Chapter 52
When Albert woke up the following morning, he was apprehensive to leave the shelter of his bedroom. It troubled him to think of facing Louise after his shenanigans the previous day. For a long while he remained sitting on the edge of his bed, clad in his pajamas. Not until Kid had knocked on the door and poked his head inside, urging him to come and get his breakfast did he slowly set into motion, and without bothering to change out of his pajamas, he made his way to the kitchen.
Kid was sitting alone at the table, and as Albert took the seat next to him, he cast a brief glimpse in the boy's direction, but said nothing. Albert poured his favorite cereal into a bowl, and Kid filled a glass with orange juice for him. As the young man focused his attention back on his own breakfast, Albert warily eyed him, debating with himself whether he dared to break the uncomfortable silence. He shifted in his seat for a few moments, and finally he opened his mouth to speak up.
"How… how's Louise?"
Kid had a swig of his coffee, and turned his blue eyes to the boy. "A bit better, but she's staying in bed today."
Albert nodded, keeping his eyes downcast. "I'm… I'm really sorry."
"I know, but it's not me who you should apologize to. Lou deserves to hear it from you."
The boy dared to lift his eyes. "Am I grounded, Kid?"
"With Lou being sick, we won't be going anywhere today, and I have to think if you deserve any more special outings after the way you behaved yesterday."
"I'm sorry, Kid… I really am."
"I know."
Albert spent that Sunday in his bedroom, reading or studying as he wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible. Kid was still sore at him, so the boy would rather not draw too much attention upon himself. Lunch was as uncomfortably silent as breakfast. Albert was still eating his dessert when Kid walked out, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and roasted chicken steak for Lou. A few minutes later Albert sauntered into the living room and stopped stock still in dread. Louise was half propped up against the sofa, trying to swallow the soup. "I'm full now," she said in a weak voice.
"Lou, you've hardly had four spoonfuls, and you haven't touched the chicken," protested Kid, who was sitting close to her on the edge of the sofa.
"It's enough for me."
Albert noticed Lou's eyes dart to him. It was just a brief, casual look before she dropped her head on the armrest and closed her eyes. Kid fastidiously covered her body with a soft blanket before he rose to his feet, and balanced the tray in his hands on his way to the kitchen. When he saw the boy, he stopped before him. "If you've finished your homework, you can watch some TV here." He and Lou had talked little today, but they had briefly discussed Albert and what had happened the day before. Lou believed they shouldn't be too hard on the boy. Albert was fully aware of his own misbehavior, and what they needed to do was to have a conversation with him, which she planned to undertake when she felt better in a few days.
"But Louise is sleeping," Albert whispered.
"I'm not… yet," Lou said, keeping her eyes closed. "Even if I fall asleep, it's okay. You won't bother me."
Albert did not reply to her words, and apprehensively sat in an armchair just across from Louise, and switched the television on. The boy was afraid of staying alone with her and the lecture he knew was coming. He was very aware of Lou's presence, and even though her face was buried in the crook of the sofa back and armrest and he couldn't see it, he expected her to jump to her feet at any moment and launch a tremendous verbal attack, which he admitted he deserved. Yet, that never came. Lou seemed to have fallen asleep, but Albert did not dare to shift his eyes from the TV screen at any moment even though the program on was a dreadful drag. He was so concerned about keeping a low-profile that he did not even dare to reach for the remote control and change the channel.
After loading the dishwasher and tidying up the kitchen, Kid walked back into the living room and sat opposite Albert. Noticing the tedious expression on the boy's expression, Kid suggested they watch a DVD. Even though Albert simply shrugged his shoulders in indifference, he was visibly delighted when Kid chose one of his favorite cartoon movies, and for a while Albert forgot about his problems and apprehensions, and delved into Disney's world of fantasy. The boy was so engrossed in the animated movie that he missed Lou leaving the sofa and shuffling back to her bedroom. Only when the end and credits flashed on the screen did he notice the space Lou had vacated.
