Apple Core

Five: Memory

When I look back, the party was a blur. Sure, I remember the name of the movie we watched, and I remember laughing so hard my stomach hurt, but I don't quite remember why.

The best part is that the honey-eyed woman, who I realized was probably Ralph's mother, Mrs.Redd, was off my mind for a bit. The various foods and drinks and the tears of laughter left me thinking of nothing but the party for a while.

We didn't watch a scary movie this time. We watched a kids movie, despite Ralph being a teenager already. I found it easier to sleep that night because of that, and because I was too sleepy I almost collapsed on my way home.

The next morning, Mrs.Redd was still not on my mind. I left the puzzle there and went on with my life, but I knew I'd stumble upon it later. I knew I'd have to find out who she was.

For now, I had to say goodbye to Derek. I walked towards his house. My heart jumped as I passed Ralph's house and remembered that cold December day.

Outside Derek's house stood his father's car. It was a small blue one, barely enough for four people to fit inside. Surrounded by neighbours, Mr and Mrs.Pytt stood saying goodbye to Mr.Redd, who coincidentally didn't have anywhere to travel to that day, and the honey-eyed woman. I was right. She was Ralph's mother.

"Hello, Clyde," said Mrs.Pytt, who recognized me, "how nice of you to come and say goodbye to Derek." she shot her son a stern look, but he looked away and didn't smile to me.

Five girls were also standing outside the car, crying and hugging each other. One of them was Derek's sister.

Derek and Ralph stood as close to Derek's house as possible. I went and stood with them. "Sorry you have to leave, man." I said, trying to comfort him.

"Stupid parents," he mumbled, "they never understand. Never listen. Always say it's for our own good."

"We're gonna miss you, Derek." said Ralph.

"Derek!" said Mrs.Pytt, "come on, we're leaving!"

Derek looked at us one last time. "I'm gonna miss you guys, too." he whispered. He climbed into the car and sat next to his sobbing sister. I watched the car drive away until it was a little blue dot miles away and, soon, nothing.

I felt someone watching me. I turned around. As soon as I looked at Mrs.Redd, she looked away. Why was she looking at me?

Mr.Redd cleared his throat. "So," he said, looking at me, with an awkward laugh, "you're Clyde, right?" I nodded. He extended his hand and I shook it. "Benjamin Redd." he said.

"Clyde White." I replied. It was useless stating my name after he had called me by it. I heard Mrs.Redd give out a sound, like a squeak. Mr.Redd put his hand on her shoulder. "It's not him, Mindy," he whispered, "It's not him."

"Uh, dad?" asked Ralph, sensing the awkwardness, "Clyde and I are just gonna.. go. To.. the park, okay?" His dad nodded. Ralph grabbed me and pulled me towards the park. "What was that?" I whispered, even though his parents were well out of earshot.

He shrugged. "My mom's been acting weird lately," he said, "she keeps crying. And my dad keeps telling her all these.. dramatic things. 'It's not her, Mindy'. 'He's gone, Mindy, stop remembering him, please' or something like 'they might look alike but they're a different person, Mindy, so stop judging her for what her sister did'. It's like I'm in a movie, but at least characters in movies know what's going on. My parents won't tell me. I'm sick of it."

He sighed. "And what's worse is that.. he's gone." he said.

"Whoa," I said, "I think you're turning into your father, Ralph."