A simple story II part 13
#13 of A simple story II
« That's the way
ahan ahan
_I like it _
ahan ahan
That's the way
I like it. »
The young teen, grinding in the dark, the eyes barely opened, tried to find desesperetly his phone touching it. Getting it, he turned it off and looking at the screen, Greg made sure than it would not snooze again. A stuff sound came from behind. He didn't need to turn around to see and feel Francis turning back, getting back on his deep sleep. Greg got his naked feet in the wooden ground, sat at the edge of the bed, trying to remember why he woke up so early on that saturday morning.
All came back easily fast. He stood up, went to the window, getting his face through the heavy curtains to look outside. The night didn't hide the light breeze and the rain wetting the ground, light by the public lights like a thin veil.
« Great... »
His protest would not change a thing so he get his clothes and took his sport bag filled since the previous evening, exiting the room slowly. He let the bag in the ground before to go to the bathroom.
Busy. Greg could see the shadows under the door and hearing the running water.
« Great. »
Greg came back to his room's door, getting his clothes on slowly. He was barely dressed than the bathroom's door opened, letting Ed fresh and clean getting out.
« Cool, you're up. Want some coffee ? »
Ed talked not too loudly. They went down the stairs and Greg let his bag on the couch. On the coffee table, he could see the numeric cam ready to be used. Ed borrowed it the previous day. The bear was now singing an old tune making a fast breakfast.
« Slept well ?
Not enough I think. I had troubles to sleep.
Don't worry. You'll have rest when you'll be dead. »
He smiled, making his son to smile a bit with that old nurse's saying. Greg took some grilled bread, wetting it with jam before to bite on it slowly. He was not really hungry but he had to eat something anyway. He was looking at his father eating some large amounts of bakeries., making them pass with coffee.
He took anyway some time to rub a gentle hand on his son's cheek.
« I know what you're thinking about and what you feel, you know.
Really ?
Of course I do. I knew those kind of mornings before important tests, knowing they would lead my future. To succeed and making me going closer to my dream, or to fail and getting back to square one. »
Greg was listening, only able to nod. He was feeling that indeed, listening to his father's experience.
« If I fail, I don't know what to do after.
It will not be the end of the world you know. It's a first try after all. And today's aim is to see if you can go further to that direction.
As if I had any other choice. »
Ed kept his mouth shut up, only approving with his eyes. If he failed, or if greg could not make it for a reason or another, his future would be make of odd jobs. Greg was not stupid but school and college were not meant for him.
Ed smiled, getting away the dirty plates, putting his shoes on and getting his keys. Greg was also ready. Silently, they walked on the wet alley and Ed didn't wasted his time before to make the engine to roar in the street.
Greg asked nothing, but Ed answered anyway.
« We'll be here in one hour. If its works, and honestly I don't know why it wouldn't, we'll drive you here waiting for you to get your driving licence. »
The chin on his hand, looking outside, Greg answered nothing. Not because he didn't care but being too stressed. Ed understood it. He knew that feeling too before.
The car ran on a dryer road, getting through a pass before to get down to the other side of the mountain. It was colder here but dry at least now. Only the highest mounts were wearing their white clothes. In a week, maybe two, that road would be covered too. The small towns ran before the GPS sent the car on a dusty road, no sign showing the road then. After some lonely houses, the car stepped on a dusty car park. Two old brick houses were surrounding a large green place when a pompous « stadium » was written on black letters on one of them. The sun was set now, lighting the now cloudless sky and a bare set of bleachers, for sure coming from an old high school field.
There were a dozen of cars on here. On each end of the field, two high poles. They were not shaped in Y but in H.
His bag on his hand, Greg looked at what would maybe his future, smirking, hoping than the place's dilapidated state would not be a bad omen.
« They sure don't have lot of money...
- I know, but it's the closest team, and they agreed to let you train with them today. It's a start. »
--
The boy turned around, and again, getting back on his back before to stand up. He took his cell, looking at the screen, his eyes still wet of sleep.
Two minutes to nine.
Looking outside to see the light coming from the sun, Fred turned off his cell, spreading his legs a bit to scratch himself his loins, getting rid of his light discomfort.
He stood up, looking outside. The sky was blue but the ground was still wet from the night's rain.. He could hear the heat warming his room. On his left, he ignored his desk covered by some opened letters all beginning the same way.
« We have the regret to... »
Fred bite his lips, trying not to think about it. Of course, he still had time because he had another year at high school to go but it was not a good omen anyway. He still had ambitions, but not the money. His parent couldn't afford it. Of course, he could borrow the money but remembering how they had to struggle with their debts while he was a child made him to consider the though as a last resort only. He sure didn't wanted to stay in town and follow his father's steps.
