had a brother who was blind and he only came home to stay with them every other weekend. He was excited though, because this summer he would stay for two weeks. His brother was at a special school for the blind where he lived. It surprised her, but Angela liked David. He was a good boy, the sort of boy she would have wanted herself. Exactly like Sean had been. A good boy who was genuine and he was also devastatingly handsome and charming.
The summer was coming on strong. Angela and Kenneth were taking Perry with them to Rimini in Italy in a few weeks. John had been asked by he didn't want to go, he was just happy to live on his own and not be forced to behave around Perry. His deal with Perry about leaving him alone and no beating him up had come to an end when he'd moved out. John had kept the diary of Seans. Nobody except John knew what was in it, their parents had still no clue it had been found. Perry had asked his mother if they could take David instead. They couldn't.
The two of them had been almost inseparable going for walks around the lake, going swimming in the lake and hanging out in their garden. His parents had no clue that Perry had gone swimming in the lake, or walked to the lake. That was forbidden because of the main road he had to pass to get there. Still what Angela didn't know, didn't hurt her. Perry liked David a lot, they understood each other. It was strange because Perry never felt the same way when he was around anyone else, but when he was around David things were just. Wonderful.
Then the day before the family went to Rimini came. David had come over so they could go swimming in the lake one last time before Perry went to Italy. Perry was home alone because Angela had dragged Kenneth into town because she needed a new beach outfit. They eventually left for the lake and they also managed to get home before his parents. It was a little risky but it was exciting. They were sitting on Perrys bed talking with the door closed. "You are a bit of a dork, you know that?" said David all of a sudden. Perry looked at David "well you must be too, wanting to hang out with me" he said. David then jumped on top of Perry and started tickling him. Perry was very ticklish and laughed and squirmed with David now straddling him. Perry pushed David a little trying in vain to get him to roll over but he was too strong. David had a big grin on his face and let go of one of Perrys hands still stradding him.
It was completely quiet and then Perry pushed a little to get free, not noticing where he was pushing. David looked very surprised when he saw Perry touching his crotch. He smiled and Perry blushed and pulled his hand back. David didn't say anything, he let go of Perry and rolled off him. He was now on his side right next to Perry. Perry could feel Davids breath on his neck and he tensed a little. For what seemed an eternity they just lay there not saying anything. Then Perry turned his head to face David. They were only inches from each other, looking into each others eyes. David had green eyes and blonde hair and he smelled of peppermint and fresh sweat.
Perry had never been this close to another person before, except when they were beating him up at school. It was nice, he reached out and touched a little scar on Davids neck. Within a couple of minutes he moved his hand down and ran his fingers over his chest and stomach. David closed his eyes and smiled. After a few minutes David put his hand under Perrys shirt and did the same, they lay there for a bit touching each other saying nothing. Perry had never felt anything like that before, he couldn't think straight, he heard nothing, all there was in the room was David. David moved closer and kissed Perry on the cheek, then moved his hand down his trousers. They were so close and Perry copied Davids move. They kissed, on the mouth. It was Perrys first kiss and it felt like nothing he'd ever experienced. He was equally surprised how big David had become and shocked that his own had gotten so large. It had never been that big before.
It was completely quiet in the house, and David started unzipping Perrys trousers, then his own. They lay there looking down at each other. Then Perry did something he had never imagined doing. He moved his head down there. David moaned and started playing with Perrys hair. Perry tried not to make a noise. His mother had always told him it was impolite to talk with his mouth full. Then all of a sudden David opened his eyes and pulled Perry away. A car had just driven up to the house. They quickly put their trousers back on, ran over and booted the computer.
Minutes later Angela came in, all smiles offering David to stay for lunch. It was awkward at the kitchen table. They said very little but Kenneth kept talking about how he'd bought a LaCosta polo at 50% off and how they'd gotten 20% off on everything Angela had bought. After lunch they went back to Perrys room and closed the door. This time David locked the door. No more than five minutes later Perry was on his knees with a goofy grin on his face. David zipped up his trousers "I'd better get home, have a great trip to Italy". Perry looked up at David "are you leaving already?", David shrugged "I'd better get home, my brother is coming home tomorrow and you'd better pack for your big day tomorrow". With that David left. Perry still on his knees looking at him leave.
Showing posts with label About a boy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About a boy. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, June 07, 2008
About a boy part 4
The endlessness continues yet again from here.
The caterers arrived at 11am on the dot. Angela was happy about that, it gave her a reason not to pay attention to Sally. She felt that Sally always came with the most annoying helpful remarks to annoy her. "Our mother always did it this way" Sally would say. Angela tried to ignore it and do things her own way and after a while Sally would leave her be. She greeted the kitchen staff, the waiters and went to supervise the table setting. The people coming might be animals but that doesn't mean we have to stoop to their level, she thought.
Meanwhile Perry had finished making his room presentable and was now sitting on his bed with a wooden box. He was just about to open it when Kenneth came in to check on him. "What do you have there?" his father asked him. "Oh just some clothes I made for Sophie," he responded. His father smiled, "how are you holding up son?" he asked. Perry looked at his father, put on a brave face "I've been better, but I have a feeling things are going to be good soon". Kenneth smiled, he had to. Then he went over and hugged Perry, almost knocking over the wooden box.
Perry rushed to catch the box before it fell on the ground. "Those are some precious clothes you've made for Sarah" his father said and Perry blushed and ignored the insinuation that the box did not contain Barbie clothes. "They are for Sophie" Perry said and with that Kenneth went to the kitchen to check on his hung over wife. The boy went and closed the door, then opened the wooden box. He smiled as he looked at the blue book inside. Of course he hadn't been able to open it but in time he would figure something out. Maybe the letter opener from his fathers study would work? Still he didn't have a strong desire to read it. He had other motives.
When he had heard his parents talking about the diary in the livingroom he had known he would have to find it. From his spot behind the door in in Seans room he had heard his mother raise her voice. She did not think they children should find the diary and she was prepared to go to his room right at that instance and procure it. Who knew what he would have written in there. He might have been a dying boy, but he still had moments where he was angry at them and if some hideous lines from a diary would somehow end up outside the family. Well she wouldn't be able to cope with that. Perry had then gently lifted the mattress and fished out the blue diary. Then he had run to his room as quietly as possible. He had almost slipped on the oriental rug running along the marble floor hallway. Perry was thankful he had gone barefoot. Then he had put the diary inside his pillowcase and gone to sleep.
Now sitting there with the diary, he wondered what his brother John would do to have it. Afterall they had been close, but just how close were they really. John had brought Sean with him everywhere, always including him whenever he had company over. Despite their 4 year age difference John had adored Sean. Sean however didn't really include John when he made plans to go somewhere. It could be nothing, afterall Perry was so young he couldn't remember too far back. Perry held the diary in his hand and pondered. What would John give to get this, this message from beyond. He knew he couldn't just walk up to his parents and say he had found this lying around but he also knew that John wouldn't ask questions or tell.
What Perry mostly wanted was to be left alone. His older brother always picked on him, and the usual morning would start at breakfast where he would be sitting hiding behind the Cornflakes trying not to make eye contact and make any sounds. It took so little to set him off and he'd be thankful if John would just leave him alone. Still Perry knew it was worth so much more. Then all of a sudden he heard Sally out in the hallway and he quickly put the diary back in the box and slid it under his bed.
