Chapter Ten
December 3, 1976
Ennis thought about what Nancy suggested–that Jack or Janie talk to Franki to try to draw her out or open up about what was wrong or even to help her come to grips with having a brother who was gay and in a relationship. He talked to Jack, who talked to Janie, who talked to Kelly.
Which is how Janie, Kelly, and Franki found themselves at the Rialto theater in downtown Goosedown on a Friday night.
Franki looked around the lobby and took in the plush red velvet curtains and the mural on the wall–it was full of movie stars, made to look as if they'd all been standing together in a crowd. She took a deep breath, smelled the popcorn, and felt something stir within her. She watched the other moviegoers, mostly groups of teenagers, the girls with long, straight hair, dressed in bellbottoms, heavy sweaters, and wool coats or knit panchos; the boys in bell bottoms, leather boots, thermal and flannel shirts. They laughed and pushed each other, or bent their heads together for secrets. They all looked so young. She touched her hair, smoothed back the unruly curls that never stayed in her braid, tried not to feel self-conscious about the gray she knew was at her temples. Kelly looped an arm through hers and leaned her head close.
"You want to share some popcorn? Movie popcorn is the best, isn't it?" Franki nodded. "Do you want some soda? What kind?"
"Um, 7-Up?"
"Okay," Kelly smiled at her, then paused before she said softly, "It's weird, how much you look like your brother. Only prettier, of course." She grinned brightly and looked to Janie for confirmation. "Am I right?"
"You are. She's much prettier. Ennis is a hunk, though."
"He sure is," Kelly agreed. "Jack is a lucky, lucky man. Of course, he's nothing to sneeze at, either. I mean, seriously, I could lose myself in his eyes and never come out. If he'd let me. Which he won't." She sighed loudly.
"You better not let Dwayne hear you talk like that. He's got some pretty nice eyes himself. And they're green. You know what that means." Janie teased, gave her a pointed look.
"I know, I know." Kelly threw up her hands and laughed.
"You are right, though, about Jack's eyes, isn't she, Franki?"
"Ha. See?" Kelly nudged Franki in the ribs. Kelly looked from one to the other, amazed at their frankness about Jack and Ennis. As if it didn't bother them at all that they were . . . she couldn't finish the thought.
"Are you getting snacks, Kelly? 'Cause the movie is about to start," Janie prodded her.
"All right, all right."
They settled in seats in the middle of the theater and watched the remake of King Kong stomp across the screen. When it was over, they waited for some of the other patrons to file out before following.
"Why is it that every movie theater has sticky floors?" Janie asked, lifting her feet a couple of times to emphasize her point. "Every state I've lived in is the same. How about Wyoming? Were they sticky there, Franki?"
"Well, I didn't go to the movies very often, but yeah, they were."
"Hey, you want to go have coffee? Maybe some pie? Perkins is open late," Kelly said.
"I don't know," Franki replied.
"Come on, it sounds good to me. They have really good chocolate pie," Janie urged.
Franki looked at them both, then nodded reluctantly.
"Should we walk? It's just a couple of blocks away and it's a nice night," Janie said.
"Are you sure you girls want to hang out with an old lady like me? Don't you have dates?" Franki asked abruptly.
Janie started, "First off, you're not an old lady. You're, what, 35?"
"Thirty-seven," Franki murmured.
"Thirty-seven isn't that old. Second, Kelly and I have spent quite a few dateless Friday nights commiserating together."
"We're dating brothers, twins, and they're both in college in Duluth, about eighty miles from here. They can't always make it home on the weekends," Kelly explained, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck and tucking her hands into her pockets. It was a nice night, but the wind had a bite to it. They were all shivering by the time they got to the restaurant.
Janie continued, "So you're divorced?" Franki nodded. "How long were you married?"
"Fifteen years."
"Wow. That's a long time," Kelly said.
"Yeah," Franki replied, offering no explanation for her divorce.