For him it would had been a full fail. He looked at the scattered sheets again. Coming from a dozen of foundations ? He only got polite answers of rejections. Fred took the last answer he got, closing his eyes. He made his decision.
Fred got dressed and went down to the kitchen, getting his breakfast. No one was here yet, his parents having the habit to stay late on their saturday mornings to have some more rest. His belly full, he got on his head a red cap and closed a dark green jacket on his shoulders. With his blue jeans and his white shoes, the bright colors made a surprisingly harmonious set. He went out.
He walked on the street. He could got on a bus but he wanted to give himself some more time to make up his mind. And maybe also to get a good reason to come back.
He got his hand on his pocket, feeling the USB key with his school records on it. He didn't forget it and lost another good reason to step back. he grunted. He went to downtown while the sun was still down in the sky. The wet ground made the place brighter than usual, fighting against the colder wind.
The building seemed so tiny. three stairs of clay bricks, a large window. Fred was on the other side of the road, looking at the large flag hanged above the door. The large posters making him unable to look inside. He had no more excuses to get back home now.
« Well... »
Fred walked on the street and opened the door. It was nicely bright inside, three men sat at a table, busy reading or writing. A boar corporal behind the desk.
« Can I help you mister ?
Er... Yea. I'll need some advices about your college curriculums.
With a form ? »
Fred looked at the soldier, stepping a bit away. his fast bring him some bad memories. But his sight, his moves, even his body's shape were fully different. He felt than he was among those who can be trusted.
« No, I'm still a sophomore, I just want some informations. »
The corporal nodded.
« Sure. You know a bit where you'll go then ? Medical studies maybe ?
No, mechanic and engineering.
That's for sure something the army needs a lot. »
The soldier held fast a complete set of paper to Fred, who began to red it.
« We have some large opportunities. Because it's a 4 years long formation, you'll have to perform first a short military session if you're physically fit before to reach college. You're aware of the other conditions ?
The most important, yes. One year of duty for each year in college.
That means you'll be due for a 4 years contract after that. With a month of training session each summer break. You'll have a military status, but you will not be sent overseas before your graduation. »
Fred was aware of that. Of course, he didn't told it, but Fred knew than once graduated, he could be sent away to fight as a soldier. To fight, and maybe being...
« Thanks. »
Fred got the papers on his inner pocket. He would sure read all that later, hoping to find the money on the next months. But maybe his future would be made of kaki for the next 8 years. Something he would prefer to avoid.
He was ready to get his cap on when the door opened. The corporal stood up, saluting the incoming lieutenant who ordered him fast to sit down.
« Mister Dawson ? »
Fred hadn't the time to answer than the boar did.
« No, Lieutnant. He cancelled late in the evening. That young man came to get some advices.
And forgetting here my phone made me come for nothing...
Lieutenant Jarvis already saw those men at the table, except for that boy then. »
The officer looked at Fred, smiling at him. Fred looked at the white tiger's face, nodding back, he was so thing than he looked like a broom. Fred wondered if he got his pants from the kid's sections seeing how thin he was.
« Are you considering a career here, son ?
Not exactly, mister. i wanted some informations for your college course and your scholarships.
I see. You got all what you needed ? »
Fred showed the papers on his inner pocket.
« I had thanks.
Good. The country always needs young people ready to give everything and even more.
I can guess that.
No one like the idea of dying, even for the country. But it's sometime the price we'll have to pay to let our loved ones live in peace and safe. You though at something already maybe ?
Engineering and mechanic.
A great challenge indeed. Do you think being able to ?
I... Think I am.
You only think ? »
Fred looked at the officer. His voice was calm and resting, being sharp and direct too.
« No one can be certain of everything. I think than I can. I love that since my childhood and I work sometimes with my father. »
The officer smiled.
« How old are you ?
16.
A bit early to come here.
I know. But it's a waste of time to wait too long too.
You're so right. Say, as I have nothing to do now, what about to see if you can take the test, seeing if you would fit on the scholarship ?
I don't know if I...
Don't worry, I will not make you enlist today, you're too young for that. It will take only one hour and at the end you'll know.
Well, Yes then... »
Fred had nothing planned too. And it was indeed a good moment for him to see if he could make it. No string attached.
The lieutenant nodded, making him getting on his office, giving him a pad with the right set of the required tests. He sat on a chair and worked on it while the officer got himself lost on an ocean of paperwork.
Fred kept his attention on the questions, filled with maths and physics, of logics too. It seemed they were pretty basics for him. He ran his finger on the screen, picking the right answers or writing the good justifications if needed. He got on the final page of the test. He came back them, thinking more about the question he still had troubles or doubts. Finally, he answered the last question and gave the pad back.
