Page 27 of To Save Him

I couldn’t take it anymore.  “JR, I think that’s enough for now.”  My son looked at me, wide-eyed, but I could see the understanding on his face.  “I think he needs some time to process.”

“Sorry.”  I could see compassion in my son’s eyes, and it made me proud.  He might not have been perceptive at the outset due to his enthusiasm, but he finally got it.

“No problem, JR.”

I smiled at my son.  “Why don’t you tell us about your favorite class?”

I could have patted myself on the back after a few minutes, because JR for some reason latched on and ran with the topic.  He’d never seemed to have a favorite subject in school before, but this year he’d taken an interest in social studies, particularly history and politics.  I could see why he was growing fascinated with the class (his teacher was fresh out of college and passionate about teaching young minds), but I couldn’t get excited about politics.  I wouldn’t tell my son at this impressionable young age, but I thought all politicians were crooked in one way or another.  And I didn’t know it at the time, but Brandon was beginning to form similar thoughts based on his experiences in the military that I as yet didn’t know much about.

I only paid half attention to JR’s monologue, instead glancing from time to time at Brandon.  He looked a little confused and out of sorts, but he picked at his food as he seemed to get his bearings again.

“But just because the United States had slaves, it wasn’t like it was the first time that ever happened.  Slavery has existed throughout all of history.”  I nodded, tuning back in again, and JR, tired of neglecting his food, picked up a potato chip and crunched on it.  “Okay.  Anna’s turn.”

Annabel looked up from what looked like a football huddle with her boyfriend, as if they’d been discussing strategy for a touchdown.  “For what?”

“To talk about what class you like best in school.”

She shrugged and Liam said, “She likes English because I’m in that class.”

JR smirked.  “Yeah, I’m sure that’s the only reason why she likes it.  It’s not like we have a mom who writes or anything.”

Liam cocked a dark blonde brow before giving another arrogant answer.  “That’s the reason she gives, butIknow the real reason.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you do.”

Brandon’s words were soft.  “Why don’t we lethersay what class she likes?”

I could see Liam bristle, sitting up straighter.  “I’m just messing around.”

Again, Brandon’s words were quiet, but I could hear something…something almost dangerous behind the syllables.  “That may be, but we really do want to hear what she likes.”

“Yeah, so don’t be a douche, Lee.”

“JR!”

My son frowned, not looking nearly as abashed as I would have liked, but still he said, “Sorry.”

JR’s apology went unnoticed.  Liam’s back was straight as a board, his chest starting to puff out, and he was no longer holding my daughter.  I could almost sense that he was ready to stand and defend himself.  What the hell was happening and how had it happened so fast?

Fortunately, my daughter still had half a brain when it wasn’t flooded with hearts.  “He’s right.  I love English.”  She kissed her boyfriend on the cheek.  “But I’m sorry, gorgeous.  It’s not just ‘cause you’re in there.  You’re just the icing on the cake.”  Liam’s face softened and his torso relaxed as he turned his face back to my daughter.

But I was still left wondering what the hell I’d missed.

 

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