Bicycle Rendezvous: Part Two: West of the River

By Randy Cragin

Part Two of Two : Go to Part One Alternative Category: Dark Fantasy Chip is now with his dad, something he'd wanted for a long time. But things are not all around better for Chip. He is now further away from Johnny and all the conveniences he'd gotten accustomed to are suddenly gone. At this point he's wishing for Johnny to be able to be with him. He's about to get his wish. Meanwhile Johnny's still putting the pieces together trying to figure out what he needs to in time to help someone as well as Chip.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781257392650

Book preview

Two

Part Two

Chip woke up to Sabrina pounding on his chest. She’d have had to because he wasn’t ready to stop sleeping and wouldn’t have woken up to much else. He slowly opened one eye to look at her. She’d been dead to the world asleep beside him where Jeremy had put her before he crashed himself.

Chip. She said pushing on him trying to rock him.

Hey Button. He said trying to get the other eye open.

Where are we? she asked.

Dad’s house. He said trying to wake up more. She looked around the room, the nice dresser, the desk with a chair, all nice and fancy. She then looked back at him.

Whose room?

Mine. He said.

You have a room at home. She said.

I know, have one here, too. He said. She moved to lean against the headboard. Chip was still too tired to deal. He couldn’t even force himself to sit up while she sat there confused. Then she gasped and grabbed his arm. Chip turned to see Rayanne in the doorway. She then knocked even though the door had been left open. It’s okay Button, this is Rayanne, Dad’s stepdaughter.

Hi. Rayanne said waving.

Hi. Sabrina said, then she asked them, Where’s Dad?

Uhm, I’ll get him. Rayanne offered. She moved into the room and pressed a button on the intercom on the wall. Bob they’re awake.

Coming up. He replied. Sabrina looked at Chip.

Like a phone. He explained. She looked suspicious. Not to long there after his father came in the door. Rayanne stepped back out and left. His father moved to sit at the end of the bed to look at them both.

Where’s Mom? Sabrina asked.

She’s still at the hospital, she’s sick. It’s going to be some time before she gets better. He explained. She looked at Chip and he nodded.

Sleeping with her eyes open? She asked.

And other things. Chip added.

She was going to see the doctor. Sabrina said.

I know Button, she was, but she had something else happen, so she needed to go to the hospital. He said.

I called. his dad said, She just a bit better today already.

Sabrina nodded, accepting his authority. He then looked at Chip and grabbed his ankle, moving it back and fourth.

I’m making breakfast. He said as he stood up, Why don’t the two of you come down?

Sure Dad. Chip said. His father left, but Chip didn’t move right away and Sabrina waited on him patiently. Big house.

Scary. Sabrina said.

Well maybe at first, but you get used to it.

Do you always come here? she asked.

No, we never came here before last time. He explained. She looked confused again. Food. He forced himself up, groaning. She got off the bed slowly on the other side and immediately came around to grab his hand. They went out into the hall.

Wow. She said looking up.

Yea, big. He agreed.

This is one house? she asked.

Yes. He guided her down the giant staircase and she looked at everything as they went down. He then led her into the kitchen area and the relax table in the kitchen, at least that’s what Rayanne called it, they had yet to eat at the dinning room table.

He took a seat and Sabrina leaned against him, not yet well enough to get her own seat. He watched his father moving around in the kitchen. He then stopped what he was doing to come sit and face them. We’ll go by your place and pick up some stuff to get by on. He said.

How long is this going to be for? Chip asked.

We’ll talk more about it, Chip. Right now, let’s just take a step at a time, right now you only have the clothes you’re wearing. Let’s deal with that.

Can we see Mom today? he asked.

I don’t think that’s going to happen. He answered. He got up and went back to what he was doing. Rayanne wandered in. She seemed quiet to Chip for the moment. She came to sit at the table and Sabrina kept looking at her. Rayanne tried a smile her way and Sabrina gave her a quick one back.

Hey. Chip said her way.

Yea? Rayanne questioned.

The CD player was big hit, thanks. Chip said. She smiled.

See I knew you’d like it. She said.