They were silent then while the waitress put down ceramic cups, poured their coffee, and took their orders for pie.
"Do you like living out at the farm?" Janie asked.
Franki's eyes dropped to her coffee cup and she hesitated before answering. "I don't know. Ennis has been real nice. And Jack, too."
"They're both such sweethearts," Kelly said.
"Yeah . . . I just . . . It just isn't right, though. I can't understand."
"You can't understand what?" Janie asked.
"What's wrong with them," Franki whispered.
Janie's jaw clenched, but she paused before speaking, willing the anger out of her voice. "Franki, what would you say if I told you that I don't think there's anything wrong with them?"
Franki finally looked up and met her eyes. "But it is wrong. It's disgusting. Just the thought of it . . ." she trailed off, her eyes going back to her coffee cup. "I'm not real religious, but I know the bible says it's wrong."
"I'm not real religious either," Janie started, "but I can't imagine that if there is a God up in heaven that he'd say love is a sin. That he'd make it possible for men to love other men or women to love other women and say it was bad. I can't comprehend that. Love is love."
"What about men who," Franki paused and lowered her voice, "have sex with little kids, with boys. What if Ennis is like that. Or Jack?"
Janie stared at her for a moment, scrambling to collect herself to answer coherently and not just slap Franki across the face, which she was tempted to do. "Men, or women, for that matter, having sex with little kids is not love. It's a crime, in the first place, and it isn't about love–it's about power. And it's sick. And second," she leaned forward and said fiercely, "I can't believe you'd think your brother would ever do something like that. Jack either. Being gay doesn't make you a pedophile, which is what men like that are called."
"Franki, I can't even imagine Jack or Ennis doing something like that. Truly." Kelly said, her voice kind.
Franki looked from one to the other before lowering her eyes and they could both see the thoughts and emotions swirling within her, considering what they'd told her.
"Well, maybe I am biased," Janie conceded. "After all, my brother is gay, too."
Franki's eyes snapped up.
"Beau Peterson–he works at the farm." Recognition dawned in Franki's eyes. "He's my brother. It took me a while to get used to it–knowing he had no interest in women, that he wanted to be in love with, to love, a man. But I never stopped loving him."
"Well, I don't have a gay brother, but I don't think it's wrong, either." Kelly chimed in, putting a capper on the conversation. "I've worked for Ennis and Jack since they moved here and I think they're absolutely adorable," she went on, her eyes sparkling.
"How can you think that?" Franki asked, still not convinced.
"Because they're so obviously in love. Wildly, madly, deeply in love. It's beautiful."
Franki looked at her like she had lost her mind, but Kelly met her gaze serenely, secretly pleased to see some real emotion coming from her.
They were interrupted again by the waitress, who brought their pie. Franki's look turned thoughtful again and Kelly and Janie exchanged a hopeful look.
"Didn't I say they had good chocolate pie?" Janie asked.
"You were right," Franki agreed.
"Are you planning on getting a job while you're here?" Kelly asked, sensing the need for a change in topic.
"Yeah," Franki started, "I should've been looking before now, but I've just been so . . .so tired all the time."
"Have you ever waitressed? My mom told me there's a waitress position open at the supper club she works at."
"I did a little, when money was tight. What kind of place is it? It's not too rowdy, is it?"
"No. Well, when there's a dance out there it can get a little rowdy, but most of the time, it's not too bad. I'll have her call you tomorrow, if you want?"
"Sure, that sounds good."
"Okay, I will."
Franki opened the door, trying not to make any noise. She hadn't thought she'd be out this late, but she had such a good time with Kelly and Janie and was very glad she'd gone. The light above the stove was on in the kitchen and the television was on in the living room, but she didn't see anyone. She walked slowly, her stocking-feet making no sound on the linoleum, into the living room. Jack was sitting on the end of the couch, his head resting on the back of it, and his arm around Ennis, who was laying on the couch, his head in Jack's lap, their fingers loosely linked. She stood there for a moment, remembering her conversation with Janie and Kelly. Ennis's face looked so peaceful, so relaxed, so young; her memory was drawn backwards, thinking of the last time she remembered seeing him like this.
