No Strings

CHAPTER 4--Stop Light; Go Light

My grandfather opened the door to his apartment. Mother's voice was thick with frustration as she yelled into her father's ear. "Dad, we're here."

"What?" her father asked.

"We're here."

"Stupid man. Of course he can't hear you," grandmother said. "He never amounted to much."

Grandma sipped her Earl Grey tea. Good children were to stay silent and not heard. Good children got gifts if they sat, did nothing, said nothing and looked pretty.

My grandfather said a belated, "Oh."

My father whispered in my ear, "Want to play a board game?"

My face lit up.

"I brought a few along."

"Which ones?" I asked.

"Othello, Sorry and Chinese Checkers."

The chaffing of my black prim dress with huge bows on it didn't seem so bad now. If I got a chance to spend time with Dad, then it would be OK.

My mother gave her best, "I disapprove" glare, but I ignored it. Receiving that was nothing compared to having freedom of having a little fun.

"Which ones has the marbles?"

"Chinese Checkers."

"Let's play that."

"Your husband could have chosen at least educational games," my grandmother said as I threw myself into setting up the board.

My father bristled a little, but continued to play. He took the first move. My grandfather pointed to the board with his finger giving me hints about moves I could make. I followed his directions when I agreed with him.

My grandmother continued to pour tea. We lost. My grandpa's wrinkles deepened. I knew he was as disappointed as I was.

"See, he's stupid," grandma said, setting her cup on her saucer. She looked at my grandfather.

Later that day, as I fell asleep, I heard my parents arguing.

"Why did you bring those board games?"

"I thought that Bess would be bored."

"Is that some kind of joke? You know mother hates those kinds of games. I didn't hear the end of it."

I covered my face with a pillow, trying not to hear their conversation. I added all of the blankets over my head, but their voices still drifted in. I never got to play board games on that trip or any time we went to my grandparents' house again.

***

My mother sat me down. "I've decided it is best for you to switch schools."

She sat with her back straight and her hands folded in her lap. I nodded. She pushed forward a brochure from the new school across the dining room table.

"This school is further away--isn't that a longer bus ride?"

"Yes, but I've done research into this school. They have excellent facilities."

"But I won't get to see my friends at this new school."

A plastic smile spread across her face. "You'll make new ones, Dear."

I liked going to William's house and seeing William's mom. I always thought it was funny that she called chocolate chip cookies, "cookies" but other cookies were "biscuits." Maybe I could see her at church. I hid a smile thinking that I could see her again.