Sally entered the door without knocking. She brought with her a gin and tonic and a cola, both with lots of ice. Then she handed him the gin and tonic and he took a large sip. The day after it tasted almost good. Sally took a sip of cola and shuddered. "I think we have to switch, this is just awful" she said adding "it lacks vodka". Perry grinned. She always knew what to say to make him laugh. Of course he knew she wasn't entirely joking. He'd heard his parents talk about her drinking and his mother thought it quite inappropriate. "She could at least do it at home, in the comfort of her own home" Angela had said.
Perry liked it, he found her facinating. Sally would sometimes make herself a drink and get a faraway look in her eyes and talk of all the exotic places she'd been when she was in her late twenties. Of course she still claimed she was in her late twenties. "I'm not a day over 29" was her motto along with "another gin and tonic over here please". Sally had told the same stories over and over about how she'd jumped on a plane after she had graduated and flewn to Turkey where she'd seen the most incredible things. She'd met the most facinating people. tall dark and handsome men and exotic women belly dancing in hotels. He would be spellbound, not caring that he'd heard the story a million times before. It was so exciting to hear about the tall dark and handsome men, and the colourful silks sold at the market in Ankara. Somehow she never mentioned that the local people didn't have indoor plumbing and electricity. It was not important to the story. The smell of spices made up for that.
Then the doorbell rang, and Angela came into the room to fetch them. She'd already gotten her iron fist around Johns upper arm while Kenneth had gone to greet the arriving guests. So far it was only Kenneths parents, his dad pushing his mum around in a wheelchair. They were in their late 70s and his mum had her leg removed many years ago. Perry couldn't remember her not being in a wheelchair and he didn't know her name. Not that he cared. They didn't bring money and smelled of old people. He didn't like that smell. To make matters worse they both smoked cigars. He remembered his mother slapping his grandmother. It had been quite shocking and since then they hadn't spoken. He heard his mother say "there is nothing like a tragedy to bring people closer together" continueing mumbling under her breath "with people they don't like". There was a raspy noise from his grandmother and she was wheeled out onto the patio.
The other guests arrived shortly after and the family were standing at the ready to shake hands and make fake kisses. Sally had been sent to entertain the guests on the patio with the promise of another gin and tonic. Once everyone had arrived Angela and Kenneth went out onto the patio to mingle. Perry then cornered John when he was on his way into his room. They spoke for a long time, Perry sitting on Johns bed and John walking around looking out onto the patio at the guests. They were having appetizers now, and drinks. John looked at Perry "are you serious, you actually have his diary?". Perry nodded, "yes, I've got it". John stood frozen, like a pillar. He had turned ashen. It was odd to see his older brother look that way, Perry liked it. Whatever was in that diary it had to be good. John settled the matter, and they left the room. The younger brother went to his room to hide the diary better, while his older brother went to the bar and made himself a vodka and cola. His parents wouldn't suspect it wasn't just cola.
Sally spotted Johns drink straight away. She could smell it a mile away so she went over to talk to him. They made their way towards the garden and once out of sight she took his drink and poured it onto the grass. "You really shouldn't drink, you are not old enough for that" she said. John immediately came back "well you are the one feeding gin and tonics to a 5 year old boy". Sally smiled "well he's an old soul, he is more man than you'll ever be dear, now go back there and smile" she paused, "your mother expects you to behave today and if you don't you'll answer to me". At that moment Kenneth came down and announced that the buffet was open.
As the afternoon wore on, Angela started feeling more and more tired. She had not had any alcohol all day but finally she gave in. She went to the bar and fixed herself a dirty martini. Her signature drink with extra olives. Angela looked around and saw nobody there, so she drank it all, then made herself another. She felt the alcohol rushing through her system and she felt better. Much better in fact, but she knew she should not have anymore drinks. Naturally she switched to red wine.
When the last guests had left Perry was sitting in the garden by the pool with a tray of appetizers and a cola enjoying the silence. His older brother had locked himself in his room and Kenneth was playing Chinese checkers with Sally on the patio. Angela was bossing the caterers about in the kitchen but finally gave up. She walked down the hallway from the kitchen to Seans room. Unlocked the door, went in and locked the door behind her.
She looked around the room and wondered where the diary could be. It had to be there and then she rummaged through the cabinets, dresser and looked behind all the books. The diary wasn't there. Angela sat down in the fluffy chair and took a deep breath. Something wasn't right, and she wondered if Kenneth had taken the diary and destroyed it. But why would he have told her about it in the first place. Nothing made sense anymore. Why did all this have to happen to her? Her sister Oliva was a horrible creature but yet she always skipped by unscathed. Even if nobody really liked her. At least nobody Angela knew. Angela shook her head and closed her eyes.
By the time she woke up Perry was having an evening swim and Sally had finished her sixth gin and tonic. Kenneth had been looking for her everywhere and had gotten nervous. He'd paid the caterers and lost his game of Chinese checkers. The look on Angelas face told him something was up, yet he didn't read much into it. Something was always up after they'd held functions. Either she was mad that he hadn't worn a tie or the tie he'd worn was too formal or didn't compliment her outfit. Angela interrupted his mind wandering "it's not there, the book. I've checked everywhere". Kenneth looked at his wife "you do realise it makes little difference, we'll find it sooner or later". She knew he was right but she couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy. It was just so very odd, because Sean had never been very secretive. Except for the notes she'd found that John had written. She would have to talk to him about that, but he was so sad at the moment. She could tell.
That night for the first time since Sean had died, she'd slept next to Kenneth. Life would have to go on.
The caterers arrived at 11am on the dot. Angela was happy about that, it gave her a reason not to pay attention to Sally. She felt that Sally always came with the most annoying helpful remarks to annoy her. "Our mother always did it this way" Sally would say. Angela tried to ignore it and do things her own way and after a while Sally would leave her be. She greeted the kitchen staff, the waiters and went to supervise the table setting. The people coming might be animals but that doesn't mean we have to stoop to their level, she thought.
Meanwhile Perry had finished making his room presentable and was now sitting on his bed with a wooden box. He was just about to open it when Kenneth came in to check on him. "What do you have there?" his father asked him. "Oh just some clothes I made for Sophie," he responded. His father smiled, "how are you holding up son?" he asked. Perry looked at his father, put on a brave face "I've been better, but I have a feeling things are going to be good soon". Kenneth smiled, he had to. Then he went over and hugged Perry, almost knocking over the wooden box.
Perry rushed to catch the box before it fell on the ground. "Those are some precious clothes you've made for Sarah" his father said and Perry blushed and ignored the insinuation that the box did not contain Barbie clothes. "They are for Sophie" Perry said and with that Kenneth went to the kitchen to check on his hung over wife. The boy went and closed the door, then opened the wooden box. He smiled as he looked at the blue book inside. Of course he hadn't been able to open it but in time he would figure something out. Maybe the letter opener from his fathers study would work? Still he didn't have a strong desire to read it. He had other motives.
