James had a wrap around porch that went all the way around the house Darry was helping James grill the rest of the burgers, Sandy and Mary were helping Sarah in the kitchen everyone else was playing some football in the yard. They asked me to join them, but I wasn't much into sports, and it looked like this bunch was very much into sports. They had nice chairs out in the front of the house, but the bulk of the patio furniture was in the back. I came to sit out in the front, I didn't really like crowds. Sure, I liked the Curtis family, but I was not use to celebrating with the families after a win. I didn't make it common to get close with the families I represented. I didn't get attached to people in general. The people I was the closest to were James and his family. Once I found them I didn't need anyone else. I spent all my free time with them. I work up in Chicago on a client by client bases, so I go periods of time where I don't have any work. On the other hand some trials last for months and I can be go a long time with out seeing them. Sarah made me my own room here, I hoped to meet someone like her someday, but I wasn't in a hurry.
I sat in the patio furniture thinking, not about anything specific, just thinking about anything. I learn to do this when I was a kid in foster care. Getting close to other people was a waste, because you'd eventually just leave them, or they'd leave you. But I didn't need other people to let my mind wander. I could think for hours with out being lonely. Today I found myself thinking about the Curtis'. I didn't want a bunch of kids for the very situation they were in right now. When my parents were absent in my life I didn't have anyone to think about but myself. I didn't know anything about James until I was much older. That was probably for the better at the time too, because I was able to focus on me and my life without having to worry about him and his. But, when I found out about him, I never stopped thinking about him, and where he was at. I regretted not having known for all those years.
I couldn't imagine being in the position Darry was in. Giving up on his dream to take care of a bunch of kids, he felt obligated to keep the kids. He'd never be able to live with himself if he did. For the kids too though, they weren't exactly in a real good place. They had perfect parents, and now they don't. At least I never knew what I was missing. No matter how great Darry is, or no matter how much Mary helps, neither will ever compare to their parents. You just couldn't. I met them once at James and Sarah's wedding, but only I only spoke with them briefly. If I knew then what I know now, I would have made more of an effort to get to know them. If not because James says he saved his life, then because it would make it easier for me to represent them in the future, I had a feeling they'd be back in court at some point. Mary ended my thinking when she came outside, perhaps for the same reasons I did.
"Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was out here," she jumped a little putting her hand on her heart.
"No problem," I said looking out in the yard. She walked a few feet away and sat down on the step in front of me. She leaned her head against the railing. I couldn't see her eyes to see if they were closed, but I figured they were.
"Two-bit who the hell was that even too?" I heard one of the guys yell out. I wasn't sure which one I didn't really catch any of their names. I doubted I needed to know them. One of them though, he reminded me a lot of the boys from Chicago. He had that same cold look to him. I wouldn't want to run into him at night.
"What kind of name is Two-bit anyway?" I asked louder than I meant to.
"It's a nicer way of calling him a smart ass, his real name is Keith," Mary offered. He didn't look like a Keith. Mary was smart, smarter than the grades she made in school. I got a copy of everyone's school records so there wouldn't be any surprises at court, Mary had pretty much all C's. She got a B every once in a while, but she also had her share of D's. She even failed a class once. I guess it wasn't any of my business, I didn't know why I cared, but I did. I wanted to say something, but I didn't know how or what to say.
"There you two are!" James walked up to us from the back of the house. "Come on, lets say grace, burgers are done!" James' hands were covered in coal, but he looked so happy. He was the opposite of me, he loved company.
"After you," I stood up and waited on her. She stood up and wobbled a little at first. Her face looked pale, and she grabbed on the railing to steady herself.
"You alright?" I asked her even though I knew she wasn't. "Let me get James," I started to yell out.
"No no, I just stood up too quick," she assured me with much enthusiasm. I didn't believe her, but what was I suppose to say? She walked around me and I started to put my hand on her back to comfort her, but I didn't know where to put it, or what to say. So I just stood there as she walked. Everyone got in a line as we bowed our head and James prayed. James was real strong in his faith. After he blessed the food everyone dug in like they haven't eaten in days.
"better than a casserole, huh Pone?" Mary smiled brushing by Pony.
"I'd be okay if I never saw one again. I mean Sarah has it right, sending a pie, but a casserole, come one!" Soda joked around making the room smile.
"Hey, don't get too excited we still got an other weeks worth in the icebox, food is food," Darry reminded them.
"I don't know about that Super Man," Steve spoke, "These are pretty good," he said with a mouthful, "it'll be hard to go back after this."