« Done. »
The officer raised his head, looking at the clock. He had still three minutes left. He took the pad and checked on the answers, letting the machine correcting and checking the test. He smiled, then whistled a bit. Fred was waiting, quite nervous.
« Mister... Kaplan, right ?
Yes.
Have you by any luck your school files or a link leading to it ? »
Fred gave his USB key. The officer plugged it and read it.
« You're 16, you're sophomore and you ended before the time a test made for the upper class with a grade of 86. »
-
Standing, his sport bag at his hand, Greg looked one more time at the muddy field alone among the scattered houses.
Ed walked and Greg felt obliged to follow him. They walked to the edge of the field where the coach looked at the players warming themselves up. His fat belly, his clean sweat pants and his whistle around his neck showed than he was the right person for the task. The short grey fur of the bull showed also his age. He turned around, waving at Ed.
« Mister Delacroix ?
Yea, that's me. This is my son, Gregory.
Pleased to meet you. »
The bull offered his hand and Greg shook it the virile way. The bull's gaze looked at him, his body and his face.
« You didn't made me waste my time indeed. Your son is nicely built !
- I played football these 6 last years, mister, but even before I was told than I was strong. »
The bull nodded. Some of the players ended their warming up and came around to look at the young stud. The team members were for sure not pro, being between their 20's to their 50's. they had all a different shape and Greg tried not to look too long at the strongest ones. Ed tried too.
« Sorry if I misbehaved. My name is Lucas Taurr. And those wankers are all members of the Colorado Colonials.
Colonials ?
Heard about us before ? »
Ed and Greg shook their head at the same time.
« Not before to search for you in the Net.
- Not a big surprise. Rugby is not in the front row here. There is not any league but we manage to play 5 or 6 games a year. Most of the time for a charity. »
Greg got his attention on Lucas' words. To play for charities ? It would never had come at the school's board, too focused on the championship. Greg liked the idea.
« You played before too, mister ? »
Lucas nodded, smiling.
« I sure did ! It was a long time ago. I was part of the junior team of the Manitoba's Wombats. I could had go pro but my wife had the need to come back here in Colorado. I followed her. »
Ed smiled, understanding the bull.
« But rugby is made the way you can't really quit it. I played for the Colonials before to lead the team. My hips forbid me now to be on the field but as long as my legs will allow me to, I'll stand on the bench ! »
Greg listened carefully at the bull's words. More than the words, he felt and understood his passion, his feelings coming from his sayings. He understood too Ed's passion for that sport, meaning a lot to him. Greg saw too than the players were sharing that moment. A team, united by the same faith, the bricks of any team. And Greg began to understand the link who would be stronger than in any football team he ever been.
« The team's success doesn't come from its results. Not only. What makes a team, it's the players's bound. We're all individuals but we're all bringing something at the team, like a piece of a puzzle, getting richer of the others are bringing themselves. It's the meaning of our sport. Rivalities can exist only if it brings something to the team. Once you understood that and only when you do, the one standing at your side will be your brother for ever. No matter where you live, no matter where you're playing with. And believe me, nothing is better than to fight and win over a brother you're respecting. »
Ed was smiling. He heard that kind of speech so many years ago but more important, he lived it. Of course, nothing was perfect but most of the time, Rugby, bring him what he missed on his daily life. He liked also to see Greg being sensitive at the speech. Ed was now sure. Everything would be ok. He hit his son's shoulder.
« Get your things, suit up and warm you up properly ! »
Greg obeyed. Once the boy in the lockers, Ed faced the group while they began to cater on the field.
« Guys, there is something I want you to know... »
-
« 86 ? »
Sat, John was cutting himself some roasted beef, looking at his son standing in front of the fridge getting a coke. His mother, sat too, mute, stressed, pocking her salad with a fork.
« 86.
And... That's good ?
The minimum grade is 80. I can already apply if I want, not finishing high school even. »
John let his piece of meat on his plate, amazed and happy. He smiled at his wife, wondering why she didn't reacted.
« I'm not saying than I'll take that path but it's a serious option for me now.
That's good news.
The officer wondered why I couldn't find any scholarship with my grades.
Eh, it's maybe because of the financial crisis. I know than if I hadn't my own shop, I'd maybe unemployed. And you're still young too, that counts. It's not your fault if you could jump a class. I didn't though it could turn against you.
Maybe. But if I had chosen medecine, I'm sure I would have already the money. »
Fred closed the fridge's door, taking some slices of bread, getting some cheese and ham on them, making his parents to understand he'd prefer to eat alone on his room.
Daisy began to breath faster.
« Maybe you should pick medicine. »
Both men looked at her, surprised by her cold tone. Fred understood faster than his father.
« No mom. I don't want to.
- I do not want to see you enlist too. »
John remembered the fateful destiny of his wife's brother. He chose to stand mute. The fight had began between the mother and her son. He sure wanted to see who would win.
