Can’t Stand It -V65
Title: Can’t Stand It - Vignettes
Rating: NC-17 for the whole story
Genre: au
Summary: Jack drives to Wyoming when he hears about Ennis’ divorce. He does not react well to Ennis sending him away.
Warnings: Angst, bad grammar, typos.....no death and I like happily ever after.
Disclaimer: I borrowed these characters and I make no money from this.
Feedback: Yes, be honest- just be nice about it. I’m sorry that I write the lamest responses.
ENJOY!
Can’t Stand It
V65
A few days after they returned from Wyoming, Sam appeared at the house. Ennis knew that Sam knew that Jack and Bobby were on their way to Doris’ and would be gone for a while. They sat on the porch swing and drank beer.
“How’s Ricky doing?”
Sam looked at him. “He’s sad. I think he hoped that she would feel something more for him, but he said when he took her back to the house, he knew she didn’t. I think he feels more than he did before.”
“Are you mad a Junior?”
“A little.”
Ennis laughed. “Shouldn’t this conversation be going the other way? I’m the father of the girl and I feel like I should apologize to you and Ricky.”
“It’s not the norm, but women use men, too.”
“I don’t want Junior to be like that.”
“Ricky told me that she really laid it out there…Bad choice of words. He said that she felt like she was using him, and she didn’t want to. She saw him as a safe choice. Ricky is tough as they come on the football field, but off it, he isn’t. He’s this big football hero and girls are very forward with him. When he was looking at colleges, I knew some of the recruiters were throwing girls at him. The thing is, he really isn’t into the casual thing. Some people wondered if he was gay and he told them he was picky and he doesn’t like easy girls. If they can’t respect themselves, he wants no part of them. I think if it was anyone else but Junior, he would’ve said no. He had long talks with Amanda and he didn’t want Junior to feel the way Amanda does. He isn’t a fighter off the field, but he wanted to go Boston and beat up that guy. He isn’t a user, Ennis. He’s so much like Amanda, it’s scary.”
“I know he isn’t. That’s why he didn’t go flying out of the plane. What about Katie and I guess Matt’s too young.”
Sam laughed. “Katie isn’t like them at all. She didn’t have the run-ins that Amanda had so she doesn’t have the hang-ups. Ricky being so close to Amanda really got hurt by what she went through. Katie has had many boyfriends and I know she has slept with them. I’m not thrilled about it, but before Brenda, I was no saint and neither was Brenda. She doesn’t take it as seriously as Amanda. But Amanda has had some…”
“Was it more than the guy you punched?”
“Around here it stopped, but not when we are someplace else. After I punched the guy she told me about some of the things guys would do. Grown men flashed her their dicks at her. Some men have cornered her when we are on vacations. In hallways, outside bathrooms…She tries to make sure someone is with her, but that can’t always happen. I know she has slugged a few men…I’m glad that she’s a black belt, but I’m still worried that I’m going to get some phone call that someone hurt her.”
“Sam…”
“I know all fathers fear that, but she’s a target and she knows it. She said she wished she could be attracted to women, but she isn’t.”
“I don’t know what to say, Sam.”
“I’m sorry, Ennis. I just needed to vent. You know she thinks she a lot like you. She wonders if there is a straight version of Jack.”
“Bobby?”
“He’s still a kid to her. Brenda still thinks…”
“I know. I think he really always liked Amanda, but thinks she’s out of reach.”
“For now, she is. Anyway, he has a girlfriend now.”
“Jack said he saw a girl cheering for Matt.”
Sam sighed. “Matt mostly goes to Brenda. She got an earful from him. The girl in question isn’t allowed to date. Doesn’t stop them from fooling around whenever they can, but it can’t be official.”
“Fooling around.”
“He may not have a girlfriend, but he’s done more than Bobby. Here I’m thinking he’s too young and then I hear that he’s getting busy all over the place. He hasn’t had sex, yet, but he isn’t the sweet sensitive kid he seemed to be.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Maybe it’s all the defending of Bobby, but he is quick with his fist and wants a good time.”
“Matt?”
“Amanda and Ricky won’t share with him because he’s not like them. He’s on the prowl.”
“He’s sixteen.”