Dinner was a quiet event too, but Kid was more talkative. The silent treatment Albert had previously endured was too uncomfortable, and although he knew he deserved his anger, Albert was glad to see that things were perking up. However, Albert would never have guessed he was up to a disagreeable surprise that very night.
It was when he was in bed that Albert first noticed his stomach complain. Putting it down to the excessive amount of French fries he had eaten during dinner, the boy tried to ignore the pains and force himself to fall asleep. Yet, sleep ignored him tonight, and a few minutes later the stomach cramps intensified. The familiar sensations of nausea coursed all over him, and as the sour taste of bile reached his mouth, the boy scrambled out of bed and whizzed into the bathroom. That was the first time of many that night. Kid was continuously by his side as he heaved, or checking on him, but Albert was barely aware of anything else other than the appalling condition and feelings he was a victim of. He was weak, dizzy, and achy. His stomach lurched and hurt, and his mouth had a funny, bitter taste.
Albert lay in the bed, curled up and feeling empty and lonely. It must be the early hours of the morning, and even though his eyes drooped in exhaustion, he was unable to crash. Unexpectedly, a hand softly touched his forehead, and he opened his eyes to find Louise hovering over him. As she noticed his nonplussed gaze, she stooped and whispered, "How are you feeling?"
Albert shook his head, and suddenly, tears sprang up in his eyes as an immense longing consumed him. "I want my mom!" he cried as the tears rolled down his cheeks.
Lou wiped his wet face with her fingers. "I know, honey," she whispered. "I know you miss her, especially when you're feeling poorly. Blame me for this thing. It's me who passed the bug onto you." Albert did not say a word as he tried to control his tears and bitter sadness. "Try to get some sleep. I'm sure you must be very tired."
Albert simply shut his eyes, but even though she made no noise, he could feel Lou's presence in the bedroom. She tucked the bedding tightly around his body, and the boy could smell the soft aroma of her shampoo in the air. Strangely enough, he liked to know she was there; it was comforting in a way, but distressing as well. He was now experiencing what Louise had been suffering these days, and the idea that she had been so sick and lost in the carnival tugged at his guilt-ridden conscience. Albert was positive Louise would never forgive him, and even though he told himself he didn't care what she thought or did, the idea actually discomfited him.
Suddenly, Albert opened his eyes and realized he had been sleeping. The bright sun streaming through the window told him that a few hours had passed. His stomach felt calmer, and he hoped that meant nausea would not bother him any longer. Looking around his bedroom, he wondered if he was alone in the apartment. Kid and Louise must both be at work like every Monday, but with all likelihood one of them would drop by at lunchtime to check on him.
As the thought danced in his mind, the door opened and Louise stepped in. Noticing him awake, she smiled and came closer to the bed. "How are you doing?"
"Better," he muttered as he gazed at her, his forehead marred by a frown. "And…and you?"
"Today I'm feeling as right as rain, thankfully."
"Why aren't you at work then?" the boy asked.
Lou sat on the edge of the bed, and her hand rubbed up and down the bedding, smoothing its creases. "We can't leave you here all alone when you're sick. My boss wasn't too happy when I called this morning, but he's not really a chirpy chap anyway."
Albert's frowning lines deepened. "What if you get fired?"
Louise shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a job and not one I particularly like. But, Albert, even if it were my ideal job, there are more important things to consider."
The boy kept quiet as he weighed Lou's words in his mind. His mom had always fretted whenever he had been taken sick, even rushing to her private doctor for the smallest sign of illness. However, when it came down to her social and professional commitments, she never doubted to miss those for him. Albert remained under the care of the service in the house, and if he was in the boarding school, the staff there looked after him. That had been the rule all through his young life, but naturally, things were different now since Lou and Kid had no service, and he wasn't a boarder at the school any longer.
Albert lifted his eyes and met his sister's gaze. "Aren't you angry with me?" he dared to ask.
