The Boy Across The Lake

The Song.

Chapter 3: The Song.

Stallings                                                       2018

I opened my old room door and it was just how I left it. I walked in and placed my bags down. I stared over to the dresser and seen a picture frame. I grabbed it and it was of Samej, Violet, and I at Homecoming our Senior Year. I smirked as I placed it back down. My phone started ringing. I quickly pulled it from my back pocket and seen Briann name across the screen. I answered, "Is everything okay?"

"Dad, yes! Just was calling to see if you made it on time."

"Yes, I did.I am about to unpack and start me some dinner. Is my house still in order?"

"Yes. Love you Dad, talk to you later."

"Love you too, Son." I told him as I hung up as I heard Samej.

"Son? You have a son." He asked behind me. I turned to him and fuck did he flash to the store and back. Its only been an hour. I licked my lips and stated, "Yep. He is 17." I walked out the room pass him and he said, "Oh wow. Never thought Ill see the day you succumb to woman." I turned around and laughed.

"You are a such an idiot. I swear. You know I would never. Um, Im taking my room so you can have the couch." I told him as he threw his hands up.

"Wasnt thinking of sleeping anywhere else...um Imma unload the bags and head back to the bar. You can stay here mad all by yourself." He told me as I flopped down on the couch.

"You wish I was mad. I aint at all. I just want this weekend to be over so I can get back home to see my son go to prom and graduate." I told him as he chuckled and told me I was something else. He walked out and I seen as he came back in with bags of grocery. He was upset. I know when he is mad. He gets this one wrinkle right between his eyes on the lining of his nose. Maybe I should lat off a bit. I stood up and walked into the kitchen. He was opening the fridge and I grabbed one of the bags and start taking the things out.

Cabbage. Carrots. Onions. Bellpeppers. I smelled the Bellpepper and exhaled, "Rosie's Fresh Market, huh?"

"Yup. Freshest veggies and fruits in all of Stallings." He told me in this monotone that was cold.

"Atleast somethings havent changed." I mumbled as I told him, "You can go! Ill put the things up." He placed the package of pork down and asked, "Is you sure?"

"I am sure. Go head to your bar." I told him as he said, "Okay." He walked out of the kitchen and out the front door. I leaned against the cabinet and tears start rolling dowm my face as memories of cooking with Mister Walters came rushing back to me.

Stallings                                                       1996

"Lime, you have to slice that onion some more. You are going to over season the heck out of that meat." He told me as he rushed over and I handed him the knife as he showed me.

"You sure you was in the Navy or did you cook for a living." I asked him as he laughed, "Please I had to left hands before I met my wife. I couldnt tell the difference between a pot and a skillet. My wife taught me everything I know. My Avon was my saving grave when it comes to the kitchen." He handed me back the knife and I started cutting again.

"So-um the homecoming dance is this upcoming weekend and I was thinking of going with—."

"Samej? Dont tell me he is ready to come out already." He finished my sentence. I gasped, "Mister Walter!?! Why would you say that!?!"