The Barefoot Violinist

Flipped Out

The following morning, on impulse, Cory decided to pick Bennett up for school. He wasn't exactly sure what time Bennett would be ready, so set off early. When he pulled up in their driveway, Chrissie was getting out of her car, turning around to wave at him.

"It's nice to see you again. I swear you spend most of your time at your place." she smiled at Cory, handing him a cup of coffee once they'd reached the kitchen. "Blue has shown me some of the things that you two have been working on..." she said, sitting down opposite him.

"He seems really happy and is very excited about everything that you've been doing. And even though I can sense that he's unsure of this world he's found himself in right now, it's good to see him interested in everyday life and other people... well, as interested as you're ever going to get from Bennett." Chrissie smiled brightly as she thought how her son had come out of his shell more when it came to his friends. The fact that he was going out with them and doing things that didn't revolve around his violin felt like a blessing to her.

"He's opening up again when he comes home." her eyes shimmered brightly. " Thank you Cory." she briefly patted his hand.

Cory was unsure of what to say. It felt more like Bennett was the one to help him. Save him from himself, if he had to be honest. He wouldn't know what to do without Bennett. Still deep in thought, a murderous scream cut through the quiet of the house.

"What?" Cory jumped up, sure that Bennett was being attacked. He looked around when he felt Chrissie's hand on his arm to stop him.

"Don't worry. It's nothing serious. He's been short tempered and prickly since yesterday." she motioned for him to sit down again. "I probably moved something somewhere, or lord forbid, I touched his clothes again." 

"Mother!" Bennett shouted from the top of the stairs.

"Oh dear, I've gone and done it this time!" Chrissie grinned at Cory. "He only calls me Mother when I've really screwed up. Prepare yourself!" she laughed, leaving him in the kitchen listening to their exchange.

It was obvious that something had set Bennett off again, listening to his angry tone that bordered on hysteric, barrelling down at her at lightning speed. He could hear Chrissie trying to reason with him, cajoling him along, while Bennett only responded in a petulant tone after a while. It seemed that peace had finally been restored.

"Oh, you're here." Bennett frowned at Cory as if he was an irritation when he entered the kitchen.

"Good morning, yourself." Cory grinned, getting up to hug him. "I thought we could go to school together."

"Look, now isn't really a good time..." he started to say, but was cut off by Chrissie who popped her head through the door.

"Bennett Alexander Reginald Cane, you're going to get yourself sorted and go to school with Cory, no arguments!"

"But mo..."

"Don't you start with me young man. You're going to get ready and forget about all this nonsense!" her tone indicated that she would brook no further argument from him.

"But moth-" He started again.

"One more word and I'll send you off to school without your violin. Try me." When she didn't receive any other response, she left mumbling to herself.

"So you've got a whole lot of names huh?" Cory asked grinning at the way Bennett's mum had called him. Even he knew that when they started using your full names, shit's about to hit the fan. Now he stood in front of a scowling Bennett who was chewing his lip as if calculating his options.