She gave you that? Sabrina asked turning to look at Chip.

Yup. He agreed. Sabrina finally stepped away from him, getting her hands on the dowels of the chair back of the next chair over. She pulled it out and moved to sit down on it, looking at Rayanne. We’ve been sharing it.

Great. Rayanne said. Sabrina’s head turned quick as Jeremy first came into her line of sight and she followed him as he came in. Chip knew right where he was headed, he’d done it the same way the two mornings he’d already had with them, he went right to his father. He pulled him around and the other man accepted the kiss.

Hey. Sabrina sounded loudly. They both turned to look at her. Maybe they were expecting her to say something against it. You kiss Dad just like Johnny kisses Chip! Chip frowned as both men turned to look at him. He then looked at Rayanne who didn’t look surprised at all. He then looked at Sabrina.

No more snickers for you. Chip said.

Ooops. She said putting her hand over her mouth. Chip looked back at his father who seemed a lot more surprised about this than Chip would have thought possible.

Come here. Chip said. Sabrina went back over to him and he hugged her. It’s fine. No big deal around here, ok?

Ok. She said, Where did Johnny go?

His Mom came and took him home. Chip explained. She accepted that and went to sit down again.

Chip you think maybe you and I could have a few words. Chip’s father asked.

Dad, I don’t think we should leave Sabrina alone away from the both of us. Chip said. He watched as Jeremy moved to rub his father’s back.

He’s right, Robert, not now. He said. Chip’s dad looked at him for a moment then went back to making the meal. Jeremy finally came to the table to sit next to Rayanne.

Who are you? Sabrina asked.

I’m Jeremy, I’m Rayanne’s father.

Are you Dad’s boyfriend? Sabrina asked. This got Chip another look from both men. What weirded him out was Rayanne being so quiet when she usually ruled the conversation taking place.

Actually we’re married. Jeremy explained.

Oh. Sabrina said and looked at Rayanne and then at Chip.

That makes her my step sister. He explained.

Oh. She said. She then looked at his dad who was bringing in the food a few plates at a time. He set one in front of Sabrina and she inspected it. She looked at Chip. I can’t eat all of this.

I know Button, eat what you can just like home and don’t worry about it. Chip said. She started to try it then. Chip smiled at his dad as he handed him a plate. It was eggs of some kind with toast and some kind of cheese spread. It smelled really good to him. He’d only had two other breakfast meals with his father. He had yet to see him make something simple. And Johnny said he liked Chip’s cooking. Chip laughed and they all looked at him. It’s good. He said. They all went back to their meals.

Well now. Rayanne finally said, This explains a lot.

Ray, please. Jeremy said.

It’s fine Dad. She said, It should have been obvious to me, but maybe I was thinking he was just a kid, you know just too innocent, but I guess not. Not only that, he’s already got someone. Chip watched the man pause from eating to see what she would say next. The mood swings. She offered, Obviously something hidden, just didn’t know what.

Are you done with the psychology? Jeremy asked.

No, but maybe I’m done right now. She said and smiled at him. It was one her fake kinds that Chip already didn’t like. Her father frowned in response.

The rest of the meal was much quieter. Jeremy was the first to finish. He stretched his arms up into the air. Time for me to go to work. He said. He got up and Rayanne turned up the side of her face to him. He kissed her and then went over to Chip’s dad to press his face against the top of his head for a moment. I’ll talk to everyone at lunch. He then left the room. Sabrina watched him the whole time until he was gone. Then she looked at Chip who looked at Rayanne.

Right. She said, Like the games on Sunday. He goes to work, it means he’s gone into the den to work, whether or not he does is anyone’s guess. But it’s a scheduled thing. From this point on we are not to disturb him, Bob will field all questions, if he can’t handle it then he’ll get Dad, but I am not suppose to go directly to him. I’ve only done so a million times that I am aware of. She then smiled brightly, almost real.

Who’s Bob? Sabrina asked. Both Chip and his dad laughed, but Rayanne didn’t. She might have thought she’d been clear.

I’m Bob. Chip’s dad said, It’s a nickname for my name, Robert.

