All Too Well - Erik Menendez

Flames

Beverly Hills. CA. 1988.

Whispers POV:

"Dad, you know he struggles w-". Lyle's intervention is immediately cut off.

"Struggles with what? Eating? It's fucking pathetic" Jose's fists bang onto the table at the last word. "Stop making excuses for him".

The table reverts back to silence after Jose's slight outburst. Lyle and I share quick glances at each other, both attempting to read one another's reactions to this situation. Drinks clanking and cutlery hitting against the plates is the only thing that fills the air for what feels like an unbearable amount of time.

All I want to do is run up to Erik, to hold him; to see what's wrong with him. It has become very clear his relationship with food is quite bad. I noticed I never see him in the canteen at school either. I can't help but wonder if he might have some type of eating disorder, but I've never known someone to have one of those; so I'm not sure exactly what the symptoms are of one. I highly doubt he'd tell me even if so and it's very obvious Jose's unwillingness to understand must make it harder for Erik.

Eventually the quizzing of Lyle continues back up. Jose's half-smile returns as by the end of the meal; a new line of questioning picks up.

"So, Whisper. What will you do when Lyle goes back to Princeton?" Jose asks, his eyebrow raised as if he's challenging me with his question.

What is that supposed to mean?

I look to Lyle. I'm not sure why, a part of me expects him to grant me some clarity, or make me feel less-confused by sharing the awkwardness with me. Thankfully he catches on to this.

"Dad, we're just friends". Lyle musters awkwardly, his eyes darting to me at first and then to his dad.

"You're a nice girl, Whisper" Jose ignores his eldest son's words. "Much better than these Princeton girls Lyle brings back".

"Thank you". I smile politely, trying my best to hide just how awkward this moment is for Lyle and I. It seems like there's been a lot of issues with Lyle and ex-girlfriends? I mean, I can't be too surprised. His charm can slightly come off as player-ish.

"Certainly don't let him upstairs come between this". Jose fingers flair between Lyle and I simultaneously as he says 'this'.

In my normal state of mind, obviously I know Jose can't read minds, it's humanly impossible. However, in this moment. I could put money on it that he can. Does he see that I like Erik? And what on earth does he mean by 'this' in reference to Lyle and I. There is nothing for Erik to come in between. Something about this entire exchange fills me with anxiety. I look to Lyle for any sign of comfort, however I get nothing this time. His eyes remain on his father.

"I thought we spoke about this". Lyle says, his hand picking at the hem of his shirt likely out of nerves.

"You spoke about this. I'm speaking of it now". Jose speaks back.

I feel like I'm kept in the dark. I don't know what's going on. I only wish that I could disappear and be where Erik is. Yes, Erik calms my nerves. Those blue eyes would take this away.

Thankfully this topic is interfered by Kitty mentioning dessert and I couldn't be more grateful.

After jeopardy-like dinner is finished, my need to pull Lyle aside and talk to him about what the hell just happened is as strong as ever. However, Jose demands to speak to Lyle in his study. Leaving me together with Kitty in the kitchen, I offer to help clean up. This is met with much gratitude, it does unfortunately set her off into a 'nobody usually helps me in this house' tangent. However, I try smile and nod politely, not feeding into it but not going against her words either. Something tells me she doesn't handle people disagreeing with her well; similar to her husband.