"Angry?" Lou echoed, momentarily lost at the meaning behind his words, and as it finally dawned on her, she added, "Oh I see." Letting out an audible sigh, she looked into his eyes as she added, "I'm not angry. I was never angry. The other day I was feeling so dreadful that the last thing in my mind was anger."
"I… I'm terribly sorry. I shouldn't have done what I did."
Lou bobbed her head up and down in acceptance. "Did Kid tell you to apologize to me?"
Albert nodded, and when he noticed Lou's disappointed expression, he exclaimed, "But I wanted to before he told me. Honestly."
Louise smiled and dared to place her hand over her brother's. "Let's just forget about the whole thing. I'm glad we've talked."
Albert stared at her smiling face and then shifted his eyes to look at her hand resting on his. Her touch felt wrong as if it burned his skin, so he gruffly removed his hand and hid it under the quilt. "I still don't like you," he grunted, sending her a cold glare.
"I know," Lou muttered, before rising to her feet and shuffling out of the bedroom with slow, tired steps.
Albert's big, brown eyes fixed on the bespectacled man, sitting on the imposing, leather chair opposite him. The man could not be much older than Kid, but he looked scrawnier and his longish, blonde hair gave him too casual an air. His bony hands rested on his crossed legs, and his eyes stared back at the boy in such a penetrating way that made Albert uncomfortable.
I don't want to be here, Albert thought, and he had half a mind to jump to his feet and leg it. Yet, he could not bring himself to do that. After his past stunt at the carnival, he had promised Kid he was ready to do everything it took to show he was trustworthy. Albert had not known then that his promise would entrap him, so when Kid had let him know they were to see a psychiatrist, the boy had not been able to protest. So here they were… the three of them… him flanked by Kid and Louise at this silly shrink's office.
Albert was beyond annoyed. His weekly visits to the school psychologist were already bad enough. He did not understand what Kid and Louise intended. Not even if the very president of the United States came to see him would he dislike Louise less. Nobody could force him to accept or love her, and they would soon find that this visit was a waste of time and money.
The psychiatrist cleared his throat and smiled. The afternoon sunrays spilled through the wide windows, draping his figure in a strange halo of light, which made him appear and in a strange shape. The doctor noticed his three clients squint, so he rose to his feet and lowered the Venetian blinds, leaving the office in shadows. As he took his seat again, he directed his eyes to the boy. "I've been told your name's Albert." The ten-year-old remained quiet, and the doctor carried on after a beat. "I'm Dr. Wright, but if you call me that, I'll feel like a million years old. Maybe you'd better use my Christian name, Steve." The boy still didn't speak up. Dr. Wright exchanged a glimpse with the couple before he proceeded, "Albert, do you know why you're here?"
For a few seconds there was only silence, and when it seemed the boy would not answer the question, he surprised the adults by saying, "I promised Kid I'd try hard to behave and do what he told me to."
"And why do you think he wanted you to come here?"
Albert kept quiet for a few seconds again. "I guess he thinks there's something wrong with me because I don't like Louise."
"Louise is your sister…"
"My half-sister," Albert clarified, trying to place as much distance between him and Louise as possible.
"And you don't like her."
"That's right. I don't like her because she killed my parents."
"Albert…"
"Please Mr. Cain," Dr. Wright interceded, and Kid just gave a wry smile as his eyes searched for Lou, who seemed to be unaffected by Albert's words. When she noticed her fiancé looking in her direction, she forced a smile onto her lips, letting him know she was fine.
From the desk behind him, Dr. Wright picked up a writing pad, and then turned his attention back to the boy. "Albert, could you do something for me?" Before the ten-year-old would agree or refuse, the psychiatrist placed the pad on the boy's lap and said, "Would you draw your family for me? You can sit at that table next to my library. There are pencils, crayons, and everything you need for your picture. In the meantime, I'll have a little chat with your sis… with your half-sister and Mr. Cain."
Albert shoved the pad off his lap, dropping onto the floor. "I don't like drawing, and I won't do that stupid picture."
Dr. Wright picked up the writing pad and left it back on his desk. "All right then. If you don't like drawing, it's fine. Why don't you tell me about your family instead?"