When he had heard his parents talking about the diary in the livingroom he had known he would have to find it. From his spot behind the door in in Seans room he had heard his mother raise her voice. She did not think they children should find the diary and she was prepared to go to his room right at that instance and procure it. Who knew what he would have written in there. He might have been a dying boy, but he still had moments where he was angry at them and if some hideous lines from a diary would somehow end up outside the family. Well she wouldn't be able to cope with that. Perry had then gently lifted the mattress and fished out the blue diary. Then he had run to his room as quietly as possible. He had almost slipped on the oriental rug running along the marble floor hallway. Perry was thankful he had gone barefoot. Then he had put the diary inside his pillowcase and gone to sleep.
Now sitting there with the diary, he wondered what his brother John would do to have it. Afterall they had been close, but just how close were they really. John had brought Sean with him everywhere, always including him whenever he had company over. Despite their 4 year age difference John had adored Sean. Sean however didn't really include John when he made plans to go somewhere. It could be nothing, afterall Perry was so young he couldn't remember too far back. Perry held the diary in his hand and pondered. What would John give to get this, this message from beyond. He knew he couldn't just walk up to his parents and say he had found this lying around but he also knew that John wouldn't ask questions or tell.
What Perry mostly wanted was to be left alone. His older brother always picked on him, and the usual morning would start at breakfast where he would be sitting hiding behind the Cornflakes trying not to make eye contact and make any sounds. It took so little to set him off and he'd be thankful if John would just leave him alone. Still Perry knew it was worth so much more. Then all of a sudden he heard Sally out in the hallway and he quickly put the diary back in the box and slid it under his bed.
Sally entered the door without knocking. She brought with her a gin and tonic and a cola, both with lots of ice. Then she handed him the gin and tonic and he took a large sip. The day after it tasted almost good. Sally took a sip of cola and shuddered. "I think we have to switch, this is just awful" she said adding "it lacks vodka". Perry grinned. She always knew what to say to make him laugh. Of course he knew she wasn't entirely joking. He'd heard his parents talk about her drinking and his mother thought it quite inappropriate. "She could at least do it at home, in the comfort of her own home" Angela had said.
Perry liked it, he found her facinating. Sally would sometimes make herself a drink and get a faraway look in her eyes and talk of all the exotic places she'd been when she was in her late twenties. Of course she still claimed she was in her late twenties. "I'm not a day over 29" was her motto along with "another gin and tonic over here please". Sally had told the same stories over and over about how she'd jumped on a plane after she had graduated and flewn to Turkey where she'd seen the most incredible things. She'd met the most facinating people. tall dark and handsome men and exotic women belly dancing in hotels. He would be spellbound, not caring that he'd heard the story a million times before. It was so exciting to hear about the tall dark and handsome men, and the colourful silks sold at the market in Ankara. Somehow she never mentioned that the local people didn't have indoor plumbing and electricity. It was not important to the story. The smell of spices made up for that.
Then the doorbell rang, and Angela came into the room to fetch them. She'd already gotten her iron fist around Johns upper arm while Kenneth had gone to greet the arriving guests. So far it was only Kenneths parents, his dad pushing his mum around in a wheelchair. They were in their late 70s and his mum had her leg removed many years ago. Perry couldn't remember her not being in a wheelchair and he didn't know her name. Not that he cared. They didn't bring money and smelled of old people. He didn't like that smell. To make matters worse they both smoked cigars. He remembered his mother slapping his grandmother. It had been quite shocking and since then they hadn't spoken. He heard his mother say "there is nothing like a tragedy to bring people closer together" continueing mumbling under her breath "with people they don't like". There was a raspy noise from his grandmother and she was wheeled out onto the patio.
The other guests arrived shortly after and the family were standing at the ready to shake hands and make fake kisses. Sally had been sent to entertain the guests on the patio with the promise of another gin and tonic. Once everyone had arrived Angela and Kenneth went out onto the patio to mingle. Perry then cornered John when he was on his way into his room. They spoke for a long time, Perry sitting on Johns bed and John walking around looking out onto the patio at the guests. They were having appetizers now, and drinks. John looked at Perry "are you serious, you actually have his diary?". Perry nodded, "yes, I've got it". John stood frozen, like a pillar. He had turned ashen. It was odd to see his older brother look that way, Perry liked it. Whatever was in that diary it had to be good. John settled the matter, and they left the room. The younger brother went to his room to hide the diary better, while his older brother went to the bar and made himself a vodka and cola. His parents wouldn't suspect it wasn't just cola.
Sally spotted Johns drink straight away. She could smell it a mile away so she went over to talk to him. They made their way towards the garden and once out of sight she took his drink and poured it onto the grass. "You really shouldn't drink, you are not old enough for that" she said. John immediately came back "well you are the one feeding gin and tonics to a 5 year old boy". Sally smiled "well he's an old soul, he is more man than you'll ever be dear, now go back there and smile" she paused, "your mother expects you to behave today and if you don't you'll answer to me". At that moment Kenneth came down and announced that the buffet was open.
As the afternoon wore on, Angela started feeling more and more tired. She had not had any alcohol all day but finally she gave in. She went to the bar and fixed herself a dirty martini. Her signature drink with extra olives. Angela looked around and saw nobody there, so she drank it all, then made herself another. She felt the alcohol rushing through her system and she felt better. Much better in fact, but she knew she should not have anymore drinks. Naturally she switched to red wine.
When the last guests had left Perry was sitting in the garden by the pool with a tray of appetizers and a cola enjoying the silence. His older brother had locked himself in his room and Kenneth was playing Chinese checkers with Sally on the patio. Angela was bossing the caterers about in the kitchen but finally gave up. She walked down the hallway from the kitchen to Seans room. Unlocked the door, went in and locked the door behind her.
She looked around the room and wondered where the diary could be. It had to be there and then she rummaged through the cabinets, dresser and looked behind all the books. The diary wasn't there. Angela sat down in the fluffy chair and took a deep breath. Something wasn't right, and she wondered if Kenneth had taken the diary and destroyed it. But why would he have told her about it in the first place. Nothing made sense anymore. Why did all this have to happen to her? Her sister Oliva was a horrible creature but yet she always skipped by unscathed. Even if nobody really liked her. At least nobody Angela knew. Angela shook her head and closed her eyes.
By the time she woke up Perry was having an evening swim and Sally had finished her sixth gin and tonic. Kenneth had been looking for her everywhere and had gotten nervous. He'd paid the caterers and lost his game of Chinese checkers. The look on Angelas face told him something was up, yet he didn't read much into it. Something was always up after they'd held functions. Either she was mad that he hadn't worn a tie or the tie he'd worn was too formal or didn't compliment her outfit. Angela interrupted his mind wandering "it's not there, the book. I've checked everywhere". Kenneth looked at his wife "you do realise it makes little difference, we'll find it sooner or later". She knew he was right but she couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy. It was just so very odd, because Sean had never been very secretive. Except for the notes she'd found that John had written. She would have to talk to him about that, but he was so sad at the moment. She could tell.
That night for the first time since Sean had died, she'd slept next to Kenneth. Life would have to go on.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
About a boy part 3
Continued from here.
Kenneth carried his wife to bed, tucked her in and closed the door. They would have people over for lunch today. Angela thought they might as well invite some of the grieving family members who had not been invited to the riverside restaurant over. Afterall they would expect something since they had not been included the day before. He had been succesful at persuading his wife to hire a catering company to take care of the lunch. Not because he had expected her to be in bed sleeping off two bottles of wine but just so she didn't have to worry too much. Now he wondered if she'd be awake when they arrived, let alone ready to receive the guests.
