Chapter 3- Can you really go back home again?
Janet had packed up her Jeep the night before her and Thad were leaving for the Ridge. She wanted to get down to Hannah's early the next day so her and Hannah could catch up on things before Sully's wake. As per Sully's last wishes, a traditional Irish wake was to be held at Sully's. Leave it to Sully to have planned the whole thing ahead of time. The food, the drinks, the music, he had planned it all down to the last detail. He didn't want to burden anyone and he certainly wanted to make sure everyone had a good time. To celebrate his life, not to morn his passing. Sully's, the man and the place, had been such a huge part of her life, Janet couldn't help but to get choked up thinking about it.
Thad as always was flipping through the radio stations as they cruised on down the highway. Scanning up and down the dial, Thad hit an oldies station that was playing one of Janet's favorite songs. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. Much to Thad's disliking, she sang along to the song with gusto. Maybe going to the Ridge wasn't going to be as bad as she thought it would be. Maybe Eddie would avoid her and she wouldn't have to answer any questions he might have. Yeah, she thought and maybe I eat corn dogs for the corn! The song ended and the next song came on loud and clear--S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night. Janet grabbed for the radio hitting the scan button as fast as she could almost swerving into the next lane.
"Mom" Thad yelled, "what are you doing?" "I'm sorry Thad, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just, well, the Bay City Rollers, not one of my favorite bands." "Wow, it's one thing not liking a band, but another thing to get into to an accident over a song." Thad said slumping down in his seat.
Janet shook her head, Thad was way too smart for his age, she decided. What kid talked like that as his age? He was always quick to catch on to things, too quick sometimes. She wanted him to stay her baby forever but already he talked as if he was a teenager at times. They were still close sure, but he was anything but a baby anymore. He reminder her of that often enough. Like "Mom, I can wash my own face" or "Mom, don't hug me in front of the guys, OK?" He was almost seven but going on seventeen, Janet decided. But he was hers and he was beautiful. Every minute she spent with him was precious.