Oh, can I call you Bob? Sabrina asked. He looked at her as he considered it.

We’ll see. He said lightly touching her hand. He then got up and took up his and Jeremy’s plates to the counter island. He came back for glasses. Rayanne got up then, too. She cleared her dishes and added it to the counter. Chip waited until Sabrina looked done. He then scrapped her plate onto his intending to finish it. He then cleaned up Sabrina’s dishes and took them to the counter. Rayanne watched him do this looking like she might have something to say about it, but didn’t.

Chip then returned to his seat picking at what was left on the plate. Don’t force yourself to eat that. Rayanne said. She walked over closer to them. That’s a bad thing to do.

We don’t waste food. Chip said.

Well someone has forgotten that little girls don’t always eat as much as the rest of us. She said looking at his father as he began to organize the dishes into the dishwasher. Its fine Chip, don’t worry about it. We do our best not to waste even around here, but you shouldn’t stuff yourself.

He made a face at her, realizing she wasn’t going to settle down until she got her way. He’d seen this several times at his last visit. Sabrina was watching this scene with curiosity. Chip finally got up and took the plate to the counter and pushed it over to his father who winked at him.

He went back to the table, but not the same chair. He was now sitting on the other side of Sabrina, who looked kind of lost to him then. Not understanding how this other girl was suddenly telling him what to do, even if he thought she was right, Sabrina didn’t get it. She then smiled at both of them. She advanced towards Sabrina and held her hand out to her daintily.

How would you like to pretend that I am your big sister and come up and see my room? she offered. Sabrina looked at Chip.

If you want to. He said, Or you can just stay with me. She considered that making a face, like it wouldn’t be all that much fun. She then took Rayanne’s offered hand. Rayanne smiled at Chip as she passed around him trailing her away.

He turned and saw his father was almost done with the cleanup. He could almost guess what would happen next. He ran his hands threw his hair, which was getting pretty greasy. He’d need a shower soon.

His dad finally approached, stopping once with his hand pressed against the counter. When he got close to Chip he made a motion with his hand to get him to turn the chair out, which he did. His dad moved a chair to face him and sat down bringing it in close so that their knees went past each other just a bit. He then reached out with his right hand getting at Chip’s arm and slowly coming down along it until he held his hand. Chip couldn’t stop thinking how motherly it was and the weird contrast of it being his dad. He really needed his affection though, more than ever.

We need to talk more about your mom. He said. Chip wasn’t happy he was half ready to have the other conversation so this hit him badly. I need to tell you because you’ve been handling it. I think that’s over for you now.

Dad…

Shh. He said. Chip stopped talking. Chip. He said making that grimace face, Your mom’s done something wrong. You need to be aware of what it means.

What does it mean?

It’s more than likely that she won’t be able to take care of you, maybe not for a long time.

Dad she can get better. Chip said.

She will, but that’s not all. It’s that she harmed herself. She’s put someone in danger of their life, herself. They are not going to just let you stay with her after this, not until they can be sure that she’s not going to do anything like it again.

What are you saying Dad?

I’m saying she’s going to lose custody of you.

Oh my God. Chip cried. His dad’s hand left his to get him along side the neck. He’d had a point to being that close.

There will be things to consider. He said, That haven’t been yet, I just want to prepare you for this, it’s most likely you’ll end up with me.

No.

I’m sorry Chip. I don’t want this to happen anymore than you do. All I wanted was more time with you spent the right way. Not this, I think other than this your mom is a great mom. I’m just not able to see how quickly she’s going to be able to go back to it full time.

Did they say something when you called?

Yes, something was mentioned. He agreed.

I need to see her, Dad she’s going to be freaked out.

I know, I know she needs to see you as soon as possible, but until they can assess just how bad off she is, they will want to keep her from you, you see?

Yes. Chip said. He was losing it already. The idea that she wasn’t going to just get well right away was what he was being told, not by the time he went to school, maybe not for a year or more. Then he turned back to look at his dad. What about Sabrina? he asked hating the idea that child services would whisk her away to some stupid foster home.

