After The Dinner Party

Cherry Soda

This Chapter's soundtrack

(roslyn-Bon Iver) 

                                                                               (Another Flashback)

                                                (One week after Roberts "home from war" Party)

Mother was drunk again, of course, but not drunk to the point where she was passed out. Drunk to the point where she was just really happy.  Dancing around in the kitchen with Kit, who had just turned 11. She knew it wasn't real but for a minute we had the old mom back. I told them about the party being held at the same place again, and my mother, being herself, ran up the steps excitedly singing. Kit followed and got dressed. I also got dresses but into the same ball gown I wore last time. My Mother walked into my bedroom and saw me, stumbling into my bedroom, and then passing out on the bed. She didn't get to go to the party. So I went into her bedroom and took a wine coloured gown, almost matching Kit's maroon coloured dress. I paired it with my black heals that were a bit shorter than the ones I wore last time. I walked to the party with Kit, she seemed disappointed that Mother wasn't going. But I expected nothing more. Mother was never really there. 

We walked through the doors and Kit gave her coat to the lady by the coat closet. Kit stayed close to me. As I secretly looked out for Robert. I wonder if he'd even remember me. He was talking to one of the generals and a solider from the 54th outside by the gates behind the building. They were formed in a small circle chatting. There were actually a good amount of guests outside, talking and drinking. 

I walked up to the drink cart with Kit and made her a Shirley temple, which was basically cherry soda. She wanted to try the alcohol and of course I didn't let her but she soon realised that those bottles were what took our mother away. 

Robert walked up to us, "I see you're walking better in heals."

I was shocked that he even remembered me. "Oh, practice I guess." I said, awkwardly laughing. 

"Practice makes perfect." He said, smiling, "and who is this?" He asked. 

"Oh, this is my little sister, Kit, I call her Kitty though."

"y/n I'm too old for that!" Kit groaned.

Robert laughed, "it's nice to meet you, Kit."

"Are you y/n's boyfriend?" Kit asked. 

"Kit I just met him." I said laughing, giving her the *shut up* stare.

"It's just that she never talks to boys." Kit explained to Robert.

"Oh well I'm sure she has someone she's seeing."

"Oh actually no, I don't, but I'm sure you have a girlfriend or wife around here somewhere."

Robert looked around. "Nope." He said, laughing. "I'm all by myself."

"Not for longggggg" Kit joked, laughing.

Robert smiled and looked down at Kit's drink, "whatcha got there?" He asked.

"Oh it's nothing alcoholic! I would never let her-"

Kit , "it's cherry soda."

Robert's friend were quick to distract him with some war stories and whatever else boys talk about. Kit ended up not feeling well that night, so I agreed to take her home. Robert said goodbye on my way out, Kit was pulling my dress to get me to go home so I waved goodbye with  a smile and then chased Kit down the street.

I think she was just uncomfortable with the crowd, I think it was too loud for her.

Kit never liked loud noises, I understand why now, 

its her ptsd, and I never even realised .