A Fine Line

Ride A Horse

It was a fine Tuesday morning. Birds chirped cheerfully at the warmer than usual weather. The family and house guests sat at breakfast while father droned on about nothing important. Mother listened respectfully as she always did while Sue and Austin made funny faces at each other when no one was looking. Though today it seemed they were caught. Rafael stared amusedly at the contorted face Austin made, who stopped as soon as he realized he was being watched. This resulted in a silent laughter between the boys and Sue.

What has happened last week was not spoke about, or acknowledged between the men. Which made sense because, what the hell? Rafa was a man for God's sake. He couldn't have such feeling for man. A man who was a guest of the family, nonetheless.

"So, Austin. What are you plans for today?" Mr. Lassiter spoke with perfect formality.

Taken by surprise, Austin corrected his lazy posture and copied to formalness, "Well, I was planning to go horseback riding with Sue." He paused, waiting for a positive response.

Tuesdays were usually filled with stockholder meetings, which Austin had nothing to do with. He'd hoped today wasn't the day that rule had changed.

"Good. Sue hasn't left the house in almost a week, it's high time for her to get some fresh air." Mr. Lassiter like she wasn't sitting right next to Austin, and it wasn't him who was keep his daughter from leaving the home. But the guests forced his father to be polite. Austin was sure if there wasn't company, he'd be getting an earful.

"I agree. Fresh air is great for clearing the mind." Austin agreed, but made it a point to look at Sue with a look at said, what the hell? There were too many what the hell moments going on lately.

"Take care of her, though. We can't have another accident." Mr. Lassiter chimed while spreading jam on his bread.

Austin saw his sister flinch at that. It annoyed him that Mr. Lassiter spoke of his sister and mother like secondaries. Like they weren't sitting right there. These women did more for the family than anyone else. Sure, his Father brought the money in but this house was inherited generations back. As were the businesses. But the women kept this home standing upright. Without them he was sure men would parish.

"I will." Was all he said back.

Then Sue said, "Rafa, would you like to join us?"

But before he could answer, Mr. Lassiter said, "Sue, do not disrespect the man. You will call him by his name."

But Rafa replied, "Oh, I prefer it. Only my grandmother calls me Rafael."

The old man seemed taken aback. "You aren't proud of your name?"

At that, Rafa cleared his throat, wiping his mouth before speaking firmly. His voice demanded to be listened to. Obeyed, even.

"I was named after my great grandfather who fought and died for his name. He was a fair man that raised his sons to be full of respect and decency. And he is the reason I am in America, fighting for peace. So hear me when I say, I wear the name proudly." Then turned to Sue and said, I'd love to go. Thank you for inviting me."

Mr. Lassiter didn't say much after that. And Austin couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for the man who'd stood up to his father in a way he never could. Because Austin was a coward.

The rest of the meal was quiet with the only noise coming from the clattering of plates and silverware. While it was probably the shortest breakfast they'd ever had, it felt like the longest.

"May I be excused to the stables, father?" Sue interrupted.

There was an anxious feeling in Austin's chest at the question. She as much more bold than Austin. To ask a man anything after witnessing his superiority get knocked down a peg, was something he'd never dare to do. But she had nothing to loose. After all, she was already crippled. And if he were to kick her out, the old man would never heard the end of it from Mrs. Lassiter.