She’s fine here for now. We’ll get a bed into the spare room. See if she wants to sleep in there. Then we’ll have to wait until your mom is able and find out if she has other family, maybe find out who her real dad is. He said. Chip turned his head away looking down along the house towards the indoor outdoor patio.

She said it was Jeremy. Chip mumbled. His dad’s other hand took his right arm.

I don’t think so, Chip. He said. The tears came next. He couldn’t stop them. The next thing his dad did was pull him close and get his arms around him. Chip’s eyes only got wet though he didn’t just start weeping like crazy. He then moved back. He looked his father in the eyes.

I’ll ask her. He said.

Ok. He agreed. Chip took a deep breath pushing back the emotions. Why don’t you get showered, then we’ll see if Sabrina will allow Rayanne to get her into the bathtub, then we’ll go get some of your stuff. He said. Chip nodded. His father pulled away to let him get up. He stopped and waited for his father to stand up and he hugged him. He didn’t want to let him go right away either, he’d wished for him, he’d wished to be able to see him all the time, to be in his life like before, a long time ago. He just didn’t like the price it was costing.

He finally went up and showered. Sabrina wouldn’t let Rayanne get her into the tub. Chip decided the bathroom was big enough for him to be on the sink and not even see her while she used the more familiar shower. He was chewing on his fingernails while he waited. She opened the shower doors three times to ask if he was there. He told her he was.

Then they were off. In no time they were pulling up in front of the apartment building. His dad turned off the car to make to get out. Dad. Chip said. He looked at him. I don’t want her to go up.

Why? he asked.

Look at her. Chip said. His father looked back at her where she was sitting in the back seat behind Chip. She’s calm, let’s just keep her that way, I’ll go up and get some stuff for us.

Ok. His father agreed. Chip turned around and hung over the seat. Sabrina looked up at him.

I’m going to get some clothes and stuff for us. You stay here in the car with Dad, ok?

Ok.

I’ll be right back, just need to tell Sally we are ok, too.

Ok. She agreed. Chip got out of the car. He stopped at Sally’s door first.

Chip. She said as she opened the door, How is she?

She’s got a long way to go Sally. He said, Just stopping by to get some stuff. We’re staying with Dad.

I don’t think she’d like that Chip. She said.

Well, she’s past choosing. He said, Sabrina is with me, she’ll be fine, they have a very nice house.

Okay, I hope your mom gets better soon.

Me, too. Chip said, I need to get moving Sabrina’s waiting with Dad, don’t want her to wait to long.

Oh, uhm that boy left food. She said.

Keep it. Chip said, Its fine.

Alright. She said.

Bye. Chip said and turned to head up the stairs. He went inside and the first thing he noticed was the heat. The place had been shut up tight all night and all morning. He wanted to open a window to air it out some, but he decided he’d just get things done. He went into Sabrina’s room first and grabbed up her carry bag, she sometimes used it just to take to Sally’s for an extended stay, which wasn’t often. He filled that up and realized she needed more than just a few clothes. He went and got a trash bag and began to stuff all of her toys and books into it along with whatever else he could immediately spy.

He then dragged it to the door. He went into his room next and loaded his over night bag with all that he could stuff into it, including the CD player and CDs, one Johnny had left for him, too. He then pulled out the top drawer of the dresser. He set it to the side and reached all the way into the back and ripped down the tape that was holding up his money to the top of the inside. He took the tape off it and put the money in his wallet.

He left the condoms and the lubricant. He wasn’t too worried about it for being so far away from Johnny. He then went and made sure nothing was left on that shouldn’t be, like the fan in his mother’s room that was still spinning. He checked the refrigerator and bagged up all the stuff that would go bad to quick and brought that to the door. He dragged the food and Sabrina’s trash bag full of stuff down first. He knocked on Sally’s door and handed her the bag of food. I don’t think we’ll be back right away. He explained. She nodded and took the food.

Ok. She said looking sad. Wait. She ran into her apartment leaving the door open and came back with a large teddy bear. Sabrina might want him with her now instead of just here.

