Being a Barrow - A Sequel to Barrow's Boy

All's Well that Ends Well

Note: this chapter deals with the topics of segregation, discrimination, racial profiling, the KKK and White supremacism

     Teddy and Everett had very quickly decided that their best bet of surviving their time in Chicago was to stick together. As much as they had been interested in meeting Percy's family, it was quickly clear to Theodore that they may not be so keen on meeting them. So, they stayed close, engaged in conversation when it was offered, and, admittedly, hoped for a chance to get out of the house and go into the city for a bit. 

     Once they had arrived back at the Harts' home, Theodore had gone off to the sidelines, grabbing some paper and a pen from his belongings to start writing out a thorough letter to Rose and Atticus to express his appreciation for their hospitality. While he wished he could have spent longer there, he would readily admit that the time they did have was highly enjoyable. Maybe he could hope for their eventual return to England soon, though he doubted it would be permanent. New York suited Rose just as much as Theodore believed St. Raphael's suited him. It wouldn't be right to remove her from there.

     He wasn't sure how long he had been writing, but eventually, Everett came to sit next to him, placing his hands on his knees. 

    "It looks like Perce and his mum are actually talking," Everett said quietly so as not to be heard by any of the men in the house with them. Teddy looked at him and raised an eyebrow. 

     "Is that so?"

     Everett nodded, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees as he continued.

     "They're sitting out on the front step. Seems like a pretty deep conversation. Not that I heard any of it. Just saw them through the window."

     "Good for them," Teddy replied, signing his name on the paper, waving it in the air to dry any excess ink, and starting to fold it. "At least one of us should try to have a good relationship with their mother."

     "You can't fault me here-"

     "Not at all," Teddy readily agreed. "Being away from them suits you. But I'm not able to speak to my mother, so one of the Levellers has to try."

     "And the fourth?" Everett's hesitation to even speak it came clearly through his voice, and Teddy tried not to think too much about it.

     "The fourth can have whatever relationship she wants with her family. It's none of my business."

     Everett watched Theodore for far longer than he was comfortable with, and Teddy had to make an effort to not crack or squirm under his gaze. Finally, he nodded, and Theodore looked away, grabbing an envelope and stuffing the letter into it.

     Behind them, the hinges of the front door creaked. Teddy looked over his shoulder to see Percy holding it open for his mother as she entered the home before following in himself. Immediately, Mary called into the house.

     "Sam!"

     In a few seconds, Sam's head appeared, poking out of the doorway into the dining room.

     "What?"

     "When's your next shift at work, hun?"

     "Wednesday morning."

     "Oh good," Mary replied, smiling widely. "That means you can take Percy and his friends into the city tomorrow and show them around."

     "Wait, what? But-"

     "I don't believe it was a question, Mister," Mary cut him off. "Are you going to show them around, or are you going to sit around here all day doing nothing while your siblings go to school, your father works, and I do all the housework?"