“He has something to prove. I’ve had some long talks with him. In January, he said something about a girl to Amanda and it took both me and Ricky to pull her off of him. He didn’t know everything Amanda has been through. I told him. And I told him I better not ever hear of him pulling some shit like that. I told him that if he disrespects women, I will let Amanda clean his clock.”
“I would’ve never thought of Matt…Is he trying to prove he isn’t gay?”
“He says he doesn’t care what people think, but I think it gets to him. I think it also got to him that he was the smallest kid for the longest time. He’s still only five-six. I think that gets to him more.”
“I guess I have to start thinking about Jenny. Junior warned me.”
“What about Alma?”
“Junior doesn’t want her to know.”
“Too late. I saw her watching Ricky and Junior at lunch. She knows. I even think she knows that Junior was the instigator.”
“Why do you say that?”
“The looks she gave Junior. She was very sweet to Ricky and she wouldn’t have been if she thought it was him pushing things.”
“Do you think Jenny was in on it?”
“Ricky thinks so. Said that the sleeping bags had to have gotten into the car when they were getting their pictures taken. As I can recall, Jenny disappeared for a while.”
“Shit. I guess I really have to talk to her. They are all going to be the death of me.”
“It’s tough being a father. I wonder what other fathers do.”
“I thought you knew, Sam. It’s not like I have other guy friends.”
“What about Craig and Frank and that guy Stan? You work with a lot guys here.”
“Most of the men who work here, tolerate me. Some are friendlier than others, but most of them would not want to shoot the shit with me. Frank and Craig would have a beer with me on the farm, but I don’t think they would do it off the property…Maybe Frank. We couldn’t have a conversation like this. Stan was my boss and a lot older than me. I know he’s my friend and we’ve talked about things, but he isn’t someone I could talk about my kids with.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I may have more male friends than you, but I wouldn’t trust any of this stuff with them.”
“I guess we’ll have to stay friends no matter what.”
“Guess so, Ennis.”
+++
Jack was surprised at the conversation Ennis had with Sam. Ennis confirmed that he would have a talk with Jenny when they came down for the summer. Bobby said he would go back to the competition, this time in Iowa, but didn’t want everyone there. He just wanted him and Ennis. They agreed.
After hearing about Ennis’ talk with Sam, he wanted to talk to Bobby. He wanted to know what was really going on with him and Joan and he wanted to hear about Matt. He didn’t know why, but Matt’s behavior concerned him. Jack used seeing the girl at the game to keep Bobby from knowing Sam was the source.
Bobby admitted that Matt was acting out a bit, but he thought it was because he was rebelling being the last of the Petersons. He was youngest, smallest and people saw him as the weakest. He also thought he was rebelling having a strong mother and two strong sisters. Bobby told him that he didn’t care if Matt fooled around with all the girls he could, but he told him to keep his mouth shut about the girls to everyone else. He reminded him that they both know what its like to be talked about in a bad way and he shouldn’t do it to them.
Bobby laughed that it actually worked out in Matt’s favor. Once they realized he didn’t kiss and tell, they were more willing to sneak around with him. As far as Bobby knew, the only person who knew about all the girls was him. Bobby did mention that Matt also learned a big lesson when Amanda kicked his ass. He had been describing some girl at the mall and Amanda just lost it. Bobby told him that Matt had a lot of bruising after Amanda beat the crap out of him. Bobby then started to look unhappy. Matt had told him what his father said to him about Amanda.
“I knew about the guy he punched and I saw how some people look at her, especially when we were at the beach, but I never really put it all together. I never understood why, when we were out to dinner or something, Ricky always seemed to have to go to the bathroom the same time as Amanda. I started to wonder if it was some ‘Flowers in the Attic’ thing.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a beginning of a series of books where a group of brothers and sisters end up locked away in an attic and the oldest become a couple.”
“Yuck.”
“It’s really popular with girls. I stopped reading it because their awful mother reminded me of Lureen…Anyway, Ricky and Amanda used to bicker all the time and then they got really close, it was weird. I didn’t realize he was trying to protect her. Did you know how bad she’s had it?”
“I knew some stuff, but you’ve told me a lot more than I’d ever guess.”
“I always saw her as tough, never thought about why. I can see why Ricky is known for being a one girl kinda guy.”
“Really?”