Ennis was probably about nine years old, sitting at the kitchen table, doing homework or drawing a picture, or something like that. He was concentrating on his task, with the intensity that was his way, but there was an innocence to it, an innocence that had disappeared soon after and he'd become so solemn, so silent. When their parents were gone she was intent on just putting food on the table she hadn't paid attention to him like she should've, like he deserved. Tears sprang to her eyes. Another regret, another layer of guilt added to her heart. There were already so many things to feel guilty for–to be ashamed of.
A tiny movement caught her eye and she looked up and found herself looking into the deep, dark depths of Jack's eyes and she could see the compassion in them. He moved his head, as if to ask her a question, but before he opened his mouth, Ennis stirred. Franki was dismayed to see the peace on his face replaced by wariness as he sat up and moved away from Jack. She didn't miss the irritation that crossed Jack's face, either.
"Hey, sis, how was the movie?" He asked, rubbing his hands down his face.
"It was okay. We went out for pie and coffee afterwards."
"That's good. You have a good time with Kelly and Janie?"
"Yeah, they're real nice."
"Good, that's good."
"Well, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning," Franki said.
"G'night."
"Night."
Ennis stood up and stretched. "I'm gonna head up, too. You comin?"
"In a few minutes," Jack replied.
Ennis cocked a questioning eyebrow at him.
"Just go, Ennis. I'll be up soon."
Ennis shook his head and went up the stairs.
Jack turned off the television and made the rounds to lock the doors. He got the coffee pot ready for the next morning and looked in the refrigerator to see if they had everything for a big breakfast in the morning, found himself hoping that Franki would be up early to join them. He knew he saw something in her eyes tonight, something that gave him pause and made him think. It almost looked like understanding and maybe a bit of acceptance.
Bobby sat on the counter next to the griddle, watching the pancakes for his dad, who was flipping the sausage patties on the stove. "Daddy, they're bubbling."
"Okay, okay." He picked up the spatula and flipped them over. "You want any eggs?" Bobby nodded. "Scrambled okay?"
"Maybe Dad can make the eggs. I want them over easy today."
Jack gave him a mock glare. "Fine, you better go wake your dad up, though, or he's gonna miss breakfast altogether. I can't believe he slept in today. Good thing I got up and took care of the horses," Jack grumbled as Bobby hopped down and went to wake Ennis up.
"Mmm, something smells good," Jack heard behind him.
He turned and said, before thinking, "You're up early today," then blushed, realizing how rude it sounded.
Franki just laughed and opened the cupboard for a coffee mug. "Yes, I am." She poured herself a cup of coffee and asked Jack if he needed any help.
"No, I think I got it covered." He paused and turned back to her. "Unless you can make the perfect eggs. Over easy."
"Actually, I can. Usually," she shrugged. Jack showed her where the pans were and stepped out of her way, back to the pancakes. He added four more to the growing stack.
Bobby made his way downstairs and sat at the table. "He's coming," he said, loading his plate with pancakes, which he spread liberally with butter and syrup.
Jack peered over Franki's shoulder at the eggs she was cooking. "Hmm, they look pretty good," he conceded.
"They're just about done. Where should I put them?"
"On Bobby's plate. I'll take a couple, if you wanna make more?"
"Sure," she said, smiling at him.
Ennis came down the stairs a few minutes later, rubbing his eyes and yawning. Jack started towards him for a morning kiss, but Ennis side-stepped him and frowned at him.
Jack scowled back and asked, "You want eggs?"
"Sure," Ennis said.
"Gettin up awfully late today," Jack said pointedly.
"Sorry," Ennis replied. He put his cup of coffee on the table and sat down.
"You want some eggs, Ennis?" Franki asked, from the stove.
