The Incomer

Wednesday, August 25th 1976

It was a Wednesday morning and I woke up abruptly to a loud bang from downstairs. I felt the California sun heat my forehead as I rubbed my temple and rolled my eyes, knowing this was a normal occurrence in this household. My father was most likely trying to make breakfast again. I rolled out of bed and saw the light of the bathroom on. I in and saw Levy brushing his hair, I was always jealous of his dirty blonde curls that bounced with every movement. I, on the other hand, was stuck with the straightest hair known to mankind. I got dressed in white high-waisted shorts and a short sleeve shirt and applied some light makeup. I wasn't going to see anyone important today so I made sure not to overdo it, although I usually never do.

"Why can't we just call in or go out?" I asked but slightly annoyed at the fact that I was annoyed. 

"Stop, you know how much he likes to try for us ever since mom left," He responded while applying hair gel.

"Yeah, I just wish he wouldn't stress himself out so much. He needs to understand that the divorce wasn't his fault. No lie, mom was a grade a bitch," I said, truthfully, as I brushed my plain hair.

During the divorce, our mother did everything possible to make our father feel like it was his fault. The dishes aren't cleaned? His fault. The bed wasn't made? His fault. The food wasn't on the table? His fault.

"Hey, hey, you don't mean that," Levy said.

"I know, I'm just so pissed about the end result, why can't they just be friends?" I asked

"I am too, just hold your head up high. It's going to be ok," He said, giving me a warm smile as he hugged me from behind.

Levy was always the better half, always more optimistic than I could ever be and I was grateful for that. Although he was my brother, I would consider him my best friend, and I know he would say the same for me.

"Lucy, Levy, come down here please," I heard dad say

We walked down the stairs to find dad talking with a man on the kitchen island. It was weird, dad didn't have any friends so I wasn't sure who he was.

"Ah, kids, I'd like you to meet Dr. Carver. He is an old friend of mine from college," Dad started as Levy and I stood there.

"Oh please, call me Kevin," The man said

"Hi," Levy and I said at the same time as Kevin gave us a warm smile. Uncomfortable silence grazed upon us. Kevin and dad looked at each other and Kevin nodded his head and began to talk.

"I recently lost my job and after a long battle with my now ex-wife she won everything, and I mean everything: from my car to the house that I paid for." Kevin started, his voice sounding slightly effeminate.

"Wow, I'm so sorry," Levy said as I nodded, but unsure of what this had to do with us.

"It's alright so I told your dad and well, would you like to take it away, Grant?" He said motioning his hand to my father

"Sure, Kevin and I have been discussing this for a while and I never found the right time to tell you but, he is going to be staying with us for a while, just until he is back on his feet," Dad finished

We didn't know how to react, and because of this Levy and I stood there in shock for a couple of seconds. This was weird, majorly weird. It's not every day that your father comes in and tells you that someone new is going to be living with you.

"Levy, Lucy?" I heard, and suddenly snapped out of my daydream

"Yeah sorry, but of course you're welcome by us," Levy said, saving us from looking super standoffish.