Thanks. Chip said. She looked to tear up and then closed the door before she could. Chip dragged the bag down out to the car. His dad saw him coming and opened the trunk. Chip tossed the bag into it. He then opened the door to Sabrina handing her the bear. She looked at him curiously. He wanted to come with you, he’s your away bear right?

Yea.

Ok, can he?

Yea. She said. He smiled and closed the door. He then opened the door in the front.

Dad.

Yea Chip?

My bike, I don’t want to leave it.

We can’t haul it with this car. He explained.

I’m going to ride it out there.

It’s to far, Chip.

Dad, it’s not, it’s too much for me to leave behind for long. I’ll be fine riding it out, your house isn’t that much further than the lake and I only have to go one way. He said. He looked misgiving.

Alright Chip.

Just need to get my stuff now. He said and then went back up. He grabbed his bag and slung it over the handlebars of the bike, the ones that had come apart to help him save Johnny. He then rolled it out to head out the door. He stopped there and looked back at the apartment. The idea he had was he was never going to come back to it to live, hit him. It made him feel sad. He then left not wanting it to overwhelm him the way he knew it would Sabrina.

He got back out to the car and opened the passenger door sticking his bag in on the seat. Button. He said looking in.

Yea?

You ride with Dad, I’m riding my bike, I’ll see you at the house, ok? She looked skeptical. I’ll be right behind you.

Ok. She said.

Your fine with Dad, right?

Yea. She said. He smiled at her and closed the door. He waved at his father who waved back and then pulled the car out. Chip took one last look up at the apartment and then road off, going as fast as he could so that Sabrina wouldn’t be without him for to long. She knew his dad, she’d called him ‘Dad’, but she’d never spent any time alone with him before.

As Chip pulled up into the long driveway, easily going up the hill on his bike, he saw a furniture truck in the driveway. They were unloading, not only a bed, but a bedroom set. It was the kind for little girls.

He saw Sabrina on the side of the walkway. He knew why she was still there. She wouldn’t go back into the house without him. His dad was keeping her company standing in the hot sun while the men unloaded the truck. Chip rolled to a stop. See Button, right behind you.

That was pretty fast Chip. his dad observed.

I told you he was fast. Chip said and smiled.

He?

Yea Roadrunner, remember? Chip said.

Yea I do, didn’t know it was a he though. He said smiling back. There was a mixed message there. Chip caught his meaning then. His father let off his smile. "You can put him in the garage. He said and he led them over to it, passing around Sabrina. He walked up to the side of it and flipped a plastic cover revealing a number pad. The number is 6878. He explained as he pushed it. Once you got it in, you just hit door one." He hit the button and the door on the left began to roll up revealing a red sports car within. Chip could guess it was Jeremy’s. They hadn’t gotten out to the garage yet on his last visit. The car bay was separated from its companion by a wall running almost all the way to the back. Chip found that unusual.

His dad pointed to a spot along the wall for him to park at. Then he smiled at them both. Sabrina took Chip’s hand as they headed back out side.

Then just hit door one again. He explained, doing it. The garage door rolled back down. He then went over to the guys with the furniture. They’d finished and he signed something to indicate it was all there. The big truck was rolling away as they went inside. The air conditioning was a relief.

Well now. Rayanne said, Shall we go look and see if it all needs to be moved around?

Sure. Chip’s dad said. They all went up the stairs to the spare room. Chip looked at all the cute fancy furniture they’d filled it with. A bed, a nice dresser and a vanity table set. He thought it would overwhelm Sabrina, but she went in and began looking at it.

Is this my room? she asked.

When you’re here it is. He said.

Really? I get a room here and home, too? she asked.

Looking that way. Rayanne said, Do you like it this way or should we get the guys to move it all around for us?

I like it. Sabrina said. She went over to the bag of stuff Chip had filled. She then looked at him, Why is all my stuff in here?

Not all of it. Chip said, Just what I think you’d want right away. She looked at all three of them. Then she ran to Chip and hugged him.

I wanna go home. She said and burst into tears.

I think this is home for right now. Chip said, I’m here with you. She looked up at him.

Mom. She said.

