It was a late October night in the Bing household. The lights were out in every room except one as the sun began to fade into the distance on the other side of the wire glass window. As the owls cooed and the crickets chirped, the night was quieting down. However it appeared as if apartment 19 was doing anything but.
The living-room was faced with destruction as I wrapped myself in blankets; moving from on top of the coffee table to standing on the cushioned couch.
"She was a bride at only seventeen and was related to the royal house..." The accent I tried to speak with was deep and like the ancient Romans as if we were in a period of enlightenment. "...yet, as his Catholic biographer put it, by sorcery and witchcraft he did so allure that poor gentlewoman that she could not live without him." My voice changed to a dark and mysterious tone as I switched characters. "The bread man, the fair lady was really in love with, captured her eye across the foyer." I caught eyes with Carter across the room in the rocking chair as she wrapped herself tight in her blanket. "But not like any other fair day, he was dressed more sophisticated and powered so Prince Gilbert wouldn't recognize him."
I watch as Carters eyes drift closed before they shot open; fighting the exhaustion the day brought her. I remember her saying long ago how my bedtime stories were one of a kind and she never wanted them to end. I find myself smiling as I continue the story.
"Grabbing his glass of champagne, he raised his tumbler to the couple." I grabbed the half empty bottle of YooHoo and raised it to the ceiling "If Madam Bing is cherry, then I must be blithe and show my regards to this impending marriage." I then stepped down from the couch and grabbed the pillow off the floor "Something about this maidens character had Sir Chandler perturbed."
Carter smiled as I put the pillow around my arm, struggling as I managed to tie it with another blanket. Forming a shield I moved on "Sir Chandler then downed his drink and walked across the room until he was person to person with Prince Gilbert." Stopping in front of the bar stool that belonged in the kitchen, I continued "He couldn't bare the thought of someone else taking his women. So, without much of a notion he challenged thereby Prince to a duel for the gentlewomen's love."
Reaching down I quickly grabbed the lamp that sat on the side table; writing it into my bedtime story. "The prince grabbed the torch that sat in its sconce. I hereby proclaim a duel with this here duke," I motioned to the kitchen chair beside me "...for this fine ladies hand." Setting the lamp down on the table I moved on "Although, Prince Gilbert didn't know how powerful the duke really was, he may have just lost his lady to a man who serves bread for a living." Watching as Carter's eyes started to drift shut I took off the blanket that wrapped around my shoulders like a sash, before quietly walking over to Carter "The first match was a tie," I crossed the room and threw all the blankets and pillows that were on the floor back onto the couch "...the second was a close call," I bent down in front of Carter "...but the third one..." Scooping my baby sister in my arms I carried her to the other room. "...Sir Chandler won by a long shot."
With one hand I pull back the covers to her bedspread before gently lying her down. Kissing her forehead I whisper a quiet 'I love you' before leaving the door cracked on my way out.
Nights like these make it easy. Nights like last remind me why I took custody of Carter in the first place.
Cleaning up the living-room I saw the first flash of lightning shine through the window. There has been storm after storm blowing through New York for the past week and all I could do was try to keep Carter calm. It was highly unlikely for a tornado to touch down in the middle of the city, but not impossible. The weather that has been passing through here has acted server enough for a twister to appear out of the sky.
With another clash of lightning came a BOOM, just before the rain started to pour.
It wasn't easy providing a safe environment for my baby sister to grow up in. There are defiantly hard things to being the big brother that she looks up to. By far the hardest part is letting go. With every day that passes I'm realizing even more that she needs to make her own decisions and mistakes, and in order for that to happen, I actually need to take a step back and let her do it. Of course, I am always here to help steer her. Just knowing when to let go and give the freedom she needs to do those things makes it all tough.
"Chandler?"
Taking my attention off cleaning the living room I find Carter clenching her blanket in the doorway.
Smiling softly I point to my room. "Go. I'll be there in a minute." And just like that she's gone.
Many people have fears, some even over come them. Cold sweats, panting, quickened breath; it all heightens around fear. When a young one has a nightmare they usually call for their Mom or Dad. But what Carter did last night surprised me. She actually called for her Dad. I know I'm not him, but a part of me wondered if she meant me.
Putting the last few cups in the sink I turn off the lights and make my way to my bedroom.
Finding Carter curled up in the middle of my bed makes me smile. She seems so delicate right there that I don't want to move her. Her head is halfway under her blanket and her eyes are shut as she breaths evenly; it's then, that I know, she is fast asleep.
Pulling off my shirt and slipping out of my pants, I grab my Canon off my dresser. Very quietly, just as the lightening strikes, it lights up her face and my camera clicks.
That's a keeper.
Many children lose a parent as a child. Some to drugs, some by accident, and some from illness.
We lost our parents in a plane crash when Carter was just a year old. On their 20th anniversary they took a spontaneous trip to Mexico. To get away from work problems and financial stability, they left after planning it for two days. With that minor issue they were ticketed to a small aircraft just outside the city.
As for Carter and I, we stayed behind in our grandmothers care. Being only 72 she was able to look after a growing 1 year old. With my help of course.
My parents were scheduled to be gone for a four day trip and arrive back home on Sunday evening. They called us to check in right before they boarded the plane, then again when they arrived, twice on Friday, then again minutes before they took off. We assured them all was good at grandmas house.
Then, just an hour before their plane was scheduled to arrive we received a phone call.
Carter was in bed and I was lying on the couch watching cartoons as my grandma answered the phone.
I remember hearing her faint cries in the kitchen as she kept repeating if they were sure. Then I did something I regretted.
Flipping through the channels I searched for something to distract me. Stopping on the weather was a breaking news report issued not that long ago.
Across the bottom read Aircraft 772 Engine Blown. As the flames rose two photos appeared on the screen.
Charles and Nora Bing
I was sure they were mistaken. They were coming home tonight, they will be walking through the door any minute.
My grandmother came in the room, her eyes red and puffy. Sitting down right next to me she gathered me in her arms and I moved to hold her hand.
I find myself gripping my grandmothers hand tightly before her eyes come down to find mine. But there is no expression. It's like the world stopped. My mom and dad were gone; her daughter and son-in-law. I'm only 15, a boy going through high school. This shouldn't be happening to someone my age. My dad is suppose to teach me how to drive next weekend before I get my drivers licenses. He was going to be my baseball coach. I still have to attend prom with my mom driving me nuts as she takes too many pictures. Now, it's like all my dreams are falling through the cracks. I still have so much to look forward to and yet, as the seconds pass by, it seemed those dreams are fading further and further away.
I felt warm, salty tears sliding down my cheeks before wiping them away with the back of my hand. I want to scream, but I can't find my voice. I want to punch something, but I can't find the strength to move. So I just sit there holding onto my grandmothers hand beside me.
I knew then that I was a boy who needed to become a man.
Next post will be Thanksgiving or Black Friday. I hope you all have a great holiday!