"My parents are dead."
"Yes, but one's family includes more than parents."
"I have several siblings," Albert muttered reluctantly.
Dr. Wright nodded. "Tell me about them."
The boy made a face, but despite his reluctance, he obeyed the doctor. "Lily's the best. She's great fun. She always makes me laugh. She knows lots of jokes, strange stories, and she's a bit of a clown. I love being with her because she's kind, very intelligent, and pretty." Albert paused as dark thoughts shadowed his exuberance. "But she's married to Dwight. He's jealous because Lily loves me and now they're gonna have a baby, so that's why I can't be with her."
"You must miss her then," Dr. Wright commented.
"Very," the boy muttered. "I visited her a few weeks ago, but Dwight was also there."
"Maybe you can tell her to visit you next time."
"Maybe, but Dwight may not let her."
"What about your other siblings?"
"Jack is my brother. He's okay, but he's a bit too serious. He's a businessman and travels all the time. He always brings me a present after every one of his trips."
"That's pretty cool."
Albert nodded. "I haven't seen him since Mom and Dad passed away. He hasn't called me either."
"He must be busy, don't you think?"
"Yes," Albert said in a small voice. "I guess."
"Do you have more siblings?" Dr. Wright asked even though in his notes he had all the information about Albert's family.
The child nodded. "Jeremiah and Tessie. They're my Dad's children, but they aren't in the city now. When I was little, they came to live with me and my parents just after their mother died. It was fun to have them at home, but they left years later too. Tessie is very sweet; she's an actress… a really good one, and I think she'll be famous one day, and she's promised she'd take me to the Oscars when that happens."
"And Jeremiah?"
"Miah is really smart. That's what Dad always said, and it must be true because he went to college and got himself a good job. He lives in Florida, in a really cool neighborhood near the beach. We… Mom, Dad, and I went there on Thanksgiving's. We had so much fun, and Mark… he's Miah's little son and my nephew… Mark's fun too."
"I see. A very nice family." Wright nodded, writing notes in his notebook. "And?"
"And what?"
The psychiatrist directed his eyes to the boy. "You still haven't said a word about your remaining sibling: Louise."
Albert involuntarily shifted his gaze to his side, and as he noticed Lou watching him, he looked away. His fingers started playing with a loose thread in his sweater, and his legs kept swinging back and forth like a pendulum. "There's nothing to say."
"Maybe Louise can step outside, and we can discuss these things alone," the doctor suggested, wondering if it was her presence that was prevented the boy from opening up.
Albert shrugged his shoulders, but he did not raise his eyes. "I don't mind if she stays or goes. The only thing I can say about her is that I don't like her."
"I can't believe that, Albert," Dr. Wright replied. "We all have an opinion about everybody. I'm sure you've already formed an opinion about me. There's always a reason why we like or hate others."
"I told you. It's her fault my parents died," the boy stated stubbornly. "And I can't forgive that."
Louise could not remain impassive, and shifted in her plush chair uncomfortably, and sensing Kid was about to speak up in her defense, she lifted her hand, beckoning to stay put. Kid sighed morosely just as the doctor said, "Let's do this right, Albert. You're now living with your sister and her fiancé, is that right?"
"Yeah," the boy muttered.
"In all this time you must have gotten to know your sister quite well, don't you think?" Albert shrugged his shoulders again. "Why don't you tell me all the good things about Louise?"
This time Albert lifted his eyes, and his face creased in amusement at the unsound request from the psychiatrist. "There's nothing good," the boy stated in a firm voice.
"Now, Albert, I'm sure you don't believe that yourself. There's always something in everybody, but I grant you, finding the good in others isn't always easy. I think we should have started with the dark side… the imperfections. I'm pretty certain you can list all the flairs that make you loathe your sister so much." The boy stopped to think, and mere seconds had ticked by when the doctor spoke up again. "Let me help you with that. Tell me, is your sister a cruel woman?"