She’s going to be at the hospital until she’s well. This isn’t going to be tomorrow or the next day. We’ll be fine here. There’s air conditioning and instead of going to Sally’s I am sure Rayanne will love having you to hang around with. Chip said. She wouldn’t stop crying. He picked her all the way up and carried her to the bed and sat her down on it and sat down beside her. Your going to be fine, Button.

I’m scared. She explained and he hugged her tight.

So am I. He agreed. But we’re together. That’s the best part.

She didn’t say anything else and he watched as Rayanne came over and sat down on the other side of her and smiled at her. She looked up at her. I’m glad you’re here. She said, I always wanted a little sister and you can be my sister whenever you want, ok?

Ok. She said.

Now, how about we try out the vanity and I’ll brush out your hair, something you should do right after you’ve showered or bathed, right now it’s all just flying all over the place and just needs a whole bunch of love, what do you say? Rayanne asked. She nodded. Rayanne got up and offered her hand. She led her over to the vanity and let her have the chair. Rayanne produced a brush, almost if by magic or a nice magic trick and began to slowly brush her hair. Chip looked back at his dad as he leaned in the doorframe. He looked back at him. He might have just been amazed at how well Chip dealt with his sister.

I’m going to find some linen for the bed. I think something from Rayanne’s dinosaur collection that never seems to leave will do. He said.

In the big closet. Rayanne said, Red box labeled ‘six feet under’.

He laughed at her and turned away. Chip went over to stand next to his sister. "You okay with just Rayanne or do you want me to hang?

I think I am going to go into my room and just nap a bit. He explained. She looked at him. The door will be open, ok? She finally nodded. Chip was relieved, because he wanted nothing more then to get a few winks of sleep just then.

Chip woke up to see Sabrina sitting cross-legged at the end of the bed watching him. At least she hadn’t needed him to be awake. He sat up and moved back to lean against the headboard. You ok? he asked.

No. she said. He thought he understood.

Do you like Ray? he asked.

I guess. She said and then after a pause, She stares.

Yea she does. Chip agreed and laughed. She heaved and crossed her arms. What?

You didn’t bring all my stuff. She said.

I know.

You left Barbie and Melinda. If I am staying, I need Barbie and Melinda here. They were on my bed. She explained.

Okay we’ll get them. I didn’t look on your bed. He said. She looked at him some more.

When can we see Mom? she asked.

Maybe in a few days.

Can she get us sick, too? Is that why? she asked.

Not exactly, she’s just not allowed. It’s the doctors saying it. Chip said.

Will she get better?

Yes, but just not all at once. He said. She heaved again. He could tell it was hurting her. She was scared and not so afraid to admit it like himself. He waved her to come closer. She came across the bed to sit next to him and he wrapped his arm around her.

Are you ok? she finally asked.

Just like you Button, this is not fun or easy. He said, But Dad’s here and you have me. We’ll just have to make do.

Will Johnny come visit? she asked.

I hope so, just not yet. He’s grounded.

Why?

Well remember he was the hospital?

Yea.

Well he came there without telling his mom, it was really late when he finally called her, so he’s probably not going to be able to go anywhere for a few days. He explained. She heaved again. He thought she’d burst into tears again, but she was trying to be tough, holding it in.

Can I go stay with Sally? she asked.

I don’t know Button. She’s really far away from here. He said.

What about when you go to work? she asked. He hadn’t even gotten back around to that yet. Now that he had he wasn’t so willing to just stop doing that. He chewed on that for a moment. She finally came forward to turn to look at him. Well?

Yea, if I do. If I do then you can be here with Dad, he doesn’t go to work somewhere else, his job is right here. Chip explained. Chip looked up to see him standing in the doorway just then.

Hi. He said.

Hi Dad. Chip said.

Need anything to drink or a snack?

Juice. Sabrina said.

Have to come downstairs, you want to come with me? he offered. She looked at Chip and then him.

He looks like you. She said. She might have seen it before, but she’d never said anything.

That I do. His father said. She kissed Chip’s cheek, smiled and climbed off the bed to go take his hand. She looked back and then left. Chip stretched back out. He’d only just thought about closing his eyes when Rayanne knocked, like his door was closed.

