The air conditioning was broken, and the hot, sticky air of Tennessee was pounding on my back in the hot sun. It's November 5. That means it's supposed to be fall, right? Nope, it's 88 degrees outside. I hate it. It needs to be about twenty degrees cooler. I've had enough hot for the summer; it's time to bring it down, Mother Nature.
We are all sitting out on the porch, sipping our sweet teas and lemonade just enjoying nature and pretending to enjoy the heat.
"I wish Daddy was home."
My mother carved a hole right through me in a matter of seconds. Her gaze softened, though, and she turned away. I thought I saw a single tear scurry down her cheek, but I must have imagined it; Momma never cries.
"I know, baby. Me too."
We returned to silence, listening only to the birds chirping and the leaves rustling. We were left to our own thoughts, and I guess my little brother just couldn't take it anymore.
"Lena, talk about something."
"Trase, I don't have anything to talk about."
"Sure, you do."
"No, I don't."
Then Momma piped in, "You've always got something to talk about, Travis. Why don't you talk?"
"I don't have anything to talk about."
"Then hush."
Momma didn't say it in a harsh tone. I don't think she can. My momma is the sweetest thing you will ever meet. She has the softest voice, but it is somehow clear and easy to hear. She has the most beautiful singing voice in all of Tennessee, and I'm not joking either. She is kind to everyone and always smiling. My momma is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen too. When my Daddy's not around, men will stop and stare, but they never disrespect her in any way. They know she will turn around and punch them right then and there. Then, when my Daddy heard about it, they know he'd beat the tar out of them. About as much as any of them say is "Howdy, Mrs. Loraine. How's Bo?" They make friendly conversation, nothing ever flirty. She never complained about anything either. I want be just like her. I know that's sort of cliché, but it's true.
Momma continued, "Why don't you go down to Mr. and Mrs. Smith's house and see if maybe Billy wants to play." It was a statement not a question.
"I guess I could. Okay, Momma. I'll be back by supper-time."
"Alrighty."
Trase kissed Momma, grabbed his bike, and raced off.
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I'm sorry this chapter is so short. I'm just not sure how to do this. I know it was probably sort of boring, but I did leave a little mystery with the Daddy situation. Once again, feel free to comment advice or anything you feel you need to tell me.