« I don't want to too, mom, but I can't neglect that path.
You didn't read his diary ?
I did three times, mom. I... understand why you don't want.
Why not to follow your father's way ? He loves how you're working and I know you like that too. You're good at that too, you can't neglect that way too. »
Daisy had her fork down, her other hand groping her napkins strongly enough to make her fingers white. Her voice showed too her scares. Fred had troubles to look at her like that because he felt her stress too.
« I like to work with him too, mom, I learn a lot with him. »
He looked at his father, offering him all the love he could have for him.
« But it's not where I belong. I don't know where is my place, but it's not here, I know that. »
Fred's voice was strong enough to make that truth being understood. He felt his father's love and respect, but it would not be enough to make him stay. John was hurt and proud at the same time. His son was becoming a man. Fred got his sight back on his mother. Seeing his father's face gave him more strength.
« I didn't signed anything and I will do only in last resort but if it comes to happen, I'll do, mom. I know how painful your brother's death was for you. But I'm not the only one to decide here. I know where I want to go and if only the army allows me to do, then I'll go with them. I'll sign tomorrow if I could. »
Fred licked his lips, hoping having put an end on it. His mother looked at him, her face filled with anger and misunderstanding. She turned her face.
« You're as stubborn as he was. »
Fred closed his eyes.
« I know. I read how strong he was. I guess it's family. Like his sister who left her family to follow her own way. »
She looked at her son again. She saw, sadly, the same face than her dead brother, the same will. She knew then than nothing would make him change his mind. She stood straight on her chair, beaten.
« You still must end high school before. With some luck, you'll find the money. »
Fred understood than his mother hoped than time would make him change his mind.
« I hope so too. I sent some more mails. The officer told me than I needed to be 18 to enlist, or being emancipated. I just don't want to close that door if it's the only one leading to my way. I gave myself until spring break to make my choice.
Spring break ? Why so soon ?
I'm just following a friend's advice, dad. The best room are taken early. »
Fred wanted to end the talk. He took his plate, getting upstairs. Daisy looked at her husband. It was his turn.
« You'll say nothing ?
- What so you want me to say ? I don't want to see him leave but he's right about something. He will never be happy here. »
He looked at his plate, playing with his fork, not being hungry anymore.
« I don't know if he grew up too fast or if we didn't see that coming. Anyway, he'll leave in two years now, no matter what we do. »
Daisy had to agree. He looked at his wife.
« All we can do know is to give him advices. I'll check with my bank if they can do something. But seeing the actual rates, I can't promise anything. »
Daisy breath better seeing than her husband was at least as worried as she was.
-
Sat at the top of the bleachers, not moving too much because they seemed being able to collapse, Ed closed the camera, rubbing his sore wrist. Facing him, the players sat in the wet grass, walking slowly or resting on their back after ending their training session. He stood up and went down the stairs. The november's sun was trying to warm everything it could but a colder wind coming from the mountains fight easily the warm feeling.
Once Greg came back from the lockers, the session began. Runs, passings then some lessons and exercices. The boy focused on the game, learning fast the main rules, struggling not to make any forward passes as he did before. It was changing the whole vision of the game and the sport he ever knew : the team was still more important than the players even if they still could express themselves and helping the team with their own moves.
Greg enjoyed a lot that.
As he played, he felt the other's players sight to change a bit slowly, not being so easy on him, making more passes with him, faster as the training went on. He felt being more and more accepted.
After more than an hour of exercices, the coach made them play a real game. Not being enough to play but the rugby union rules, two teams of 7 were made to play a faster kind of the game.
It's why Greg was resting in the ground, breathing slower now, a tired smile on his lips, his nose sore by the games and the ring on it, having the feeling being hurt by a bus.
Lucas came closer, looking at the boy, a wry smile at his lips.
« You're ok ?
Yea. I just need to get my breath back.
Not too hurt ?
Too is the word. I feel being stramped by an herd of buffalos.
It's what we're feeling the first time, yea. And after too. Every time in fact. Especially with a ring.
I had to keep it, I just got it. »
The coach was smiling.
« You just need to be used at. The pain never goes away. But we can control it, to use it sometimes even to make the final steps leading to the victory. »
Lucas's words were echoing at what Greg was living since some weeks. He felt still the pain being kicked out of his former team. And he used it to stand up and to walk away to win another game.
He was also happy to had leant to play that sport so intimately.
He was also worried about being here thanks to a lie, something he hide to the others. the others didn't knew him. They didn't know what and who he was. What made his fate.
« Greg. Shower time, it's time to leave. »
Ed came from behind, an hand on his shoulder.
« I'll have a word and he'll come after. »
Lucas walked away. Ed talked then.