“He’s known for that. He’s had a few girlfriends and they are always regular nice girls. He never went for cheerleaders or the slutty girls and he could have.”
“What about you, Bobby?”
“You’ve met Joan, she’s a nice girl.” Bobby smiled, “I wish she was a little nicer to me, but I’m not going to push her. I just hang around her limits and let her call the shots.”
“Exactly what are her limits?”
“I’m on a very short leash, Dad. You have nothing to worry about. At this rate I’ll be thirty and still a virgin.”
“Good.”
Bobby laughed. “Shut up. I thought fathers wanted their boys to be studs.”
“I want to you be good person. I own plenty of studs, don’t want to raise one.”
“Matt thinks I’m nuts and sound like a girl. I just know what it’s like to be hurt by people and except for a few cases, I really don’t want to hurt anyone.” Bobby sighed. “I guess I sound like a girl.”
“No you don’t. You sound like someone who knows who he is and how to treat people.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“Bobby you know I don’t do that with you. We made a deal about being honest. I assume that’s why you are telling me things. I assume that what you are telling me is the truth.”
“If I tell you something, it’s the truth. You’re like a bloodhound when it comes to me. You figure out most things before I tell you.”
“I didn’t know about Joan or when your grades were falling.”
“They weren’t on your radar screen. Now they both are, and you won’t miss them again. I might not tell you everything at the moment, but I end up telling you everything.”
“I probably shouldn’t ask, but why do you tell me everything?”
“Cause I know you’ve kept my biggest secret to yourself. Twice, I’ve overheard you and Ennis talking about it. I could tell that you hadn’t said what I said to you. I know he wants to know and I bet you want to tell him. But, you don’t. If I can trust you with that, I know that me telling you that Joan won’t even let me feel her up isn’t that big a deal.’’
Jack pulled him into a hug. “Thank you, Bobby.”
“What did I do?”
“You made me very happy.”
“Because I haven’t felt her up?”
“You told me you trust me. After everything, I wasn’t sure you would ever truly would. I fucked up a lot with you. I wasn’t always the person you needed to be…Your words mean a lot to me because they aren’t just words.”
“Well, if I knew you were going to get all sentimental on me I would’ve kept quiet.”
“Too bad. And don’t worry about Joan. I know you felt up some girls already, it pretty much feels the same.”
Bobby laughed. “That just proves how gay you really are.”
Jack laughed. “Shut up.”
+++
Ennis thought Jack skipped into their bedroom. “What’s going on?”
“I win. I have the best kid ever.”
“Stop bouncing around the room and sit down and tell me what happened.”
Ennis listened to Jack. “Fine, you win this week.”
“You don’t seem happy for me.”
“I am. But he’s right about the feeling up comment. I can’t believe you said that.”
“At least he has a sense of humor about it. Oh, I’m planning to feel you up later, Cowboy.”
“Lucky me.”
++++
Jack didn’t think Iowa was as horrible as Nebraska. When they first got to the hotel, they waited in their room. Bobby had gone up with Coach Smyth and they wondered if they would have to deal with the rejection, again. They got the knock, but only Coach Smyth appeared.
The new head coach of the all-state team just wanted to win. Smyth thought he was trying to get a coaching position on a college team, so he wanted Bobby’s bat in the lineup. The head coach had Bobby rooming with the player from his school.
Jack was relived. He didn’t care if the man was using Bobby’s talent; he was protecting Bobby. The year before, Bobby didn’t participate with any of the team activities. Bobby went to the one practice, sat for the team photograph and then to the game. Because Bobby was allowed to be part of the team, Jack ended up having a lot of alone time with Ennis. Neither were unhappy about that.
They found their seats and he pulled out the small radio he borrowed from Sam. He wanted to hear the telecast. He knew he was sitting with all the other parents from the Kansas team and he recognized a few of the faces. There were two couples whose sons played last year. Then there was a face he wouldn’t forget. He was the father of one the players that was in Bobby’s league for school and during the summer. He also was one of the people who quit EJ’s. He could tell that Ennis was trying to not look uncomfortable, but he was. Jack missed the protection of the Petersons and the Wyoming group. He didn’t think that the parents would do anything; Coach Smyth told him that the head coach told the players that if any of them or any family member started anything, he would bench them and blackball them.
