Scene 41

Scene forty-one...The Kennel Club # 4
Time: Lunch hour, Wednesday, May 22, 1946
Place: William's boat
Storyteller: William


Harry is sweating, but he wants that hot cat on his lap.

"She caught me. Janet was so excited to show me that shark, but I lied to her. As if that isn't bad enough, I asked her to deceive Lois. What kind of father would do such a despicable thing?"

"A father addicted to gambling. You're hooked on the forbidden fruit. Because it's taboo, you think there must be some advantage or benefit to playing the dogs. You're wrong...no benefit...but it has power over you."

"You mean gambling attracts me more than golf, because hitting a little white ball around is socially acceptable, even when we bet a few bucks on a round?"

"Exactly. Where's the picture of your dad?"

"In the family album."

"Please put an eight by ten of your parents on your desk at the office. You have photos of your wife and children at work and in your wallet, right?"

"Of course."

"Your dad, in particular still has power over you. Look hard at his picture before leaving work."

"Will do." Tom jumps out of Harry lap as he stands. "What would Betty think? She's so hard working and responsible."

We shake on that.




Popular posts from this blog

Scene 95...Epilogue

WARNING Spoiler Alert !!! This is "The End" Please read scenes 1-94 first. EPILOGUE...Scene 95...Letter From Janet Time: June 16, 1948 Place: Nice, France Storyteller: Janet Dear Paul, I can't believe you missed the Monaco Grand Prix, all because of college. Nino won in a Maserati, per usual. The Prince kept staring at me again. Doris needs to see the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. It's on a cliff above the sea. Betty likes her job at the hospital. Also, she's taking Mediterranean cooking classes. By the looks of her, she's eating too much delicious food, or she's pregnant. William will soon be joining the faculty of medicine at Aix-Marseille University. I wonder if they'll get an apartment? Can babies live on boats? Surprisingly, Dad didn't explode about Betty moving a hundred miles away. He's busy getting the vineyard perfect for Tony's visit. Mom continues to paint with the Big Shots. Guess you heard I graduated.
Read more

Scene 21

Scene 21...Swan Lake Time : Afternoon, Saturday, March 2, 1946 Place: Ballet School Storyteller: Janet Mom is watching me drive. She says, "What do you suppose Brodskys were fighting about last week? And in front of us? When Madame called to say they accepted you, I almost dropped the phone." "Yea. I was down in the dumps, thinking I'd never see this studio again." "Park over there. "Mom points to a space in the shade. Anna introduces me to the class. The two dozen students are probably in high school.  We warm up at the barre, then move to the center. "Adagio," says Mistress. She leads us through a series of exercises, fluid and focused, performed slowly. "Arabesque," Anna continues. I stand on one leg. The other extends behind my body. My goal is to create a smooth line from shoulders to arms and into the toes of my extended leg. The door slams. Sergey enters, all smiles. I hold my pose until Mistress says ot
Read more

Scene 17

Scene Seventeen...Rubies Time: After school, Friday, February 15, 1946 Place: Doris's house Storyteller: Janet I burst through the front door without knocking. Betty is dressed for work. Doris will be home from her shift soon. "What did he give you? Show me." "Hi Janet. How are you?" my sister teases. "Don't torture me. What did you get for Valentine's Day?" "I'll tell you about our romantic evening and then show you this." She puts the little, red box on the kitchen table. I try to grab it, but Betty is quicker. "Okay, make it snappy. Skip all the boring stuff." "William ordered us the most expensive entree on Sal's menu, lobster." "I don't care about food at the moment. Move on." "We walked back to his boat, arm in arm, with Tom. A golden moon reflected on the water; is full moon tonight?" "Who cares? What did you drink? How many?" "Rum an
Read more