« Everything went well it seems.
It did, yea.
He's right. It's time to get a shower. There is now way I'll let you sat on the car as muddy as you are.
I'll go to the room first then.
Need to do it again ? »
Greg smirked, shaking his head.
« Just taking a leak. »
Ed smiled then.
« Don't be late, I want be home early, I'll have to answer at one million questions your father will ask to me. »
Greg was too far to answer even if he wanted. He felt too distracted, lost on his mind while he showered to look at the other's goods.
After a last goodbye, the car left the place. Greg was sat the same way, his face more worried.
« Dad...
Yea ?
It's what you were thinking about then ? Making me a rugby player ?
You have a long way to go but yea. You'll have to face many challenges but you can make it.
I didn't though about that before.
As I did. It's a shame you can't go pro in football anymore. But you could be a great rugby player.
You believe so ?
I do. I almost could be too. I could had succeed without my triple fracture. Well, I must admit I could be just able to be a league 2 player, not good enough for the national team. But I was quite good on the field. I know what you have in you and you're able to do better than I could. I know that.
It would be...
Great ?
Yea, but...
But ? »
Greg groaned.
« I don't think...Being able to take another hit as I got, dad. What will happen the day they'll know ?
You want to come back then ? Lucas told me you were welcomed.
I...Sure do yea but... they'll know some day...
The next session is the other week. If I can't drive you, your dad will.
But if they know...
You'll have to be registered to the federation. For insurance purpose.
But when they'll know...
They know that already.
WHAT ? »
Greg didn't expected that. He looked at Ed, a mix of surprise and anger on his eyes. Driving, the bear had to keep his sight on the road but he felt his son's anger.
« I know I shouldn't had but I told them, Greg.
Wha...When ?
When you're where in the lockers. »
Greg was speechless.
« I told them what happened. how and why you were kicked out if your team. How and why the recruiters screwed you. I told them too what happened when your team mates knew. I just asked them not to talk of that to you. i wanted to know if that path would suit you first. I knew you'd be scared about your sexuality. I felt they would be ok with that and as far I can say, they are. But for that, they had to know, not letting you knew they'd knew. I want you being honest and acting as is if nothing happened. »
Greg was lost on his thoughts. He was living again the last two hours he spent here, trying to guess if someone went hostile on his behavior. Ed know what greg was thinking about.
« I din't felt something wrong. Or so few. I know everything went well.
How you knew ?
I played rugby before, Greg. I know what the others can have in mind because I'm thinking like them. You acted usually with them. You respected them. Sure, you sure looked at some butts, but Hell, everyone does. Even straights.
Eh, that's true...
You respected them, Greg. They saw what you worth on the field and you behaved like everyone else on the lockers. It's the only thing than matters. »
Greg stood mute, still thinking on the way home. He felt less angry, feeling still something. Ed was right. He sure didn't had to say it but he was right to do.
Ed understood Greg's mutism, feeling he would understand and accept the situation.
He said nothing getting our of the car, taking his bag, entering in the house.
« Here you are at last ! Are at least tell us what you're doing ? »
Mark's voice was loud from the kitchen. A cup of coffee in hands, the rott looked with surprise and fear at his son's face.
« Hell, what happened ??? »
Mark looked at his son's face. Leaving sooner, he was still normal and now he was covered with bruises, hurt, his lips shaggy and a nice blue eye. Francis looked at his friend too before to look at Ed's eyes, demanding some good explanations.
« He's ok, just some bruises, that's all. His face will be normal in some few days.
Will you tell us what happened ?
It was just a training session, dad, nothing to worry about. »
A light smile on his face, Greg left and went to the bathroom, getting his dirty clothes in the basket, letting Ed alone facing the Inquisition's court.
« So...What's the plan ?
Nothing serious. I just gave Greg a try on a local rugby team.
Rugby ?
And he enjoyed it. Nothing is certain but I think I found a way out of his troubles and giving him a future. »
Ed opened the fridge's door, taking a bottle of water.
« Are you out of your mind ? Didn't you see what he looks like now ?
And ? Football is quite more dangerous, you know that.
They have protections !
Who don't protect them from everything and each year, some poor ones are ending handicapped for life. Rugby is safer for him, you can believe me. »
Mark wanted to talk against, but nothing came to his mind. Greg went down, his face refreshed a bit and wet.
« Ed is right, Dad. It's not worst what I lived at junior and now. »
Greg's voice was strong enough to make Mark to hesitate more. Francis was mute, Ed agreed.
« I'm ashamed to say than I didn't though about that. Fred did and I looked around after. I called an old friend and... »
Ed took the camera, getting the memory card out.