"You ain't gotta eat them," Darry added a little ice.
"What'd ya'll fight over?" Pony asked Steve. I knew I must have missed something.
"Keep your trap shut kid," Steve mumbled under his breath, but it was too late Soda heard.
"Well I'll be damned," Soda stood up and walked over to them. "Real good shiner there," Soda was talking about Steve's eye. I hadn't even noticed it until then. "Nose shot, huh, yeah Steve always gets a good punch in the nose." Soda seemed entertained. Going to touch Steve's face but Steve batted his hand away.
"Who won?" Pony asked.
"They both lost, you don't hit your own, especially today," Mary shook her head at them like she was ashamed.
"All of us can't be perfect can we, Princess," Steve hit a soft spot on her. I saw chills go over her spin. I didn't know what the significance of the nickname princess was, but I knew it was somehow. Her face was flushed, her eyes watered just enough for me to notice.
"All right, that's enough," Darry got involved. It was too late though. Mary already looked like she had seen a ghost. I see it everyday. Words can hurt more than people usually realize. I leaned back in my chair to watch this play out. Mary's the only girl with a bunch of teenage boys who have no idea what she's feeling or to what degree their words have an effect on her.
"Alright, dig in," James said skeptically. He looked thrown off by the outburst.
"It looks real good," Mary smiled picking up a burger off the grill with ease.
"Here, have some potatoes," Sarah put a heaping pile on Mary's plate. I knew Mary wouldn't eat all of them. Mary was small, she was smaller than her sibblings and her parents if I remember correctly. She almost passed out when she stood up, she was shaky, I'd bet that she watched what she ate. Sarah looked like she was intimidated by the previous conversation. Sarah came from a wealthy family, she had never been with in a quarter mile of a fight. She certainly had never had a bunch of juvenile delinquents over for dinner.
"I've never had them this creamy before," Mary complimented softly dipping her finger in the potatoes. I waited for one of the boys to make a sexual remark, but I guess they weren't paying as close attention as I was.
"I'll give you the recipe," her eyes light up at Mary's interest. Sarah was eager to please people, she was quick to friend others. That's why she made such a great nurse. She knew how to give people what they needed.
"That'd be great, Mary'll have to whip us up some of these!" Two-bit went through the line after Mary poking at her side to get a response out of her.
"Only if you help clean," Mary elbowed him in the ribs.
"Yeah, the day Two-bit cleans is the day hell freezes over," Dallas snickered.
"Come on guys, there's a kid out here," Darry told them in a disapproving tone. I figured this was going to become a common occurrence. I figured Darry and perhaps Mary and Soda would grow up and mature pretty quick, but I didn't think that the rest of them would. I would guess that Darry would become a parent to all of these guys, which would forever change the relationship he use to have with his friends. He could no longer laugh at the childish decisions his friends made or the close calls that turned out okay but could have gone an other way. He had to be the responsible one now. I doubted they realized how substantial of a change that would be.
Pony and the other kid who looked about his age went down the steps into the yard and sat under a tree. They weren't talking a whole lot, but they looked like they were pretty close. I was glad Pony had a good friend, I knew he would need ones. I primarily stayed in family court, that's where I did most of my work, and I learned that boy's Pony's age had the toughest time dealing with the change.
"Mary, James told me that you're a waitress," Sarah was trying to engage Mary in a conversation. The room was pretty quiet. I got the feeling that was unusual for this bunch.
"Yes ma'am, I've been one for about two years now." Mary smiled at her softly. I knew Sarah wasn't going to allow Mary to call her ma'am.
"Oh please, don't ma'am me. It makes me feel so old!" Sarah smiled and Mary nodded her head.
"I met your boss Mary, he seemed very fond of you," I spoke up. I wasn't sure what I said wrong but Mary didn't seem pleased I had talked to her boss.
"Oh they all love her there, not just her boss, ain't that right Mar-" Dallas grinned a cocky grin. Again, I figured there was more to that comment than I knew.
"The uniform certainly works in her favor," Dallas finished off making me understand.
"He's just jealous you get better tips than him," Soda nudged Mary's arm.
"Keep going Curtis, I'll give you a tip," Dallas' grin faded and he gritted his teeth. I wasn't certain I understood their friendship.
"Max, you talked to my boss?" She seemed concerned.
"Yes, I spoke to Soda's and Darry's too. I needed statements from them for the judge. I asked them if I needed them to could they testify on your behalf. I always make a point to talk to as many people who are in your lives as I can."
