Where It All Began
Chapter 6-Danny Green
Danny was the oldest son in an old Connecticut family. His parents had money. His dad, an investment banker and his mom was born and raised to be a wife of a wealthy man. It was how his family worked and believed. Danny was raised to follow in his father and grandfather's shoes; other than he had no desire to. He was a let down for his family. His little brother, Derek could follow in the trend. Danny had made the choice to join the Navy and due to being so athletic, there was talk of him being a SEAL. Due to connections, he was accepted into the Academy. Afterall, his parents would never allow one of their sons to be, in their opinion; 'a menial enlisted man.'
The night before he left for the Academy, his mom had the cook make a roast chicken, creamed potatoes, and a few of Danny's other favorite foods. She invited family over; aunts, uncles, cousins and his grandparents. In addition to his parents and younger brother and sister; Derek and Dana; it almost filled up the sixteen seat dining table. Danny actually felt sorry for the family cook, Ellen. As she served dinner; he realized, she had fixed things his mother hadn't requested, a peach cobbler, green beans with bacon and onions, and the cheesy potatoes that Danny always begged for.
"Ellen, this wasn't on my menu. It was to be roast chicken, salad, boiled potatoes and steamed asparagus." His mother, Katherine said as the plate was put in front of her.
"Katherine; stop. These are some Danny's favorites. He has only been eating that healthy because of his physicals. Ellen; it's a very nice treat meal and everything looks delicious." His maternal grandmother, Elizabeth said.
"It looks delicious." One of Danny's uncles said.
"And Danny, I have a cannister of your favorite graham cracker cookies. I made them. I think Mrs. Fielding was shocked, but I can cook and bake." Elizabeth said, speaking of her own cook.
"The ones with chocolate chunks and the cinnamon graham crackers?" Dana asked, hopefully.
"Yes. Your brother might let you have a few." Elizabeth answered her. They had all began eating but Danny could tell his mother was simmering.
"She doesn't need to eat any. She is watching her weight." Katherine said, speaking of Dana's struggles with her weight and self-image. Of her kids, Katherine was most critical of Dana. It wasn't fair.
"So, not to change the subject but did they give you an area to study at Academy? I've been reading up a bit on it and was curious." Danny's uncle Adam asked. Danny had always liked the man.
"I'm a little unclear right now, but the first year will be general studies and Naval history and operations." Danny answered. He had noticed his father was strangely quiet.
"I already bought tickets for the Army/Navy game. Even if you don't play." Adam said.
"I am trying out for the team." Danny said.
"Can I go, Uncle Adam?" Derek asked. At twelve, he followed everything his brother did.
"Maybe, depending on your parents." Adam answered.
"Damn it, he isn't going to some football game, because Danny is screwing up. I don't want him to taint Derek. Danny could have it all. Money, power. He could hold a political office, whatever. He's giving that all up." Danny's father, David said loudly all while pounding his fist on the table. Even Dana, who usually got most of her parent's tongue lashings was shaking.
"Shut up, David." Elizabeth said. She turned to Danny and gave him a sweet smile. "We are really proud of you, Danny. I am sure you will do great things. I know you would prefer to stay home tonight, but if you'd rather, you can stay at my house. I'll take you to the train myself." Elizabeth said.
"Thanks, Nana." Danny said.
"I'll meet you at the train station too, Danny." Adam said. Danny nodded at him and focused on his parents. They were both visibly angry but not saying a word. As much as he wanted to be home, it seemed that staying at his grandparents was a better option. He just hoped that every time he came home, it wouldn't be a repeat.