« he needed more than just his school files I got from his school. He had to see him by himself. I will not send that, I'll wait to have more to show, he'll be able to be a fair judge. »
Mark rubbed his eyes, trying to calm down, seeing again his son's face, hurt.
« Your friend ?
- Yea. told you about him a long time ago. He broke my leg that fateful day. Now he's working with his club and even if Greg isn't what he's looking for, he'll be able to work from that. »
Mark seemed to remember.
« But he lives in...
- He does. »
Mark looked at his son's face again, scared. Francis felt the tension rising and Ed words didn't helped.
« I though about that for a while. I'm afraid there is no other way. If Greg want to go pro, he'll have to leave.
- To leave ? To where ? New York ? California ? »
Ed shook his head, looking at Francis with some sad eyes.
« I'm afraid not, Francis. He'll have to leave the States and go to France.
- France ??? »
Francis came closer to Greg, holding strongly his hand. Greg enjoyed the feeling but he lowered his head, sad. Francis understood why and why he began to drift away from him since those last weeks.
« Greg doesn't have much choices. Here and in Canada, he can't go pro, there are no professional leagues. Australia and South Africa are too much challenges, same for New Zealand. I don't know anyone in England, that left only France. »
Mark was listening to his husband's words. He was not happy yet satisfied about what he was hearing but it reminded a simple truth. Greg would be adult soon and able to live by his own. It seemed unfair. He just moved on and yet, he was almost able to leave. Nothing could change that anyway.
« Maybe. But there a problems to solve first.
As ?
First, Greg, you don't speak French. How you'd be able to live on the other side of the ocean ? »
Greg stood mute, looking at Ed, who was smiling. From a drawer, he took a class book he gave to Greg.
« Je corrige. Il ne parle pas encore le français. »
« Your mistake. He doesn't speak french yet. »
Greg was holding a book of french grammar.
« You're going to...
- Teach you french ? Yep. At least enough for you to be able to live by yourself. And you know, they know enough english to make you all being able to talk anyway.
Mark looked at the book too.
« And for the money ?
The money ?
Yea, the money. How much it will cost us, uh. I sure don't want to forbid you to leave, son, but can we afford it ?
Money is not a problem. It's free.
Free ? »
Both rotes talked at the same time.
« Well, almost. The club's schools are free but on one condition.
- What is ? »
Ed focused on Greg's eyes.
« Usually, it takes two years to join the pro team. They don't charge the students but in turn, he's forced to sign up a first two-years term on the team. And of course they keep most of the money of his first transfert when he'll leave the team if he decides to do so. »
Greg though fast. That meant than...
The backdoor opened and closed fast on it. Francis was not in the room anymore. They all knew why. Ed was sorry an Greg understood too, following his friend, letting his parents alone.
The young rott saw fast his friend, standing facing the large tree, looking at it, absolutely upset. Greg came slowly, a tender hand on his friend's shoulder who rejected it.
« Not now.
Francis...
Not now, please... »
Greg stood behind his friend who was trying not to cry. Each hiccup torn him a light howl of pain. He knew than Francis was hurt and it was his fault.
The young donkey rose his head, his mind emptied and his cheeks wet.
« I'm..Happy for you, Greg.
Francis...
No, I'm sincere. These last two months you were at the bottom. And now you...It's the first time I saw you to smile truly since a while.
You're not smiling.
I would do, Greg. I just can't neglect the fact than...
Than ?
It will be the beginning of the end. For us I mean. It's unfair. We just...understood truly each others...What we were for each other...
Francis... »
Greg got his hand back and Francis tried again to get rid of it.
« Please, no... I don't think I 'll be able to handle it. I mean... I love you. I don't want to leave you. And yet you'll... »
Greg kept his hands on himself.
« I know. I don't want to too but...
But ?
I'll have. I must face it. Even if I could go pro here, I always wanted to go to New York. Not to stay here.
Why that ?
I like that place. Really. But we can't grow up here. It's far too little for those who have ambitions, a dream. Dad gave me back something I lost, Francis. A future. I can't lose it again. Can you understand it ?
I...Think.
Anyway, you were due to leave too, right ? There are no college here.
True. »
Francis was showing a sad smile. Greg put his arm around his neck, kissing his cheek.
« Even if I leave, even if you do, it will not change anything between us. Even far from you, I want to stay with you. I'll be ever with you. »
Francis hold Greg's hand on his, moved. He hugged him.
« I want to stay with you too. »
No one was aware than they were spied from the house. Ed and Mark didn't missed a single moment of that, their muzzles on the door's window.
« So young, and already looking for a common future.
I know. There are no youth anymore.
If only I could had lived a story like them.
The one you're having is not enough ? »
Ed was smiling, asking the question knowing it was not true.
« Of course it's enough, you silly. I just regret having to wait so long before to meet you.
You're aware than they'll break up soon, right ?
