Page 5 of Xander

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“Hey, darlin’. The club has things going on, we can’t make the trip,” Aunt Tempie said.

I nodded, “Maybe we can make the trip this year. I’ll ask Mom.”

I heard her chuckle, “You know they won’t come down here.”

“But why?” I asked.

I heard her sigh, “They don’t agree with what Merlin does, sweetie. And that’s fine.”

I shook my head, “No, it’s not fine. That’s not right. Merlin is awesome.”

I knew she had to have me on speakerphone because I heard Uncle Merlin in the background say, “And so are you, shortie.”

After we talked for a few more minutes, I hung up the phone and then went in search of my mom to ask her.

I found her in the kitchen next to the island, starting dinner.

She smiled at me, then asked, “Honey? Can you get the colander for me, please? Time to wash the potatoes.”

I nodded as I moved to get the colander.

Then I asked, “Why don’t we make the drive this year to go see Aunt Tempie and Uncle Merlin? I think it’ll be fun.”

“Your dad can’t take off work right now.” She told me.

I knew that wasn’t the case.

My dad was the vice president of his company.

He really could do anything he wanted.

Therefore, I said, “Mom, that’s not why.”

She sighed, then looked over at me and said, “The club your Uncle Merlin is in does dangerous things. And I don’t want to be around any of that.”

I lifted my brows, “What kind of dangerous things?”

She didn’t answer me, not really; she just said, “Things that you don’t need to concern yourself with. Now help me with dinner. I think we need to have loaded mashed potatoes. What do you think?”

I dropped the subject because I knew that our conversation was over and simply nodded. “That sounds good.”

Age 18

“Congratulations, sweetheart,” My Aunt Tempie said as she hugged me.

I had just graduated from high school.

They had made the trip up for the event.

My dad hugged me next, followed by mom, and then my Uncle Merlin.

We were back at our house for a little party.

I was standing outside when Uncle Merlin stepped to my side.

“Uncle Merlin?” I asked.

He winked at me and asked, “What’s up, shortie?”

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