"Only if you're makin em," he replied. "Jack can make the best pancakes, but he can't do eggs. Except for scrambled and even them don't turn out so good."
Jack slammed a plate down in front of him and leaned down, "Is that so?"
Ennis's mouth lifted the merest bit. "You know it is, Jack."
"Fuck you, asshole," Jack whispered.
"Daddy! No cussing!" Bobby said.
Jack had the grace to look a little ashamed, "Sorry, bud."
Franki appeared at Ennis's other side, the pan and spatula in her hands. "Here's your eggs." She slid them neatly onto his plate.
"Thanks. They look good."
"I'll make yours next, Jack," Franki said.
"Thanks," he replied. "Bobby, you want something to drink? Orange juice or milk?"
"Orange juice."
"You have plans today, son?" Jack asked him.
"Yeah, me and Danny are gonna work on our fort. I wanna get it done before Junior and Franny get here, so they can see it."
Franki glanced at Ennis. "The girls are coming?"
"For a visit at Christmas."
"Alma is gonna let them come here?"
Ennis's eyes turned stormy. "She already has. They spent three weeks here last summer."
The phone rang then and Jack stood up to answer it.
"Good mornin, sweetheart!" he said. "Yep, she's right here. Hold on." He turned to Franki and held the receiver out to her. "It's for you. It's Alice. Kelly's mom," he explained, seeing her confused look.
"Oh, okay," Kelly said and took the receiver. "Hello? Yes, thank you, ma'am." She turned away to continue her conversation.
"Can I go outside now?" Bobby asked.
"Yeah, but you make sure to put your snowpants, boots, hat, and heavy mittens on. I'll walk out and see how you boys are doin in a little while," Jack said. Bobby put his plate in the sink and went to the porch. They could hear the rustle of him putting on his outdoor gear.
Jack turned to Ennis and said low, "You're in so much trouble."
Ennis smirked at him, "Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"What're ya gonna do t'me, tough guy?"
"I'm gonna kick your ass for bein such a dumbass, then I'm gonna lasso ya and have my way with ya."
"Who're you callin dumbass?"
Jack just smiled and shook his head, went back to eating his breakfast.
"Um, Ennis, do you think you could give me a ride tomorrow morning? Around eleven?" Franki asked.
"Sure, where're ya goin?"
"That was Alice, Kelly's mom," they both nodded at her and she blushed, realizing they already knew who was on the phone. "She said there's a job for a waitress at the supperclub she works at. Willow Bay, I think it's called. She said Sam and Emma, the owners, need to talk to me, but she's pretty sure they'll hire me and if they do, I'll start right away tomorrow after I meet with them."
"Sounds good."
She nodded, a small smile on her face, then started clearing the table. Jack and Ennis stood to help her, but she surprised them. "Let me do this. I'm sure you guys have a lot of other stuff to do around here. It's about time I started earnin my keep."
"All right," Ennis replied and Jack followed his lead. They started toward the porch, but Franki put a hand on Ennis's arm and stopped him.
"Ennis, I sure appreciate you lettin me stay here. Both of you," she added, looking towards Jack. "I know I been a pill."
"Don't worry about it," Ennis replied, while Jack just grinned at her and gave her a nod.
"I think I'll go out and check on Bobby and Danny. Give em a hand, if they need it," Jack said, pulling on his stocking cap.
"Think I'll go with ya," Ennis said.
The door closed behind them and Franki watched them out the window. Jack pushed Ennis; Ennis grabbed him around the neck and tried to push him down in the snow. Jack took advantage and grabbed him around the waist, practically hoisted him up on his shoulders and smacked his ass. Franki smiled in spite of herself. They both ended up on the ground and Ennis held up a handful of snow, clearly threatening to wash Jack's face with it. At the last moment, he tossed the snow and leaned in for a kiss. Jack's hands went up around his neck and they were still kissing when Franki turned away, tears in her eyes.