He went into Perrys room expecting him to be asleep. Perry slept a lot, and Kenneth had always thought it was too much. To his surprise his son was sitting on floor, fully dressed, playing with his Barbie dolls. Perry had always loved playing with dolls, and he now had 4 Barbie dolls and a Ken doll. Sarah, Jessica, Sophie, Chloe and Marc. Kenneth smiled and told him to get ready for breakfast. It wasn't a problem for him that Perry liked playing with dolls, he'd grow out of it in a few years. Angela didn't like it, he knew it, but she never mentioned it. He lingered in the doorway looking at his son, setting his dolls down at the kitchen table preparing to have their breakfast.
The front door suddenly slammed. Oh, God! JOHN! How could they have forgotten. They'd sent him home with Olivia, her husband and their children. Kenneth chuckled, remembering the urinal mint debacle. He just caught the back of his older son storming into his room before the door was shut, and locked. Now that the door was locked he couldn't really do anything, so he went to the kitchen and started breakfast. It had to be special today, pancakes, omelettes and waffles.
Perry came into the kitchen and sat down, looking at his father. "Where's mother?" he asked. She was always up first, making coffee and setting up for breakfast. Especially when company was coming. "I'm right here Perry, and.... Oh Kenneth, give me those eggs you couldn't make an omelette if your life depended on it" Angela said. Kenneth knew he couldn't argue with that and handed over the eggs. He then went to set the table and get John out of his room. The latter proving to be quite difficult despite the promise of waffles.
John was furious when he sat down at the kitchen table. It was one thing to spend the day with his aunt Olivia, but spending the night there? Unforgivable! Perry was so lucky and spoiled, never getting into trouble. He, was always the one who got blamed. His father especially, took Perrys side. It just wasn't fair he felt. In order to make it more evident how angry he was, he started staring down Perry. He knew that eventually Perry would catch on and alert the parents. Angela, however, was the one who spotted it first, returning his stare with an icy glare followed by "don't stare, dear, it's not polite to stare". John finished his waffles, put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher and went to his room.
They sat there in silence. Then Angela broke the silence "Sally is coming today, I thought you'd like that". She looked at Perry, expecting some sort of recognition. There was none. Perry ate his pancakes in silence, like he hadn't heard her. She then addressed Kenneth "Should we setup tables in the garden or should we keep it in the livingroom?". Kenneth looked at his wife, thought for a minute, then "We could setup the parasols on the patio, that would be lovely". Angela thought about it for a minute, then decided that would work. She wondered when the caterers would arrive. Afterall it was an important day, they should understand that everything had to be perfect. They finished their breakfast in silence. There wasn't anything to discuss anyway. It had been settled, they would entertain on the patio and Sally would be there.
Perry slowly walked past Johns room, he had only been in there once or twice as far as he remembered. He did remember there was a poster of a naked woman on the back of the door. She was standing, holding a big hose wearing a firemans helmet and boots. He found that odd. Why would a woman fight fire naked. It seemed a bit risky. As he went down the hall he approached Seans room. He'd been in there a million times. It was his favorite place in the house.
Seans room had hardwood flooring unlike Johns and his own room. There was a big fluffy chair and shelves with books all around. In the corner there was a birdcage in which a little lime green canary bird sat perched on a plastic stick drinking water. It was Muppet, a noisy bird that he knew his mother couldn't wait to get rid of. Perry would sometimes, like today, sneak into the room and sit behind the door on a little foot rest looking in the books and Disney magazines. He especially liked Donald Duck, the mice not so much. Mickey was so annoying. Sometimes at night, when everyone had gone to sleep he would sneak in there, sit in the chair for hours in the dark. Just thinking, of nothing in particular, just thinking.
It was one such night he got to thinking about God. His mother had forced him to pray every night before bed ever since Sean got sick. She said it would help make Sean better. His mother wouldn't lie to him, he knew that much. If she said something, it had to be true. So he had prayed and prayed every night. For the first week. He really meant it. Still, he was having his own problems in kindergarten so by week 3 he didn't pray anymore. That was bad, but Anne in kindergarten had been particularly rough on him and he just didn't have the energy. Even when his mother came in and prayed with him, he faked it. It wasn't out of ill will it was just, he had his own life. Life in kindergarten wasn't just dressing up and afternoon fruit. It was a backstabbing, name calling, betrayal, cheese lunches and the occational punch in the face. The adults would be stunned to know how cruel kids could be. But he knew, sitting in that chair, it was his fault Sean didn't get better. If only he'd meant it. If only he'd prayed more.
Perry went in and gave Muppet some food, then he sat down in the middle of the room and looked around wondering. What would happen to Seans room? Then Angela walked in looking at Perry. "You really shouldn't be in here" she said, "did you tidy up your room, the guests will be here in a matter of hours and the caterers will be here any minute now". He shook his head and went to his room. Angela made sure Perry had gone before she went over and lifted the mattress of Seans bed. She knew it would be there somewhere. Before Sean had passed away he had told his father that he had kept a diary. One he really didn't want anyone to read. Kenneth had told her about it the day after Sean had died.
Angela was too curious to let it go, she wanted to read it. Why wouldn't Sean want anyone to read it. Alas, it wasn't there. Kenneth had looked for it as well but none of them could find it. Sean had said it was blue with a combination lock. She had found school things she'd never seen before and notes that appeared to have been signed by her. Yet it looked more like Johns handwriting but no diary. She left room, pulled a key out of her pocked and locked the door behind her. It would be inappropriate for people to go in there and if there was ever an inappropriate crowd it would be the ones coming today. Angela went to the kitchen to start arranging the glasses.
The door bell rang. Outside stood Sally beaming at the sight of Perry running to the door. She hugged him and quickly gave him a tenner before anyone else noticed it. For your dream house she said. He smiled knowingly. Then she went to the patio to say hello to Kenneth. "She's in the kitchen" he said "probably polishing the glasses yet again". Sally smiled "I'd better go help her then". Kenneth smiled at put up another parasol. He knew it was going to be a very hot day.
Kenneth carried his wife to bed, tucked her in and closed the door. They would have people over for lunch today. Angela thought they might as well invite some of the grieving family members who had not been invited to the riverside restaurant over. Afterall they would expect something since they had not been included the day before. He had been succesful at persuading his wife to hire a catering company to take care of the lunch. Not because he had expected her to be in bed sleeping off two bottles of wine but just so she didn't have to worry too much. Now he wondered if she'd be awake when they arrived, let alone ready to receive the guests.
He went into Perrys room expecting him to be asleep. Perry slept a lot, and Kenneth had always thought it was too much. To his surprise his son was sitting on floor, fully dressed, playing with his Barbie dolls. Perry had always loved playing with dolls, and he now had 4 Barbie dolls and a Ken doll. Sarah, Jessica, Sophie, Chloe and Marc. Kenneth smiled and told him to get ready for breakfast. It wasn't a problem for him that Perry liked playing with dolls, he'd grow out of it in a few years. Angela didn't like it, he knew it, but she never mentioned it. He lingered in the doorway looking at his son, setting his dolls down at the kitchen table preparing to have their breakfast.
