Page 22 of Cocky Origins: May and Jerald Cocker

Poking my head in from the living room I say a nervous, “Yes, Mother?”

Please let me go.

Please let me go.

Please let me go!

“I’m sorry I wasn’t speaking to you today. That wasn’t my best behavior.”

Guilt dives into my heart. “Oh, um…that’s perfectly alright. I deserved it.”

Her smile comes quick, which just makes it worse. “It’s so like you to own up to your responsibilities. Go on now. Don’t keep Mrs. Marlow waiting a moment longer. Hospitals can be a lonely place.”

“Yes, Mother. Goodbye.” I head out, pause, and stick my head back in. “I love you.”

Her shoulders relax, and she touches her chest. “I love you too.”

Please forgive me.

Please forgive me.

Please forgive me!

Outside we hurry to Sable’s parents car. Lily dashes around to the driver’s side as I scoot in. My eyes go wide at the sight of Sable folded up on the floor in the backseat. I quickly fix my face to show no emotion what-so-ever.

“Gertie should be waiting on her lawn!” Lily announces, pulling away from the curb.

As we drive down the block, Sable hisses, “Lily Marie Marlow, if you crash this car I will never speak to you again.”

Lily turns toward the fair and laughs, “Oh stop, you would so!”

I smile, “How ya doing down there?”

“Stuff it!”

13

JERALD

It’s Peter, Marvin, my brother Hank, and me again, strolling through a fair erected on an empty lot that only ever seems to serve this purpose. Each year since I was a boy the carnies come to town and set up shop right at this very spot. The rest of the year it’s dirt, dirt, and more dirt awaiting their return and all the excitement they took with them.

On this fine Saturday afternoon, sun shining through enough clouds to make it comfortable, the place is teeming with locals out for a good time.

Hank says, “Seems a lot of folks want to forget about the war.”

“I would hardly think so,” Marv objects, “A portion of the ticket prices go to the war effort, didn’t you know? By coming they’re doing their part.”

“Huh,” my brothers nods, casting a wide glance around the place. “Got everything you’d expect, don’t they?”

“Same as last year,” Peter agrees. “Rides, games, and best of all — the freak show.”

“I like the bearded lady!” Marv grins.

“You would.”

He pushes Peter, who laughs, and nearly stumbles over his wide-legged pants. Righting his newsboy-cap, Peter tells us, “Darren wanted to come, but I told him he’d be a fifth wheel.”

My brother jokes, “Like this pal here called Ferris?”

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