"Cruel?" Albert echoed as if it were the first time he heard the word. He stared at the psychiatrist as if the man were out of his mind. "Of course she isn't cruel."
"Then maybe she's a selfish woman, and only thinks of herself and her whims. Somebody who doesn't give a hoot about what others feel or need."
"No, that isn't her," Albert whispered grimly. He knew he could never call Louise selfish. She put up with his mischief, sullenness, and insults and attacks when she could have walked away on him any given day. He had given her enough reasons to do that.
"Then she must be cold and arrogant. Or mean and stingy. Or somebody who's incapable of showing affection. Or…"
"No! No! No!" Albert shouted in irritation. "Will you stop it? I want you to shut up and leave me alone!"
"Albert, I'm just asking you a question. Just tell me one bad thing about your sister Louise, and I'll leave you alone."
"She… she… she…" Albert stuttered, racking his brains to find something he could offer. For some reason he felt obliged to respond to the doctor's request. It should be easy, but in all these weeks he had paid little attention to Louise as a way to punish her, and nothing came to his mind. "She… she can't cook."
Dr. Wright nodded. "She can't cook," the man repeated the words very slowly, and his tone of voice sounded in Albert's ears as if he was questioning the truth behind them.
"I don't like the food when she cooks."
Dr. Wright nodded again. "You don't like your sister because she can't cook."
"I don't like her because she killed my parents. I told you so," Albert stated in a cold, stiff voice.
"Oh yes, I forgot you said that before," Dr. Wright said patronizingly. "Can we please revisit that?"
Instead of the boy's reply, another voice resounded in the place. "I think Albert's had enough for today," Lou broke in, unable to keep quiet any longer. Her baby brother had put up with too much already, and she could sense the boy was being exposed to too much pressure from the doctor. If it was her and she had to be submitted to the third grade in relation to somebody she abhorred like for example Albert's mother, by now she would have lost any little constraint she might have.
"The hour's not up yet, Ms. McCloud."
"Albert looks exhausted, and I think we should stop here."
Lou's words felt like an affront, an unspoken challenge, and even though Albert would like nothing better than up and leave, his hostility towards Louise forced him to do just the opposite of what she wanted. "I'm fine and want to carry on."
"Are you sure, buddy?" Kid cut in. "Lou's right. You look quite worn out."
"I'm okay," Albert insisted stubbornly, and directed his eyes to the psychiatrist, granting him permission to continue.
There was a small silent pause before Dr. Wright was able to reassemble his notes and reconduct the interview. "So Albert, you've told me twice that your sister killed your parents, but I thought they died in a car crash."
"That's right."
"Then how could Louise kill them? Did she tamper with the car brakes? Did she add something in their drinks that put them to sleep while they were driving?" As the boy kept quiet and it seemed he was not listening, the doctor insisted, "What is it, Albert? I really don't understand, and I want to know."
"She didn't do any of that," the child muttered, keeping his eyes downcast.
"Then what?"
"Mom and Dad shouldn't have been in that car. They were because they had gone to see the lawyer for their divorce. She made them split up and divorce," Albert roared, pointing an accusing, trembling finger in Lou's direction.
"How could Louise cause them to separate?"
"I… I don't know, but I heard them argue and mention Louise the night before my dad walked out," Albert said, balling up his fist on his sides.
"And you never asked your parents?" Albert shook his head, and the doctor insisted, "And why haven't you asked your sister?"
That was the last straw, and Lou just could not hold back any longer. Rising to her feet and clutching her handbag strap between her hands, she said, "We're leaving now." It was not a suggestion or a question, but a categorical command. "Albert's had enough, and we should go home. Thanks for your time and help, Dr. Wright." She stretched her arm and shook the man's hand, putting an end to any protests.
Dr. Wright obligingly rose and said, "I hope to see you next week. Tell my nurse to place an appointment for our next session."
Louise did not say a word and simply made a beeline for the door. Silent as she was, Albert and Kid followed her, and for once the three of them agreed wordlessly it was a relief to escape the confines of that smothering office and breathe fresh air again.