The front door suddenly slammed. Oh, God! JOHN! How could they have forgotten. They'd sent him home with Olivia, her husband and their children. Kenneth chuckled, remembering the urinal mint debacle. He just caught the back of his older son storming into his room before the door was shut, and locked. Now that the door was locked he couldn't really do anything, so he went to the kitchen and started breakfast. It had to be special today, pancakes, omelettes and waffles.
Perry came into the kitchen and sat down, looking at his father. "Where's mother?" he asked. She was always up first, making coffee and setting up for breakfast. Especially when company was coming. "I'm right here Perry, and.... Oh Kenneth, give me those eggs you couldn't make an omelette if your life depended on it" Angela said. Kenneth knew he couldn't argue with that and handed over the eggs. He then went to set the table and get John out of his room. The latter proving to be quite difficult despite the promise of waffles.
John was furious when he sat down at the kitchen table. It was one thing to spend the day with his aunt Olivia, but spending the night there? Unforgivable! Perry was so lucky and spoiled, never getting into trouble. He, was always the one who got blamed. His father especially, took Perrys side. It just wasn't fair he felt. In order to make it more evident how angry he was, he started staring down Perry. He knew that eventually Perry would catch on and alert the parents. Angela, however, was the one who spotted it first, returning his stare with an icy glare followed by "don't stare, dear, it's not polite to stare". John finished his waffles, put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher and went to his room.
They sat there in silence. Then Angela broke the silence "Sally is coming today, I thought you'd like that". She looked at Perry, expecting some sort of recognition. There was none. Perry ate his pancakes in silence, like he hadn't heard her. She then addressed Kenneth "Should we setup tables in the garden or should we keep it in the livingroom?". Kenneth looked at his wife, thought for a minute, then "We could setup the parasols on the patio, that would be lovely". Angela thought about it for a minute, then decided that would work. She wondered when the caterers would arrive. Afterall it was an important day, they should understand that everything had to be perfect. They finished their breakfast in silence. There wasn't anything to discuss anyway. It had been settled, they would entertain on the patio and Sally would be there.
Perry slowly walked past Johns room, he had only been in there once or twice as far as he remembered. He did remember there was a poster of a naked woman on the back of the door. She was standing, holding a big hose wearing a firemans helmet and boots. He found that odd. Why would a woman fight fire naked. It seemed a bit risky. As he went down the hall he approached Seans room. He'd been in there a million times. It was his favorite place in the house.
Seans room had hardwood flooring unlike Johns and his own room. There was a big fluffy chair and shelves with books all around. In the corner there was a birdcage in which a little lime green canary bird sat perched on a plastic stick drinking water. It was Muppet, a noisy bird that he knew his mother couldn't wait to get rid of. Perry would sometimes, like today, sneak into the room and sit behind the door on a little foot rest looking in the books and Disney magazines. He especially liked Donald Duck, the mice not so much. Mickey was so annoying. Sometimes at night, when everyone had gone to sleep he would sneak in there, sit in the chair for hours in the dark. Just thinking, of nothing in particular, just thinking.
It was one such night he got to thinking about God. His mother had forced him to pray every night before bed ever since Sean got sick. She said it would help make Sean better. His mother wouldn't lie to him, he knew that much. If she said something, it had to be true. So he had prayed and prayed every night. For the first week. He really meant it. Still, he was having his own problems in kindergarten so by week 3 he didn't pray anymore. That was bad, but Anne in kindergarten had been particularly rough on him and he just didn't have the energy. Even when his mother came in and prayed with him, he faked it. It wasn't out of ill will it was just, he had his own life. Life in kindergarten wasn't just dressing up and afternoon fruit. It was a backstabbing, name calling, betrayal, cheese lunches and the occational punch in the face. The adults would be stunned to know how cruel kids could be. But he knew, sitting in that chair, it was his fault Sean didn't get better. If only he'd meant it. If only he'd prayed more.
Perry went in and gave Muppet some food, then he sat down in the middle of the room and looked around wondering. What would happen to Seans room? Then Angela walked in looking at Perry. "You really shouldn't be in here" she said, "did you tidy up your room, the guests will be here in a matter of hours and the caterers will be here any minute now". He shook his head and went to his room. Angela made sure Perry had gone before she went over and lifted the mattress of Seans bed. She knew it would be there somewhere. Before Sean had passed away he had told his father that he had kept a diary. One he really didn't want anyone to read. Kenneth had told her about it the day after Sean had died.
Angela was too curious to let it go, she wanted to read it. Why wouldn't Sean want anyone to read it. Alas, it wasn't there. Kenneth had looked for it as well but none of them could find it. Sean had said it was blue with a combination lock. She had found school things she'd never seen before and notes that appeared to have been signed by her. Yet it looked more like Johns handwriting but no diary. She left room, pulled a key out of her pocked and locked the door behind her. It would be inappropriate for people to go in there and if there was ever an inappropriate crowd it would be the ones coming today. Angela went to the kitchen to start arranging the glasses.
The door bell rang. Outside stood Sally beaming at the sight of Perry running to the door. She hugged him and quickly gave him a tenner before anyone else noticed it. For your dream house she said. He smiled knowingly. Then she went to the patio to say hello to Kenneth. "She's in the kitchen" he said "probably polishing the glasses yet again". Sally smiled "I'd better go help her then". Kenneth smiled at put up another parasol. He knew it was going to be a very hot day.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
About a boy part 2
Continued from here.
Angela was furious. She dragged John off to the kitchen where she slapped him and yelled at him. The kitchen staff fleeing. She rarely lost her calm but she hadn't been lucky with her children. John was the rebellious one and Perry was the sensitive one. Sean had been the glorious middle child, a wonderful mix. Since Sean had become ill she'd sometimes sit in the livingroom with a glass of red wine pondering why it would be Sean who would die. They had known very early on that they couldn't cure the type of cancer he had. So she wondered if it would have been easier if it had been John or Perry instead. One of the two extremes. John had always had the ability to drive her up the wall, and Perry. Well Perry was so young, but who knew what he'd turn into once he hit puberty.
Having finished yelling at John, she dragged him into the hallway where she met her other sister Olivia. Olivia was a weathered woman of 55 who had spent her life worshipping the sun and was now paying the price. Her skin like pleather boots and tired eyes she was still running an illegal daycare business out of her kitchen. She stood there in her black polyester pants, turquois shirt and black flats. Angelan immediately noticed the flats, she frowned. "would you be ok taking the kids home and watching them until it's over?", Olivia looked at Angela and responded "sure, but I'm not taking Perry. Remember last time, he had been chased up a tree by my sons". Angela agreed, Perry would have to stay. Afterall, the family should be represented, children included.
Angela watched as Olivia and her husband took John and his cousins by their arms and dragged them to the car and drove off into the afternoon. She may not like her but she knew Olivia was dying to leave as they weren't allowed to smoke in the room or on the terrace. Then she went looking for her sister Sally. Sally could keep an eye on Perry. Afterall she liked him so much, maybe she'd offer to have him stay over for a few days. It worried her that he hadn't seemed to show any type of emotion since Sean had died.