Hey. She said.

Hey. He said.

Just so you know. I like her, maybe even better than you, ok? she said.

Yea Ray, that’s fine. He said, What’s she is going through is not fun, she could use a friend.

Well I have it in my mind to be sisterly towards her. We are hardly the same age to be friends.

Well there’s a full grown woman she’s going without right now, Sally. She thinks of her as her friend. Chip said, It’s not going to make the same difference to her as it does to you.

Alright Boo, either way I’ll still offer up as much attention as she can stand. She said.

Thanks Ray. He said. She smiled, looked around the room for a moment like she was considering something and then just left. Chip decided he could sleep the whole night away, no point in lying there any longer. He missed lunch and went down for that snack his father offered.

He began checking into all the cupboards. I know where everything is. his dad said.

I think that’s what I am doing Dad. Chip said, Finding out where everything is.

Alright. He said. Chip turned to look at him leaning against the main counter coming away from the refrigerator. He was manning his post, Chip decided. Sabrina was having juice and crackers at the table. Chip made a face thinking about something and then finally went over to him. What? he asked looking concerned.

I think…I think I might just be appreciating you a lot right now, Dad. He said. His father smiled and gave him a hug.

That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard in a long time. He said and then let him go.

I got a weird question though. Chip said.

Go ahead.

You’re like the mom around here aren’t you? he asked. This grabbed Sabrina’s attention as she turned to look at them.

Well, the work is definitely similar to what a lot of woman do, but I don’t respond to Mom. He said.

I said that wrong? he asked.

Not according to Jeremy. He said and grinned. I’m not offended. I know it’s different.

Yea, that’s it. Chip said, But I’ve been doing that at home, cooking, cleaning and laundry.

Rayanne does the laundry, she claims I could never do it right. He said. Which is fine with me.

Ok. Chip said. He kept looking at him. He might have even made him a little uncomfortable for not saying much as he did. Sabrina had gone back to her snack and juice while this transpired. Sorry. He finally said and looked away.

No, don’t apologize. I think I know what you’re doing. He said. Chip looked back. Aside from the other weekend when this was all just a big shock to you, you’re finally able to see me, nothing hidden.

Yea. Chip said. He smiled at his son again.

I’m glad for it, Chip. He said.

Me too. Chip said. Then he went back to looking in all the cupboards. He finally found some pre wrapped snack cakes and grabbed one. He went to the refrigerator and got a soda out. He took it to the table and looked at Sabrina as he got ready to eat it.

Hey. She said, That’s just sugar.

I know. Age has its privileges. He said smiling. She made a face, finishing up and wandering towards his dad with her empty glass. He took it from her and took care of it. She then wandered over to the glass doors along the back of the house.

Can I go outside? she asked.

Yes. Chip’s dad replied, If you’re just in sight fine, if you want to go walk around either Chip or I can go with you.

Just outside. She said. He nodded at her and she opened the door to go out.

You have to keep your eye on her at all times. Chip said. He came around to the table to sit at it where he could see her and his son.

She’s not used to it. He agreed. She seems to be more comfortable with me.

Yea, just the idea that you look like me. Chip said.

Technically it’s the other way around. He said.

Yea.

I’ll be going to see your mom tonight, alone. Talk to her some. He said.

Dad.

Yea.

I need to do my lawns. Chip said, I need to get away for a while, I’m used to it.

I can drive you to them.

No, alone, riding my bike. Chip said, I need it more than say for just the money.

I’d be concerned about you riding down the main road everyday. People don’t look for kids on bikes out here along it. He said.

I’ll be fine Dad. Chip said, There’s plenty of room on the side.

Ok. He said, You miss any today?

Yea, but I can do them on Friday. He explained. His dad got up and went to the door to call out to Sabrina.

That’s too far out of my sight for being out there alone. He called. She came back. Chip knew what she was doing, she was exploring and she’d learn all the limits that way. His dad came back inside and sat down at the table and appeared to relax some.

Well Micheal is definitely out now. Rayanne announced as she came towards them. Chip looked at her but his father didn’t so she looked to where he was looking. What is she doing out there all alone?