"Wow, very through, thank you." Mary tried to hide her shock, but I could tell she was still bothered.
"He just told me that you were the first in and the last out. He told me that he wished he had 10 more employees like you," I thought I was saying all the right things, but I didn't think she agree.
"Shoot I wonder what boss man said about you, Soda," Steve called out.
"Probably something about talking to the customers too much, particullary the lady customers," Sandy nagged him.
"I don't look at any of them but you baby!" Soda squeezed her and she laughed.
"That job is how we met," Sandy added.
"He told me you and Steve made a good team, and he got lucky with the two of you. He told me that he didn't have time to go to court, but he said he could give me a statement," I shrugged my shoulders. That made Steve laugh.
"Sound just like Bernie, selfish bastard!" I glanced over at Sarah who was helping Sophie with her plate.
"We're going to have to start a swear jar, come on!" Darry looked uncomfortable.
"I vote against that," Two-bit raised his hand.
"Yeah, cause you'd loose the most," Soda laughed with his mouth full. This made Darry smile too.
The conversations continued for a while after, Sarah had gone inside to put Sophie down for a nap, and James included himself in a lot of the conversations. I could tell he wanted to form a relationship with the Curtis family. I thought that was a good idea, I knew that his family needed the support. When Sarah came back out Mary stood up and walked over to her.
"Sara, I want to thank you," Mary started talking to her, and everyone quitted down to listen. It reminded me of middle school.
"Oh please, you helped with the food it was no problem," Sarah put her hand on Mary's arm.
"It's not just the food, James told me that you offered to take us in before you sent us to foster care, and I just really appreciate it. You have been so kind. I know you're trying to start your own family, and I can't thank you enough for helping out mine." Sarah seemed grateful for Mary's words she pulled her into a hug and didn't let go for a while.
"Yes, thank all of you for your hospitality," Darry added.
"It's been out pleasure," James patted Darry on the shoulder. "This an other one of your friends?" James looked at the rusty two door that pulled up.
"Is that?" Soda started.
"Meghan!" Two-bit finished. "You kids better sit on down this is about to be a show."
"Shut up Two-bit," Darry hit him on the back of the head walking towards her.
"Sorry to just barge in like this," this young woman seemed nervous. "Evie told me where ya'll were at, I just wanted to say congratulations in person."
"Welcome, can we get you a burger?" Sarah didn't seem to notice that she was an unwanted guest by most.
"Are you here for Mary or Darry?" Steve leaned forward in his chair like he was trying to intimidate her.
"Can't I be here for both, for all of you?" Meghan didn't seem phased by Steve.
"Well, the last time any of us saw you, you just about broke all of Princess' fingers off and didn't even look back," Steve shot back.
"It's real nice of you to drop by Meghan, Max was a real good lawyer," Mary spoke when Darry looked like he was frozen in his steps.
"Right, I'm not going to stay, I just wanted to say congratulations, I'm glad you can all stay together, I know that's what you wanted." I noticed the way she said you, implying that they had perhaps had a previous conversation where maybe someone else didn't want them to stay together. I was glad I hadn't heard that going into trial.
"Let me walk you out," Soda stood up quickly to defuse this situation.
"The only thing that could have been better than Meghan showing up would have been if Franki showed up," Two-bit said when Meghan and Soda weren't even out of ear shot.
"He wouldn't" Mary spoke confidently.
"I wish he would, I'd love to take an other swing at him," Dallas added with an other toothy grin.
"How rude of us," Two-bit looked to Sarah and James. "Meghan was Darry's girl, she works with Mary they broke up the day of the funeral. She's crazy," Two-bit whispered the last part. "Franki was Mary's boyfriend, who cheated on Mary with Dallas' girlfriend."
"Thank you for catching everyone up," Darry said sarcastically.
"Anything I can do to help," Two-bit grinned and Darry just shook his head annoyed. Mary looked like she was going to hurl. I doubted she had anything to throw up. I saw her dump her burger on Two-bits plate. James had that look in his eye where he was about to intervene, I just waited for him to call Mary over, to talk to her, but hr surprised me.
"Hey Darry, want to give me a hand?" He called. Darry muttered a sure and followed him away.
"You alright there, Pri-" Dallas started. Mary looked over her shoulder quickly as if she were taking role to see who was around. It wasn't but a second later that I realized.
"Jesus Christ Dallas, for once could you just stop?" Mary glared at him walking back over to the front of the house where to two of us started.
Let me know what you think.