Would he be more like her than she thought? For the first few years she'd wondered where he'd come from because Perry didn't look or act like any of them. He might as well have been adopted. Now she almost wished he'd stayed that way, as he was showing all her trades. Lack of emotions being the worst. It had always bothered her that she had to pretend to care, be sad and be happy for others. Her sisters knew she was cold, void of emotion and empathy but she'd managed to fool Kenneth. Or maybe he'd seen a different side of her. She would have to make sure Perry wouldn't turn out that way.
Perry had been the smiling boy who cried at everything. Overly emotional, but he seemed to have hardened after Sean had died. She didn't understand, because Sean and Perry hadn't been interacting a lot. It had always been John and Sean. They were together, playing. When Sean got sick John was allowed to go behind the red door. To the cancer wing. Perry was not, as he was so young and was a potential disease carrier. Sean had been behind the red door for close to a year. Angela didn't understand, but then there was more important stuff to deal with today. She had to mingle.
Kenneth brought a gin and tonic over to Sally who was sitting on the terrace enjoying the view. "Beautiful day, yeah?" he said. Sally looked at him and said "this will be my eighth, your wife won't approve". He looked in through the window and saw Angela being hugged tight by a plump gray haired woman wiping her drag queen like makeup off on her dress. "There are lots of things she won't approve of today, I doubt you'll make the top 10" he said smiling. "It's tough though, I don't know what we are going to do now. When this is over". Sally smiled and said "You go home, hug your children and tell them everything will be alright". He knew she was right, life had to go on, and if anybody could pull that off, it would be his wife. "Have you seen Perry" he then asked before spotting him sitting alone with his legs dangling over the edge of the terrace.
The rest of the day went beautifully, just like Angela had imagined it. The assortment of cheeses and sausages was divine, and everyone seemed to cheer up a bit. Afterall, alcohol did lift the spirit of most. By 6pm everyone had left and Angela rounded up Sally, Kenneth and Perry. Kenneth went to settle the bill and Sally and Perry walked down to the brown Ford Escort. Angela stayed behind waiting for her husband before joining the others by the car.
Then they drove Sally home, and then changed direction towards their home. They drove down the road towards their home. A villa with 3 bedroom, 2 livingroom and a large kitchen built in 1977 a year before Angela, Kenneth, John and Sean had moved in. It was definately the right move Angela thought. They had bought Angelas childhood home and lived there for a number of years but it was a 3 story house and it was so impractical. Besides, they'd gotten a good price for the house and made a bargain on the villa. The neighbours were also very dignified and had kept their distance since Sean got sick.
Perry went straight for his room and went to bed. It had been a long day and the sun had taken its toll on him. Kenneth grabbed a bottle of red wine and two glasses, then joined Angela on the patio. They didn't say anything, they just sat there, sipping wine and staring into the dark garden. When the bottle was empty, Angela went and got another one. There was no point in holding back tonight. Tomorrow was going to be dreadful anyway.
At 2am Kenneth went to bed. Angela just sat there. When she was sure everyone had gone to sleep she curled into a ball on the garden bench and a tear ran down her cheek. The next morning Kenneth found his wife wrapped in a blanket on the bench, asleep. A third half empty bottle of wine on the table next to the bench.
Angela was furious. She dragged John off to the kitchen where she slapped him and yelled at him. The kitchen staff fleeing. She rarely lost her calm but she hadn't been lucky with her children. John was the rebellious one and Perry was the sensitive one. Sean had been the glorious middle child, a wonderful mix. Since Sean had become ill she'd sometimes sit in the livingroom with a glass of red wine pondering why it would be Sean who would die. They had known very early on that they couldn't cure the type of cancer he had. So she wondered if it would have been easier if it had been John or Perry instead. One of the two extremes. John had always had the ability to drive her up the wall, and Perry. Well Perry was so young, but who knew what he'd turn into once he hit puberty.
Having finished yelling at John, she dragged him into the hallway where she met her other sister Olivia. Olivia was a weathered woman of 55 who had spent her life worshipping the sun and was now paying the price. Her skin like pleather boots and tired eyes she was still running an illegal daycare business out of her kitchen. She stood there in her black polyester pants, turquois shirt and black flats. Angelan immediately noticed the flats, she frowned. "would you be ok taking the kids home and watching them until it's over?", Olivia looked at Angela and responded "sure, but I'm not taking Perry. Remember last time, he had been chased up a tree by my sons". Angela agreed, Perry would have to stay. Afterall, the family should be represented, children included.
Angela watched as Olivia and her husband took John and his cousins by their arms and dragged them to the car and drove off into the afternoon. She may not like her but she knew Olivia was dying to leave as they weren't allowed to smoke in the room or on the terrace. Then she went looking for her sister Sally. Sally could keep an eye on Perry. Afterall she liked him so much, maybe she'd offer to have him stay over for a few days. It worried her that he hadn't seemed to show any type of emotion since Sean had died.
Would he be more like her than she thought? For the first few years she'd wondered where he'd come from because Perry didn't look or act like any of them. He might as well have been adopted. Now she almost wished he'd stayed that way, as he was showing all her trades. Lack of emotions being the worst. It had always bothered her that she had to pretend to care, be sad and be happy for others. Her sisters knew she was cold, void of emotion and empathy but she'd managed to fool Kenneth. Or maybe he'd seen a different side of her. She would have to make sure Perry wouldn't turn out that way.
Perry had been the smiling boy who cried at everything. Overly emotional, but he seemed to have hardened after Sean had died. She didn't understand, because Sean and Perry hadn't been interacting a lot. It had always been John and Sean. They were together, playing. When Sean got sick John was allowed to go behind the red door. To the cancer wing. Perry was not, as he was so young and was a potential disease carrier. Sean had been behind the red door for close to a year. Angela didn't understand, but then there was more important stuff to deal with today. She had to mingle.
Kenneth brought a gin and tonic over to Sally who was sitting on the terrace enjoying the view. "Beautiful day, yeah?" he said. Sally looked at him and said "this will be my eighth, your wife won't approve". He looked in through the window and saw Angela being hugged tight by a plump gray haired woman wiping her drag queen like makeup off on her dress. "There are lots of things she won't approve of today, I doubt you'll make the top 10" he said smiling. "It's tough though, I don't know what we are going to do now. When this is over". Sally smiled and said "You go home, hug your children and tell them everything will be alright". He knew she was right, life had to go on, and if anybody could pull that off, it would be his wife. "Have you seen Perry" he then asked before spotting him sitting alone with his legs dangling over the edge of the terrace.
The rest of the day went beautifully, just like Angela had imagined it. The assortment of cheeses and sausages was divine, and everyone seemed to cheer up a bit. Afterall, alcohol did lift the spirit of most. By 6pm everyone had left and Angela rounded up Sally, Kenneth and Perry. Kenneth went to settle the bill and Sally and Perry walked down to the brown Ford Escort. Angela stayed behind waiting for her husband before joining the others by the car.
Then they drove Sally home, and then changed direction towards their home. They drove down the road towards their home. A villa with 3 bedroom, 2 livingroom and a large kitchen built in 1977 a year before Angela, Kenneth, John and Sean had moved in. It was definately the right move Angela thought. They had bought Angelas childhood home and lived there for a number of years but it was a 3 story house and it was so impractical. Besides, they'd gotten a good price for the house and made a bargain on the villa. The neighbours were also very dignified and had kept their distance since Sean got sick.