I know. They're too different from each others to make it work in the long term. But I don't want to piss them off with that. It will end soon the natural way, they' ll know how separation can hurt. But they'll learn a lot of that. And when they'll meet their true love, they'll be ready.
They'll leave soon to live by themselves. We must accept that.
I know. It's unfair to see Greg to leave so fast. To become his father was a so great joy.
I understand that. Fatherhood changes truly a man. I didn't though I'd be lucky enough to live that.
Talking about changes, I know now what you had in mind for him. But...
But ?
Seeing him going back home that way ?
Rugby is a sport contact, as football is. Greg just lacks of experience, that's all. He'll learn how to control himself and to discipline himself.
I'll have to get used then...
Yea. »
Ed smiled, rubbing his husband's nose ring, making him jump a bit.
« Not healed yet ?
It will be soon.
Such a pussy... Greg didn't complained and he got worst.
He got worst on so many ways. Hopefully, he could got the best of all that.
He also has a strong father near him. It helps.
No. He has two strong fathers near him. It helps more. »
The bear smiled, feeling his husband's hand strongly held.
--
Looking fast outside the window, he knew it. The road would be still slippery of snow at the end of the day. Wearing a blue pullover under his dark green jacket, three thick books and a notebook under his arm, Fred wasn't walking to the school's library. Maybe he should come on feet that morning ? On the other hand, he would got more experience driving under the snow, so usual so close of the Rocky mountains.
The days were now so short thanks to the sun disappearing behind the mounts so fast and getting up so late too. The crowd of the students was flowing like thick rivers going to their own estuaries.
Fred had an hour free, thank to a flu strong enough to knock out his math teacher. He went through the wooden door, spotting a free table near the large windows. His jacket on the back of his chair, Fred had just the time to sit down than his sight was caught by the frozen and crippled Lorette, putting here cane against the table. She was wearing a thick yellow pullover and thick pants covering fully her legs, so far from her summer attires. She didn't liked the winter, putting two books and some pens on the table.
« Can I ? »
Fred smiled for himself, wondering if the young woman was acting the same way at home. She seemed to command her father but her mother ? Fruit never fall far from the tree, after all. She smiled, sat, holding slowly her bandaged heel.
« Thanks.
You're welcome. How is your foot ?
Not too bad, thanks. I have still trouble to walk for too long, I still can't bend the ankle.
It's a bad sprain. give it time.
I don't like to wait but I can't change anything now. And you, Fred, still gay ?
Until I'll die and after. »
They both smiled. She liked to tease him about that and he always took it good. Lorette's sight was caught by the bad shaped notebook.
« What is it ?
That ? It's part of my uncle's diary. My mother gave me it.
Your uncle ?
Yea, uncle Daniel. He died one year before I was born.
That's sad.
Yep. Killed in action. Mom never recovered fully from that, they were so close.
Why she gave it to you then ?
She wanted me to know him more. But truly, she tried to convince me not to enlist.
To join the army ?
Yes. I don't want to do but I'll have to maybe.
Why that ?
I want to go to college, Lorette. But my parent don't have the money for that and I don't know if I'm ready to get covered by so mush debts. I saw what happened to them.
You can still look for scholarships, right ?
Eh, if I was going to medical or Law schools, I'd have the money already. But all I got for now are « dear John » letters and only the army will give me the needed money. »
From where she was sat, Lorette could see the notebook opened, the pages covered by a thick and shaggy writing, dirty by some old mud of stains. Fred was reading slowly. He read the notebooks three times already and he was really interested by the life of the dead. He was certain about one thing. If they knew each others, they sure would be friends.
« How it is ?
Depends. Some are intimate or boring. I feel close to him because he went through what I live now or so. No money for college. He enlisted and changed his mind, staying in the army. He found here his place, getting more confidence for his future.
It didn't end well, right ? »
Fred shook his head, his lips closed. He turned some more pages and the writing ended, letting only blank pages.
« It's the last entry. On March, the 9th. He told about the last weeks he spent near the frontline, wondering about what to do after. My guess is than he didn't wanted to sign up again after that. He died the day after. »
Fred had left his hand on the first blank page, real tombstone of paper. He rubbed it a bit with his fingers, as if he blessed it silently.
Lorette let his friend to grieve his uncle.
« Mom told me how devastated she was learning his death. She goes on his tomb once a year, somewhere in New Jersey. I think I'll go with her the next time. »
Lorette listened.
« You never did before ?
Shame on me I didn't. I knew so few about him and I must say than I didn't tried to learn more about him. My parents were fighting with their debts. But now I think than it's my duty to go to see him, at least once.
And you want to do the same as he did ? »
Fred shook his head.
« Not if I can avoid it. »
Lorette got tensed a bit. Fred saw it.