They weren’t the best seats, but Jack thought that Bobby seemed to be having a good time. They won the game and Bobby hit two doubles. This time, his teammates cheered.
They went back to hotel and got the tickets for their next game. It was for the next day. Jack hadn’t spoken to Bobby since Bobby had left the house with the Coach. He didn’t want to call Bobby’s room. He didn’t want anything to get in the way of Bobby connecting with his teammates. Ennis hugged him for a long time, knowing how he hurt. When he started to relax, Bobby called to see if they were in their room. He said he would come up for a little while because his roommate wanted to take a nap.
Jack pulled Bobby into the room and hugged him as Ennis shut the door. When he looked into his face, he could see that he was relaxed and happy. “Tell me everything.”
++++
Ennis could see that Jack was happier than he had been in a long time. Bobby admitted that he knew most of the team was behaving because the coach, but some of teammates seemed friendly to him. He didn’t care if all they talked was baseball, he felt included. He hadn’t expected much after the year before, so felt like he already won. Bobby also mentioned that he was introduced to some college coaches. Bobby went to go wake up his roommate to go to the team’s dinner.
After Bobby left, he saw Jack’s face fall. “What’s the matter?”
“Everyday should be like this for him, Ennis. He shouldn’t have to depend on the coach threatening the other players. I’m happy he’s having a good time, but he knows if it had been the same coach from last year, he’d be the outcast.”
“I know. I know it isn’t fair, but him being included gives them a chance to know and him and maybe they can forget about us and focus on who he is.”
“I hope so, Ennis.”
+++
The opposing team’s pitcher was very good. The first time Bobby was up to bat, he struck out. Jack knew that Bobby didn’t like striking out and didn’t do it often. He knew a mad Bobby hit better. The second time up to bat he hit a two-run home run. Later in the game, he got a single that allowed a teammate to score. They won again and they would be playing the next day.
Bobby visited them again. After Bobby left, Jack tried to enjoy the moment and not think about the negative things.
The game was very stressful. If they won, they would win their division and would go to Georgia the following weekend to play against the other division champions. Bobby thought the coach was a great coach and was getting the team to play better than they were. What made it harder for Jack was they were playing Texas. He read all the information about the team and didn’t recognize any of the names. None of the players came from any of the towns near where they had lived. Bobby told him the night before that he didn’t recognize any of the players on the Texas team.
+++
Ennis thought the Texas team stacked the team with the biggest players possible. Even though Bobby was now six-one, he looked like a child next to most of them. It was an all out battle. There was no finesse; it was all about the hitting. Bobby hit four for five, including a home run, but it wasn’t enough.
They went back to the hotel because the hotel was holding their luggage. Ennis was handed a note from Bobby telling them that he wanted to go home with them because Coach Smyth was bonding with the other coaches. They waited on one of the lobby couches. They didn’t sit close together and they didn’t talk. He watched the other parents getting their luggage and some of them meeting up with their kids. He watched the greetings and wondered how Bobby would behave. He wondered if Bobby would just stand in front of them and then they would walk out. That happened a lot. Bobby didn’t hide them, but he usually hid being affectionate. He thought of all the times Jenny would appear after her show and jump into his arms. She didn’t feel like she needed to hide anything, but she was a girl and it wasn’t a sporting event.
It didn’t take long for Bobby to appear in front of him. He watched Jack stand up. He knew Jack wouldn’t move toward Bobby. Jack knew the rules. Ennis was surprised when Bobby stepped forward and gave his father a hug. He guessed since they were done, he didn’t give a shit. He could hear Jack telling Bobby how well he played and how proud he was.
He got up as they were hugging. He didn’t think Bobby was going to hug him, too. But, when Bobby was done hugging Jack, he moved towards him. Ennis was sure that they were being watched, but he didn’t look around. As they walked out of the lobby, he noticed that they got some looks. He noticed that Bobby nodded at a teenager who nodded back. As they got in the truck, Bobby said that was his roommate.
He felt bad that Bobby didn’t introduce his roommate to Jack. After Bobby complained for ten minutes about them not bringing the station wagon, he told him that his roommate was fine, but he didn’t think his parents were very nice and they were right there. He thought his roommate wanted to meet the two of them, but with his parents right there, it wouldn’t have been good.