Perry went straight for his room and went to bed. It had been a long day and the sun had taken its toll on him. Kenneth grabbed a bottle of red wine and two glasses, then joined Angela on the patio. They didn't say anything, they just sat there, sipping wine and staring into the dark garden. When the bottle was empty, Angela went and got another one. There was no point in holding back tonight. Tomorrow was going to be dreadful anyway.
At 2am Kenneth went to bed. Angela just sat there. When she was sure everyone had gone to sleep she curled into a ball on the garden bench and a tear ran down her cheek. The next morning Kenneth found his wife wrapped in a blanket on the bench, asleep. A third half empty bottle of wine on the table next to the bench.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
About a boy part 1
A five year old boy, could be any boy. Was sitting outside on the front steps smiling. Flashing his missing two front teeth enjoying the weather. It was a nice summer day, sun shining and birds singing. He was there in black long pants and a yellow polo shirt. Even at the age of five, he knew that wasn't right but his mother had specifically told him to wear it and considering the circumstances he thought he'd humour her.
In his hand was a red rose. He'd been told to sit on the steps until everyone else were ready. His older brother waiting in his room and his father in the kitchen. All waiting. His mother was in the bathroom putting the last touches on her hair. Now, something you have to realise, is this was back in the early to mid eighties so styling hair took multiple layers of aerosol Elnett and mousse. Those poodle curls didn't just settle that way, they had to be arranged. Arranged carefully. Then finally sealed with extra strong Elnett. It always took her ages to get ready, but today was special.
She finally came out, high poodle hair, black dress, black heels and waterproof mascara. You could feel a chill in the air a mile away. His dad went out and started up the brown Ford Escort. His mother rounded up the older brother and he joined the boy on the backseat. The backseat, usually the battleground of siblings trying to annoy each other until someone got blamed. Nobody said a word, they drove in and out between other families doing their thing on Saturday mornings.
They were however, not like any other family. After ten minutes of silence they arrived at the church. It wasn't an actual church but rather a chapel. Outside they joined a few close friends and immediate family. The older brother, John met up with their three cousins who were throwing rocks at the big oak tree. All while his parents greeted their friends and family. Not everyone were informed, let alone invited to this intimate gathering. He had heard his mother Angela say "The less commotion, the better" to her sister Sally.
His father had gone over to talk to his sisters, one of which had come home from Miami. She had recently married and had a baby. Not in that order, much to the displeasure of Angela. Angela might have come from a working background, like her husband Kenneth, but that didn't mean they couldn't strive to better things, perfection.
Like her hair, Angela had made sure the day would go by without a hitch. First chapel, then place the stone, and finally lunch at the riverside restaurant. The riverside restaurant had been almost impossible to get on such short notice. That had really been an imposition. Finally she had gotten the 40th birthday of some cow bumped and she'd gotten the good room. The one with the riverside view. That had been a good day.
Suddenly the bells started ringing, and people started entering the chapel. He felt his mothers hand around his upper arm and was escorted into the chapel like the perfect family. Even the clothes matched, although there was only so much you could do with black. His father was in a black suit and a hideous yellow tie, and John was in black pants and a black polo. The walked the long way up the aisle to the front where they took their seats.
It was the day they would say their final farewells to Sean. The priest had a moving speech, there were people crying all around the chapel. He sat there with his rose, still in his hand, turning his head now and again. Not looking at or for anyone in particular. It was just a long time to sit there, on the old chairs listening to organ music and priests talking about God Almightys way. He spotted a few classmates and a teacher who had somehow found out it was today. They were crying, everyone were. That is, except his mother and him. His mother sat there cold as ever worrying about the flowers. Were they too much or too sparse?
You realise, it could easiely become too gaudy and it could look like they weren't caring. The carnations really bothered her. She'd specifically asked them not to include purple. One little thing and the look was ruined. For a moment Angela considered going up there, removing them. They were so distracting, what was the priest saying, she thought.
Kenneth grabbed his wife by the arm and motioned for her to get up. It was time to leave a flower on the casket. They each had one. He, the young boy, was the only one who had a red rose. The others had yellow flowers. Everyone had mistaken Angelas hesitation for sorrow but Sally knew better. She knew that Angela would not be sad today. Possibly ever. She had always been good at keeping her emotions at bay.
After the flowers had been placed they walked the casket up to the stone where it was placed. People gathered around hugging and telling the family that everything was going to be alright. You see, there was a reason why God had taken his 11 year old boy. The casket was not lowered into the ground, it stood there for a while, and then everyone went back to their cars and drove off to the riverside restaurant. Sean would be cremated and set into the plot the following weekend in the presence of only Angela, Kenneth, John and the boy.
The now little family of four, would leave last, telling the priest thanks for the lovely ceremony. Before they left, the boy ran back to the casket and took back the red rose. It was going into the ground and what was the point in that? Angela was furious, she yelled at him from the front seat about common decency. It was not proper etiquette to take back something you'd already given to someone else. The boy blurted out "but he's dead! He's not gonna use it". After that, they drove in silence.
The heat was overwhelming by the time they arrived at the riverside restaurant. Angela immediately rushed to the back to make sure the drinks were served before greeting the guests. This time, it was an even more select crowd. Kenneths family would not be attending, and the classmates and teachers had been told it was strictly family. No freeloaders, and no riff-raff. This would be the funeral everyone would talk about for years. The boy was kept close, at the adults table while his older brother and cousins were at the childrens table. She would not make the rookie mistake of placing the two of them at the same table.
She only made mistakes once and everything worked like a charm. By the dessert she went to the loo. Made sure she was alone. Went to the last stall and had cried. Only for a minute. Angela composed herself. Fixed up her makeup and went back to the table like nothing had happened. The boy, with his mothers iron hand away, relocated to the terrace to be alone.
He sat there all by himself enjoying the sun and the view of the river. Boats would sail by and he would wave. Sometimes the people onboard would wave back. It made him smile. His mother noticed he was missing and sent aunt Sally to find him. Aunt Sally brought an orange soda and her fifth gin and tonic out on the terrace. She staggered over and handed him the gin and tonic. He laughed. She always did that, but this time he took a sip. It wasn't nearly as revolting as he thought it would be, but it was strong. Sally gave him the soda and they sat there drinking in silence. They understood each other, and sometimes he wondered what it would be like to have Sally as his mother.
Sally had never married, she had always been the gorgeous one in the family, the one who could get any man she wanted. And she did. Married, rich and beautiful. Tall, dark and handsome. There had been so many gentleman callers, that she'd been asked to leave the building she'd lived in before buying her own penthouse appartment downtown. Now in her fourties she was still desirable but had decided to take it easy. She'd started to enjoy a drink, a bottle of red wine or Champagne instead. Sally didn't particularly like children, and in fact she had never liked John. However she had a special bond with Perry, the young boy. She let him do and get away with anything and what boy doesn't like that.
Perry went for her drink again, this time taking a big sip. She grinned and patted him on the head. He smiled back at her. This time it tasted even less revolting. "Your mother is looking for you" she finally said, "we'd better get in before the ice cream melts, she'll have a fit if that happens". Perry smiled and said "we are not having ice cream, it's sachertorte". She laughed, took his hand and they went back to the room. Kenneth had just thanked everyone for coming and hoped they'd enjoy the rest of the day as there would be drinks after dessert followed by an assortment of sausages and cheeses.
