A Goode Life

Chapter 2

Father entered the government building for the first time as a member of the judiciary council. He walked in as if it was just another day, but this time he took his seat in a different chair.

His first day as a judiciary member was instructional. Expecting to come home as soon as possible, he took off after the proceedings. But as he was about to leave the building, the intercom summoned him right back in. As part of the judiciary council, he would have more responsibilities. He quickly returned to his seat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for council deliberation," the chairman said, looking at Father. Today they judged non-incarcerable crimes. It was all copyright laws and the like. There were petty copyright crimes that they had to resolve. After passing down many hours of community service and fines, Father finally went home.

Just as he started walking for home, Mother texted, 'Dinner's ready. When will you be home?'

He texted, 'Honey, I'm just heading home from judiciary council. Will be there in fifteen minutes.'

As it was just his first day in the judiciary council, he hadn't made any friends yet. But as a neighborhood representative, he didn't have anything more than an acquaintance, so he doubted he would make friends in the council. Buzz. He received an email. It was an invitation to a party. This was a nice surprise. Almost like it was a conciliatory gift from the universe to partially offset the recent tragedy.

The party was extravagant. It was held in a grand hotel in the city where many dignitaries stayed. In fact, there were dignitaries in attendance. Father had expected it to be restricted to just the judiciary council, but it was not. There were judges and defense attorneys present. It was as if every branch of government was represented, well it was a government function after all. There was a games room for gamers to make friends and socialize. There was full access to a private theater. There was also a bowling alley, a gym, and of course, a huge outdoor pool. As soon as they walked in, Grace and Grant went off to their respective niche, leaving the adults to socialize. Father, unlike Mother, was uncomfortable in such functions. He let her take the lead.

"Enchanté mademoiselle," said a council member.

"Howdy," Father said awkwardly.

"It's a beautiful evening," Mother said. The council member smiled.

"I believe it was your first time at the council seats yesterday was it not?" the council member asked.

"Uh, yes it was. I didn't know I had to stick around," Father said.

"It's no big deal. Others forget their place sometimes," the council member added.

"Excuse me?" Father asked.

"It's nothing. By whose invitation did you come tonight?" the council member asked.

"It was Frank Bay. He emailed me."

"Ah so he is your trainer. Thank you for the information," the council member said bidding adieu.

"That was strange," Father said to Mother. But she was preoccupied, enamored by her surroundings.

Soon the night picked up and there were dignitaries getting into swimsuits and into the pool. Partygoers soon got raucous due to the near limitless supply of alcohol. Naturally some abused it, ending up in the bathroom after a tirade. Father, thinking about how he gets when he's drunk, spilled his drink onto the shrubbery. He did not expect the party to go in this direction, it being a government function and all. His gut told him that they should go home. But his brain was saying he should at least meet his inviter, Frank Bay. Father asked around the council members where he would find Frank Bay. But unfortunately, Frank wasn't present.