Dancing with the Stars

Chapter 9

Of all men's miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.

Herodotus

The life Kendall chose, living his life autonomously.

It has been years since he kneeled and closed the eyes of his best friend. He found out what camp Frank's Mom and Emily were being held and quietly told her about Frank and his dad Norman. He hug Nancy Frank sister and whisper "I'm sorry for your loss, there was nothing Kendall could have done. It sadden him.

When they left the camps Kendall made sure that they were taken care of. No one knew, if they did he wouldn't be alive today. He set them up in a good neighborhood next to family members. A nice house at the end of a Cul de Sac. He made sure every month they receive an allocation. He always kept tabs on them. They never knew but that was alright. Frank would have been please with him.

He question his life that day but knew that he could never go back. Back to his innocent youth before he became involved in all of this. This was his life now. The life of an agent. He live in secrecy and solitude.

He pulled up to his apartment. It was a two story building white with grey trim. He had the upper floor all to himself. It was quietly location just outside Los Angeles in a nice neighborhood. Here was his solitude. Kendall key in the code and enter the building. Kendall quickly ran up the stairs and walk down the hallway to his apartment. He unlocked the door and enter. Kendall put his keys on the table by the door. He look around everything was in place. His apartment was immense lavish decorated. The living room had a set of Mahoney couches that did well with the hardwood flooring. There was a formal dining room with an elegant table set with silver candles. There were several room and a master bedroom with walk in closets. What Kendall love the most about this place was the spacious kitchen. It was open had all the amenities, plus it came with a mini bar. He love to cook. He learn from Frank's dad Norman. He remember the meals laughing at Franks jokes. Franks family was a life saver for him. They help him deal with the loss of his dad. Frank's father taught him how to cook. Franks mother wasn't that bad of a cook. Sometime they would team up. Norman said every man should learn how to fend for oneself. Kendall went to the cooler and pulled out a bottle of his best wine. He been saving it for a special occasion. He turn to get a glass out of the cupboard. He open it noticing that all the glassware was arraigned the same just the way he like it. Kendall couldn't control his life but here everything was in order. It brought calmness to the chaos that surrounded him. Kendall like things to be in order, everything in his apartment was meticulous in place. Everything was clean not a speck of dust in sight. Kendall open the wine and pour it into the glass. He sat it on the coaster on the counter and went to the fridge. Tonight Kendall would make Franks favorite dish, Shabu. He got out the ingredients. He remember how Franks family would all participate in the preparations. Nancy slicing the meat and vegetables. Franks mom would make the soup. The best part about it was the sauce. Franks Dad Norman made the best Shabu sauce. Norman said, being patient and not rushing it, makes the sauce great. He went to work, cooking calm him and help him think. He miss his friend and tonight he will honor him with his favorite meal. Kendall did this every year on the anniversary of his friend death. It was his way of never forgetting Frank and Norman. He took the meal he prepared and place it on the table. There was only a setting for one. The dishes were lay out in order. The napkin creased, silverware gleaming. Everything in place. He look around his apartment. There were no pictures of Frank or his family. There were no pictures at all. He lived his life autonomously. It is how he survived. It is how he lives. Kendall sat down and pick up the napkin and shook it out. Carefully he place it on his lap. He pick up his wine glass and saluted Frank. Here's to you buddy. May I never forget you.