Don't Save My Life

Chapter 27

Emmett

I tucked a cloth napkin into the small space that my noose of a tie hadn't yet occupied, drawing a satisfied nod from my mother. In response, I offered a closed lipped smile partially grateful for the loss of circulation around my neck. I didn't have much of an appetite lately anyway; especially for fifty dollar raw fish eggs.

The sharp clink of metal to glass drew all attention to my father, who lifted his wine glass as he remained seated.

"I'd like to offer a toast. It took five months, but thanks to working together, and the best damn Lawyers in the country, the case has been dropped." He smiled warmly at my brother who beamed in his seat next to me. Even Bennett had polished up for dinner. He wore a white button down and dark wash jeans with loafers that looked glossier than tap shoes. 

"Congratulations son." Dad finished, motioning his drink towards Ben.

 I gave Ben two sharp pats on the back before grabbing the back of his neck in a strong grip. "I'm happy for you bro."

He turned to me offering a grin that I was sure mirrored mine. "Thanks twin."

      I nodded and lifted my glass to clink with frank and Irene. Frank pulled back quickly, making me miscalculate and spill a little of my drink. He chuckled. But it was more like a booming belly laugh. It was completely embarrassing and even through me off guard at times, making me jump out of my seat. But it was nice to hear my father’s laugh.

"Oh this toast isn't finished yet." He said when he'd composed himself. "To Emmett, I don't know what we would do without you son. Cheers to the end of eleventh grade year and the beginning of a fresh start for all of us."

     I tried to play it cool, but it was hard with my mom bursting with tears. I accepted the toast, taking a sip of my apple cider before lowering the glass back to the satin tablecloth. Dad had begun interrogating Benet about his plans to get his GED this summer. The option of returning to high school had been Frank's main prospect for my brother for a few months before he realized that Benet was serious when he said he wasn't going back. In an attempt to follow the new house rules, of supporting each other no matter what, Dad grimaced through it and offered Ben and ultimatum. High school, or working for him until he got his GED. Otherwise Benet would have to move out.

     Rule two of the house was more of an unspoken mutual agreement. Each and every member of the family would do what it took to keep the best interest of the family in mind. That meant keeping the four of us together at all costs. Benet wouldn't be fulfilling his side of the promise if he chose to move out, so he agreed to the job.

     They had their bad days, all of us did. But at the end of the day, the family I saw sitting around the dinner table was not what it had been when I was a kid, or even when everything was brand new when I awoke from the coma. The family that I knew now, wasn't perfect, but we were finally happy, and that meant much more than all the money and perfection in the world.

     My Dad's words reverberated in my mind until all my eyes saw was the blur of orange caviar meshing with the white of the plate. The time had gone incredibly fast since December. The Crescent’s winter ball had come and gone successfully  So well that even though we didn't raise enough money to save it,a city councilmen had offered to buy it and continue to run it. Impressed by Lyle's initiative, he agreed to let Lyle, a seventeen year old kid, run it. It could be like they'd never lost it.

 It was one of those bittersweet memories as I watched my brother and his soon to be wife enter onto the makeshift stage. Benet wore a white tuxedo, but it wouldn't be him without a batman bowtie. Daisy was one of the only few at the ball wearing a gown in the sand. It was long, navy blue velvet that clung to her nicely. Long lace sleeves trailed her arm and back up ending just below her collar bone.