“I was trying to figure out how to find time to introduce you, but the only time I could’ve done it was have him come your room. I was afraid that it would be too real for him; I was worried that it was cause problems. I’m sorry I was such a wimp.”
“I understand, Bobby,” Jack replied.
“It made sense when it was happening, but now I feel like an asshole.”
“Bobby, I really do understand. I’m not mad or hurt. I understand that you have to protect yourself at times. I wish it wasn’t true, but I get it.”
“I know you understand…Doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“Don’t worry about it, Pup. So how come you hugged us in the lobby?”
“I just didn’t give a shit, anymore…Got tired of playing by their rules.”
Ennis watched Jack smile at Bobby’s response. Jack glanced over at him when he reached the entrance to the highway. Ennis turned to the bench behind him and watched Bobby trying to curl up to take a nap.
“I’m too tall to be back here. Can I stick my legs out the window?”
“No.” Jack replied.
Ennis pushed down the middle area of the front bench. “Do your feet stink?”
“They shouldn’t.”
“Take off your shoes and see if you can figure out how to stick a leg through here and not bother your father while he drives.”
Ennis watched Bobby move around until he figured out a position. Bobby turned to his side and stuck his legs through the opening. He then bent his legs at his knees and rested his lower legs and feet on him. He rubbed Bobby’s sock covered feet and heard Bobby sigh.
“Thanks, Ma.”
Bobby was out cold a few minutes later. When he was sure, he squeezed Jack’s thigh and then put his hand on top of Bobby’s leg.
He woke when they were almost home. He heard Jack ask if Bobby wanted him to pick up some food, but Bobby wanted to go home. When they got into the house, Bobby hugged Jack again and apologized again. Jack hugged him back and kissed Bobby’s cheek and told him it was fine.
Bobby stated he was going to call Joan from the office and then he mentioned he wouldn’t mind French toast for dinner.
When Bobby left the room and they heard the office door shut, Jack looked over at him. “I win best kid this week, too.”
Tbc
Playstation2 Game Rental Online
Rating: NC-17 for the whole story
Genre: au
Summary: Jack drives to Wyoming when he hears about Ennis’ divorce. He does not react well to Ennis sending him away.
Warnings: Angst, bad grammar, typos.....no death and I like happily ever after.
Disclaimer: I borrowed these characters and I make no money from this.
Feedback: Yes, be honest- just be nice about it. I’m sorry that I write the lamest responses.
ENJOY!
Can’t Stand It
V65
A few days after they returned from Wyoming, Sam appeared at the house. Ennis knew that Sam knew that Jack and Bobby were on their way to Doris’ and would be gone for a while. They sat on the porch swing and drank beer.
“How’s Ricky doing?”
Sam looked at him. “He’s sad. I think he hoped that she would feel something more for him, but he said when he took her back to the house, he knew she didn’t. I think he feels more than he did before.”
“Are you mad a Junior?”
“A little.”
Ennis laughed. “Shouldn’t this conversation be going the other way? I’m the father of the girl and I feel like I should apologize to you and Ricky.”
“It’s not the norm, but women use men, too.”
“I don’t want Junior to be like that.”
“Ricky told me that she really laid it out there…Bad choice of words. He said that she felt like she was using him, and she didn’t want to. She saw him as a safe choice. Ricky is tough as they come on the football field, but off it, he isn’t. He’s this big football hero and girls are very forward with him. When he was looking at colleges, I knew some of the recruiters were throwing girls at him. The thing is, he really isn’t into the casual thing. Some people wondered if he was gay and he told them he was picky and he doesn’t like easy girls. If they can’t respect themselves, he wants no part of them. I think if it was anyone else but Junior, he would’ve said no. He had long talks with Amanda and he didn’t want Junior to feel the way Amanda does. He isn’t a fighter off the field, but he wanted to go Boston and beat up that guy. He isn’t a user, Ennis. He’s so much like Amanda, it’s scary.”
“I know he isn’t. That’s why he didn’t go flying out of the plane. What about Katie and I guess Matt’s too young.”