Suddenly the boy of a couple of Angelas best friends came in. Blue around the mouth, looking a little queazy. He was followed by John who was grinning to himself. His parents ran to him asking what was wrong, and then they smelled it. It turned out John and one of his cousins had convinced the poor boy to eat a urinal mint. A blue one "it's blueberry" he'd said, "we've all tried them". He was immediately rushed to the hospital for a check-up but they were harmless. It was only quite disgusting.
In his hand was a red rose. He'd been told to sit on the steps until everyone else were ready. His older brother waiting in his room and his father in the kitchen. All waiting. His mother was in the bathroom putting the last touches on her hair. Now, something you have to realise, is this was back in the early to mid eighties so styling hair took multiple layers of aerosol Elnett and mousse. Those poodle curls didn't just settle that way, they had to be arranged. Arranged carefully. Then finally sealed with extra strong Elnett. It always took her ages to get ready, but today was special.
She finally came out, high poodle hair, black dress, black heels and waterproof mascara. You could feel a chill in the air a mile away. His dad went out and started up the brown Ford Escort. His mother rounded up the older brother and he joined the boy on the backseat. The backseat, usually the battleground of siblings trying to annoy each other until someone got blamed. Nobody said a word, they drove in and out between other families doing their thing on Saturday mornings.
They were however, not like any other family. After ten minutes of silence they arrived at the church. It wasn't an actual church but rather a chapel. Outside they joined a few close friends and immediate family. The older brother, John met up with their three cousins who were throwing rocks at the big oak tree. All while his parents greeted their friends and family. Not everyone were informed, let alone invited to this intimate gathering. He had heard his mother Angela say "The less commotion, the better" to her sister Sally.
His father had gone over to talk to his sisters, one of which had come home from Miami. She had recently married and had a baby. Not in that order, much to the displeasure of Angela. Angela might have come from a working background, like her husband Kenneth, but that didn't mean they couldn't strive to better things, perfection.
Like her hair, Angela had made sure the day would go by without a hitch. First chapel, then place the stone, and finally lunch at the riverside restaurant. The riverside restaurant had been almost impossible to get on such short notice. That had really been an imposition. Finally she had gotten the 40th birthday of some cow bumped and she'd gotten the good room. The one with the riverside view. That had been a good day.
Suddenly the bells started ringing, and people started entering the chapel. He felt his mothers hand around his upper arm and was escorted into the chapel like the perfect family. Even the clothes matched, although there was only so much you could do with black. His father was in a black suit and a hideous yellow tie, and John was in black pants and a black polo. The walked the long way up the aisle to the front where they took their seats.
It was the day they would say their final farewells to Sean. The priest had a moving speech, there were people crying all around the chapel. He sat there with his rose, still in his hand, turning his head now and again. Not looking at or for anyone in particular. It was just a long time to sit there, on the old chairs listening to organ music and priests talking about God Almightys way. He spotted a few classmates and a teacher who had somehow found out it was today. They were crying, everyone were. That is, except his mother and him. His mother sat there cold as ever worrying about the flowers. Were they too much or too sparse?
You realise, it could easiely become too gaudy and it could look like they weren't caring. The carnations really bothered her. She'd specifically asked them not to include purple. One little thing and the look was ruined. For a moment Angela considered going up there, removing them. They were so distracting, what was the priest saying, she thought.
Kenneth grabbed his wife by the arm and motioned for her to get up. It was time to leave a flower on the casket. They each had one. He, the young boy, was the only one who had a red rose. The others had yellow flowers. Everyone had mistaken Angelas hesitation for sorrow but Sally knew better. She knew that Angela would not be sad today. Possibly ever. She had always been good at keeping her emotions at bay.
After the flowers had been placed they walked the casket up to the stone where it was placed. People gathered around hugging and telling the family that everything was going to be alright. You see, there was a reason why God had taken his 11 year old boy. The casket was not lowered into the ground, it stood there for a while, and then everyone went back to their cars and drove off to the riverside restaurant. Sean would be cremated and set into the plot the following weekend in the presence of only Angela, Kenneth, John and the boy.
The now little family of four, would leave last, telling the priest thanks for the lovely ceremony. Before they left, the boy ran back to the casket and took back the red rose. It was going into the ground and what was the point in that? Angela was furious, she yelled at him from the front seat about common decency. It was not proper etiquette to take back something you'd already given to someone else. The boy blurted out "but he's dead! He's not gonna use it". After that, they drove in silence.
The heat was overwhelming by the time they arrived at the riverside restaurant. Angela immediately rushed to the back to make sure the drinks were served before greeting the guests. This time, it was an even more select crowd. Kenneths family would not be attending, and the classmates and teachers had been told it was strictly family. No freeloaders, and no riff-raff. This would be the funeral everyone would talk about for years. The boy was kept close, at the adults table while his older brother and cousins were at the childrens table. She would not make the rookie mistake of placing the two of them at the same table.
She only made mistakes once and everything worked like a charm. By the dessert she went to the loo. Made sure she was alone. Went to the last stall and had cried. Only for a minute. Angela composed herself. Fixed up her makeup and went back to the table like nothing had happened. The boy, with his mothers iron hand away, relocated to the terrace to be alone.
He sat there all by himself enjoying the sun and the view of the river. Boats would sail by and he would wave. Sometimes the people onboard would wave back. It made him smile. His mother noticed he was missing and sent aunt Sally to find him. Aunt Sally brought an orange soda and her fifth gin and tonic out on the terrace. She staggered over and handed him the gin and tonic. He laughed. She always did that, but this time he took a sip. It wasn't nearly as revolting as he thought it would be, but it was strong. Sally gave him the soda and they sat there drinking in silence. They understood each other, and sometimes he wondered what it would be like to have Sally as his mother.
Sally had never married, she had always been the gorgeous one in the family, the one who could get any man she wanted. And she did. Married, rich and beautiful. Tall, dark and handsome. There had been so many gentleman callers, that she'd been asked to leave the building she'd lived in before buying her own penthouse appartment downtown. Now in her fourties she was still desirable but had decided to take it easy. She'd started to enjoy a drink, a bottle of red wine or Champagne instead. Sally didn't particularly like children, and in fact she had never liked John. However she had a special bond with Perry, the young boy. She let him do and get away with anything and what boy doesn't like that.
Perry went for her drink again, this time taking a big sip. She grinned and patted him on the head. He smiled back at her. This time it tasted even less revolting. "Your mother is looking for you" she finally said, "we'd better get in before the ice cream melts, she'll have a fit if that happens". Perry smiled and said "we are not having ice cream, it's sachertorte". She laughed, took his hand and they went back to the room. Kenneth had just thanked everyone for coming and hoped they'd enjoy the rest of the day as there would be drinks after dessert followed by an assortment of sausages and cheeses.
Suddenly the boy of a couple of Angelas best friends came in. Blue around the mouth, looking a little queazy. He was followed by John who was grinning to himself. His parents ran to him asking what was wrong, and then they smelled it. It turned out John and one of his cousins had convinced the poor boy to eat a urinal mint. A blue one "it's blueberry" he'd said, "we've all tried them". He was immediately rushed to the hospital for a check-up but they were harmless. It was only quite disgusting.
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