She’s fine Rayanne. He explained.

I guess, she is six. She said. Just the same, I can go out there with her. She walked past him touching his shoulder for a moment and then going out the door. It left him free to look at Chip more.

Chip was just waiting for the other topic to come up. He was sure he wanted to talk about it some more, but he didn’t say anything. Maybe he thought Chip had enough to deal with just then. He smiled at him. Chip smiled back and they spent quite some time just sitting there before his dad finally got up to see about making dinner. Jeremy came in after he’d gotten started. He got in his way again leaning against the counter and talking about something Chip wasn’t paying attention to. He was just watching them. At one point his father went to get something out of the cupboard behind him and just leaned against him to get to it. He then stopped to hug and then went back to work. Jeremy talked out, finally looked at Chip.

How are we doing? he asked.

Dealing. Chip said.

Good, where are the girls?

Outside. Chip replied glancing outside to see them running around each other. He took a deep breath and decided Rayanne would win her over soon enough. Then he looked back Jeremy who’d been looking out as well. He slowly turned back to Chip. Chip knew what he was thinking, when were they going to talk more about his mom’s claims.

They never got around to that either. Things were peaceful for dinner and thereafter. Chip ended up waiting on the couch restlessly for his father to come back from the hospital. He played with the TV remote. The TV in the living room area was hidden inside what might appear as just a stick of furniture. He finally found the button that caused it to come up out of it and he was just messing around with it when his father came into the house. He didn’t look happy, shaking off a little of the wet from the rain.

He came over to Chip, who was the only one in sight. She’s physically better. He said, She’s been awake even, but she’s adamant about getting out. She doesn’t quite understand that she’s no longer in control about things. You might be able to see her tomorrow, but not Sabrina, not until she calms down some more.

How did she look? Chip asked.

Physically she’s fine now. They say she won’t suffer from anything permanent. She’ll get better for it the longer she’s there and no longer able to take the poison.

Where do you think she keeps it? Chip asked.

I don’t know son, maybe her room. He said. Chip nodded. Your sister?

Rayanne is trying to wear her out in her room.

Jeremy?

I’m not sure Dad, I’d been sitting here a while and just haven’t seen him. Chip said, Maybe he’s back in the den?

Not unless there was something he wanted to watch on the TV tonight. No game as far as I know. He said. He then went to check. He came back empty handed. He reads, too, might be in our room.

Oh. Chip said. His father finally just sat down next to him.

I wish it was all just better. He said, I wish she were well and home with you and your sister. I wish it were like that and she and I got along well enough for you to spend some time here with us without it being a big deal.

Same here. Chip said. They were quiet for a while. They both might have been startled when Jeremy approached from behind.

Your back. He said coming around the couch.

Thought you went up. Chip’s dad said.

Just out back looking at the stars. He explained. He sat down beside Chip’s dad and pulled him close. How is she?

Physically ok, other than that she isn’t willing to help them help her.

I’ll have to talk her into it. Chip said. They both looked at him, I can do it.

She should do it for herself. Jeremy tried. Chip shook his head no. He then got up and moved to stand in front of them. He leaned foreword and kissed his father’s forehead. He then moved over to do the same thing to Jeremy, which caused him to smile.

Good night. He said, I got lawns to do tomorrow.

Good night son. His dad said. Chip headed on up leaving them alone. He checked on Sabrina and she was listening to a story from Rayanne already tucked into her bed. He went and kissed her good night as well. When he got to his room he finally closed the door and locked it.

He threw off all his clothes, which were already being worn for two days and crashed.

Chip was making up one of his missed lawns from the day before. He’d have two more to push off onto Friday. He’d had three behind him and one to go and he was riding along when he saw something he wasn’t expecting to see. He was coming up fast and he’d spotted Johnny and Poke up ahead. He caught up quickly and they came to a halt.

Hey Johnny. Chip said, and then he turned his head, Hey Poke.

Chip. Poke said diplomatically.

You out doing lawns today? Johnny asked.

Yea. Chip said, "Got one I missed yesterday