Sam laughed. “Katie isn’t like them at all. She didn’t have the run-ins that Amanda had so she doesn’t have the hang-ups. Ricky being so close to Amanda really got hurt by what she went through. Katie has had many boyfriends and I know she has slept with them. I’m not thrilled about it, but before Brenda, I was no saint and neither was Brenda. She doesn’t take it as seriously as Amanda. But Amanda has had some…”
“Was it more than the guy you punched?”
“Around here it stopped, but not when we are someplace else. After I punched the guy she told me about some of the things guys would do. Grown men flashed her their dicks at her. Some men have cornered her when we are on vacations. In hallways, outside bathrooms…She tries to make sure someone is with her, but that can’t always happen. I know she has slugged a few men…I’m glad that she’s a black belt, but I’m still worried that I’m going to get some phone call that someone hurt her.”
“Sam…”
“I know all fathers fear that, but she’s a target and she knows it. She said she wished she could be attracted to women, but she isn’t.”
“I don’t know what to say, Sam.”
“I’m sorry, Ennis. I just needed to vent. You know she thinks she a lot like you. She wonders if there is a straight version of Jack.”
“Bobby?”
“He’s still a kid to her. Brenda still thinks…”
“I know. I think he really always liked Amanda, but thinks she’s out of reach.”
“For now, she is. Anyway, he has a girlfriend now.”
“Jack said he saw a girl cheering for Matt.”
Sam sighed. “Matt mostly goes to Brenda. She got an earful from him. The girl in question isn’t allowed to date. Doesn’t stop them from fooling around whenever they can, but it can’t be official.”
“Fooling around.”
“He may not have a girlfriend, but he’s done more than Bobby. Here I’m thinking he’s too young and then I hear that he’s getting busy all over the place. He hasn’t had sex, yet, but he isn’t the sweet sensitive kid he seemed to be.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Maybe it’s all the defending of Bobby, but he is quick with his fist and wants a good time.”
“Matt?”
“Amanda and Ricky won’t share with him because he’s not like them. He’s on the prowl.”
“He’s sixteen.”
“He has something to prove. I’ve had some long talks with him. In January, he said something about a girl to Amanda and it took both me and Ricky to pull her off of him. He didn’t know everything Amanda has been through. I told him. And I told him I better not ever hear of him pulling some shit like that. I told him that if he disrespects women, I will let Amanda clean his clock.”
“I would’ve never thought of Matt…Is he trying to prove he isn’t gay?”
“He says he doesn’t care what people think, but I think it gets to him. I think it also got to him that he was the smallest kid for the longest time. He’s still only five-six. I think that gets to him more.”
“I guess I have to start thinking about Jenny. Junior warned me.”
“What about Alma?”
“Junior doesn’t want her to know.”
“Too late. I saw her watching Ricky and Junior at lunch. She knows. I even think she knows that Junior was the instigator.”
“Why do you say that?”
“The looks she gave Junior. She was very sweet to Ricky and she wouldn’t have been if she thought it was him pushing things.”
“Do you think Jenny was in on it?”
“Ricky thinks so. Said that the sleeping bags had to have gotten into the car when they were getting their pictures taken. As I can recall, Jenny disappeared for a while.”
“Shit. I guess I really have to talk to her. They are all going to be the death of me.”
“It’s tough being a father. I wonder what other fathers do.”
“I thought you knew, Sam. It’s not like I have other guy friends.”
“What about Craig and Frank and that guy Stan? You work with a lot guys here.”
“Most of the men who work here, tolerate me. Some are friendlier than others, but most of them would not want to shoot the shit with me. Frank and Craig would have a beer with me on the farm, but I don’t think they would do it off the property…Maybe Frank. We couldn’t have a conversation like this. Stan was my boss and a lot older than me. I know he’s my friend and we’ve talked about things, but he isn’t someone I could talk about my kids with.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I may have more male friends than you, but I wouldn’t trust any of this stuff with them.”
“I guess we’ll have to stay friends no matter what.”
“Guess so, Ennis.”
+++
Jack was surprised at the conversation Ennis had with Sam. Ennis confirmed that he would have a talk with Jenny when they came down for the summer. Bobby said he would go back to the competition, this time in Iowa, but didn’t want everyone there. He just wanted him and Ennis. They agreed.