« You're in pain ?
- No, it's... »
She looked at her opened book, trying to focus on it and to forget her anger.
« It's would be just something stupid. »
Fred was a bit surprised.
« Something stupid ?
- Fred, don't you look at the news ? It's getting worst from months to months. Philippines first with that endless frontline and now Indonesia is ready to bow out too. »
Fred stood mute. Of course he was aware of the endless fight against islamic terrorism growing here after having their heads cut in the middle east. It was lasting since almost ten years now. People was so used at that the no one or some cared about the situation. Except the families of those who died in action.
« As I said, I don't want to go. »
She rose her sight, Fred saw that.
« Said something funny ?
Yea you did.
How so ? »
She closed her book, looking at him, trying to keep her voice low.
« Gods, Fred, it's so obvious. You say than you don't want to go but each day you're coming with an army jacket on your shoulders ! Sometimes having a camo pants or shirt ! »
Fred seemed not to understand.
« And ? I like those kind of clothes, but that's all.
Really ? I went on your room once, you know that ?
Sure I do. I forgot to give that book back to you.
You still have those movie posters on your walls ? And that model copter ?
Lorette, I love those directors and I like copters since I'm a little boy.
Fred, those are only war movies and it's a military copter too... »
Fred stood mute.
« And ? They mean nothing you know. I have friends who have horror movies posters on their walls and they don't tear peoples in pieces as I know.
- What I'm trying to say is... »
Lorette tried to get the right words.
« You're not a killer. I don't believe it. You learnt how to fight but you would not harm anyone. But in you you have...Something wild.
Wild ?
Sorry, it's not the right word. You're... Independent but you're looking something else. A group. A tribe.
A tribe ?
Yes. You want to be part of something bigger. You talked to me about your childhood. Your loneliness, friends you lost because of you so much movings. It's maybe you're way to try to integrate the unconscious way. Even if you don't like the idea, you're like your friend Greg who put the team's needs first. »
Fred was listening to his friend. She was reckless. Nothing she said felt true to him but he felt her words working him inside. Maybe she was right, and his decision was in fact made since a while in fact.
« I know nothing about your parents life but it's something usual to have some debts, Fred. I'll have some too if I'm not careful about all the traps set by that society and I don't want to have and endless life of debts facing me. »
She looked at her book's cover.
« You're trying to grow up but you still have trouble to accept the fact than there are ever a price to pay, that's all. It's a man's thing I guess. »
Fred remained mute, thinking about what Lorette told him.
« You want to be part of something bigger than you but I will never be what you're looking for. »
She though, looking at her watch, blushing a bit.
« My Gos, it's already... I'll be late if I don't hurry ! »
She took her books, standing up and walked away with her cane, letting Fred waving at her.
She didn't though about that but forcing Fred to think about his situation, it made her to think about it too and once again she had to face her feelings for the boy who would never love her in turn.
« Well... »
Fred came back at his reading, fully unaware about what she could feel truly about him.
But her words stood on his mind and he had trouble to focus on the following hours, his mind distracted by the possibilities he didn't wanted to consider.
Once the school ended, Fred opened his car's door and sat behind the wheel. Turning on the engine, he left the car park but instead to turn left, he went right, going to downtown before to come back home an hour later, a blue file on the passenger's seat. Once the engine off, he took it, looking at it again, seeming to hesitate still. There were some forms in there and nothin and no one would force him to make them being filled, except a part of himself.
Consequences would be huge, and he was beginning to be aware of that. A part of him wanted to rip off the full files, and another part forbid him to do so. He breathed deeply, forcing himself to relax before to go inside reaching his room, laying on his bed to think more about that, the file at his side.
He was aware of the time only when his father came back, his mother busy cooking since she came back earlier. He stood then, taking the file on his hand.
« Here he is !
Hi dad.
You were so quiet, we didn't heard you. If I didn't saw your car and your jacket, it's like you weren't at home.
I had to think about things, mom.
Really ?
Yes. »
Fred put the files on the table, trying to avoid his parents gaze.
« My guess is now is not the right time to talk about this but I feel than there will not be any right moment.
- What do you want to talk about, Fred ? »
His mother asked. His instinct told him than she would not like what would follow.
« I made my decision. I spent those last months to find scholarships and I found nothing or so. I also though about the alternatives. All of them. »
He took two sheets, giving one each to his parents. They both didn't liked what they read on it.
« I think a lot about it, mom, and I chose to enlist. The sooner the better because the sooner I'll end college, the sooner I'll serve my time. But I still need your approval from both of you. »
John and Daisy couldn't believe what they were reading.
« Minor's emancipation request. »
Their teeth were grinding and they were fully disapproving fully it. But they saw too on their son's eyes a so strong need to leave.