After hearing about Ennis’ talk with Sam, he wanted to talk to Bobby. He wanted to know what was really going on with him and Joan and he wanted to hear about Matt. He didn’t know why, but Matt’s behavior concerned him. Jack used seeing the girl at the game to keep Bobby from knowing Sam was the source.
Bobby admitted that Matt was acting out a bit, but he thought it was because he was rebelling being the last of the Petersons. He was youngest, smallest and people saw him as the weakest. He also thought he was rebelling having a strong mother and two strong sisters. Bobby told him that he didn’t care if Matt fooled around with all the girls he could, but he told him to keep his mouth shut about the girls to everyone else. He reminded him that they both know what its like to be talked about in a bad way and he shouldn’t do it to them.
Bobby laughed that it actually worked out in Matt’s favor. Once they realized he didn’t kiss and tell, they were more willing to sneak around with him. As far as Bobby knew, the only person who knew about all the girls was him. Bobby did mention that Matt also learned a big lesson when Amanda kicked his ass. He had been describing some girl at the mall and Amanda just lost it. Bobby told him that Matt had a lot of bruising after Amanda beat the crap out of him. Bobby then started to look unhappy. Matt had told him what his father said to him about Amanda.
“I knew about the guy he punched and I saw how some people look at her, especially when we were at the beach, but I never really put it all together. I never understood why, when we were out to dinner or something, Ricky always seemed to have to go to the bathroom the same time as Amanda. I started to wonder if it was some ‘Flowers in the Attic’ thing.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a beginning of a series of books where a group of brothers and sisters end up locked away in an attic and the oldest become a couple.”
“Yuck.”
“It’s really popular with girls. I stopped reading it because their awful mother reminded me of Lureen…Anyway, Ricky and Amanda used to bicker all the time and then they got really close, it was weird. I didn’t realize he was trying to protect her. Did you know how bad she’s had it?”
“I knew some stuff, but you’ve told me a lot more than I’d ever guess.”
“I always saw her as tough, never thought about why. I can see why Ricky is known for being a one girl kinda guy.”
“Really?”
“He’s known for that. He’s had a few girlfriends and they are always regular nice girls. He never went for cheerleaders or the slutty girls and he could have.”
“What about you, Bobby?”
“You’ve met Joan, she’s a nice girl.” Bobby smiled, “I wish she was a little nicer to me, but I’m not going to push her. I just hang around her limits and let her call the shots.”
“Exactly what are her limits?”
“I’m on a very short leash, Dad. You have nothing to worry about. At this rate I’ll be thirty and still a virgin.”
“Good.”
Bobby laughed. “Shut up. I thought fathers wanted their boys to be studs.”
“I want to you be good person. I own plenty of studs, don’t want to raise one.”
“Matt thinks I’m nuts and sound like a girl. I just know what it’s like to be hurt by people and except for a few cases, I really don’t want to hurt anyone.” Bobby sighed. “I guess I sound like a girl.”
“No you don’t. You sound like someone who knows who he is and how to treat people.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“Bobby you know I don’t do that with you. We made a deal about being honest. I assume that’s why you are telling me things. I assume that what you are telling me is the truth.”
“If I tell you something, it’s the truth. You’re like a bloodhound when it comes to me. You figure out most things before I tell you.”
“I didn’t know about Joan or when your grades were falling.”
“They weren’t on your radar screen. Now they both are, and you won’t miss them again. I might not tell you everything at the moment, but I end up telling you everything.”
“I probably shouldn’t ask, but why do you tell me everything?”
“Cause I know you’ve kept my biggest secret to yourself. Twice, I’ve overheard you and Ennis talking about it. I could tell that you hadn’t said what I said to you. I know he wants to know and I bet you want to tell him. But, you don’t. If I can trust you with that, I know that me telling you that Joan won’t even let me feel her up isn’t that big a deal.’’
Jack pulled him into a hug. “Thank you, Bobby.”
“What did I do?”
“You made me very happy.”
“Because I haven’t felt her up?”
“You told me you trust me. After everything, I wasn’t sure you would ever truly would. I fucked up a lot with you. I wasn’t always the person you needed to be…Your words mean a lot to me because they aren’t just words.”
“Well, if I knew you were going to get all sentimental on me I would’ve kept quiet.”
“Too bad. And don’t worry about Joan. I know you felt up some girls already, it pretty much feels the same.”
Bobby laughed. “That just proves how gay you really are.”
Jack laughed. “Shut up.”
+++
Ennis thought Jack skipped into their bedroom. “What’s going on?”
“I win. I have the best kid ever.”
“Stop bouncing around the room and sit down and tell me what happened.”
Ennis listened to Jack. “Fine, you win this week.”
“You don’t seem happy for me.”
“I am. But he’s right about the feeling up comment. I can’t believe you said that.”
“At least he has a sense of humor about it. Oh, I’m planning to feel you up later, Cowboy.”
“Lucky me.”
++++
Jack didn’t think Iowa was as horrible as Nebraska. When they first got to the hotel, they waited in their room. Bobby had gone up with Coach Smyth and they wondered if they would have to deal with the rejection, again. They got the knock, but only Coach Smyth appeared.
The new head coach of the all-state team just wanted to win. Smyth thought he was trying to get a coaching position on a college team, so he wanted Bobby’s bat in the lineup. The head coach had Bobby rooming with the player from his school.
Jack was relived. He didn’t care if the man was using Bobby’s talent; he was protecting Bobby. The year before, Bobby didn’t participate with any of the team activities. Bobby went to the one practice, sat for the team photograph and then to the game. Because Bobby was allowed to be part of the team, Jack ended up having a lot of alone time with Ennis. Neither were unhappy about that.
They found their seats and he pulled out the small radio he borrowed from Sam. He wanted to hear the telecast. He knew he was sitting with all the other parents from the Kansas team and he recognized a few of the faces. There were two couples whose sons played last year. Then there was a face he wouldn’t forget. He was the father of one the players that was in Bobby’s league for school and during the summer. He also was one of the people who quit EJ’s. He could tell that Ennis was trying to not look uncomfortable, but he was. Jack missed the protection of the Petersons and the Wyoming group. He didn’t think that the parents would do anything; Coach Smyth told him that the head coach told the players that if any of them or any family member started anything, he would bench them and blackball them.
They weren’t the best seats, but Jack thought that Bobby seemed to be having a good time. They won the game and Bobby hit two doubles. This time, his teammates cheered.
They went back to hotel and got the tickets for their next game. It was for the next day. Jack hadn’t spoken to Bobby since Bobby had left the house with the Coach. He didn’t want to call Bobby’s room. He didn’t want anything to get in the way of Bobby connecting with his teammates. Ennis hugged him for a long time, knowing how he hurt. When he started to relax, Bobby called to see if they were in their room. He said he would come up for a little while because his roommate wanted to take a nap.
Jack pulled Bobby into the room and hugged him as Ennis shut the door. When he looked into his face, he could see that he was relaxed and happy. “Tell me everything.”
++++
Ennis could see that Jack was happier than he had been in a long time. Bobby admitted that he knew most of the team was behaving because the coach, but some of teammates seemed friendly to him. He didn’t care if all they talked was baseball, he felt included. He hadn’t expected much after the year before, so felt like he already won. Bobby also mentioned that he was introduced to some college coaches. Bobby went to go wake up his roommate to go to the team’s dinner.
After Bobby left, he saw Jack’s face fall. “What’s the matter?”
“Everyday should be like this for him, Ennis. He shouldn’t have to depend on the coach threatening the other players. I’m happy he’s having a good time, but he knows if it had been the same coach from last year, he’d be the outcast.”
“I know. I know it isn’t fair, but him being included gives them a chance to know and him and maybe they can forget about us and focus on who he is.”
“I hope so, Ennis.”
+++
The opposing team’s pitcher was very good. The first time Bobby was up to bat, he struck out. Jack knew that Bobby didn’t like striking out and didn’t do it often. He knew a mad Bobby hit better. The second time up to bat he hit a two-run home run. Later in the game, he got a single that allowed a teammate to score. They won again and they would be playing the next day.
Bobby visited them again. After Bobby left, Jack tried to enjoy the moment and not think about the negative things.
The game was very stressful. If they won, they would win their division and would go to Georgia the following weekend to play against the other division champions. Bobby thought the coach was a great coach and was getting the team to play better than they were. What made it harder for Jack was they were playing Texas. He read all the information about the team and didn’t recognize any of the names. None of the players came from any of the towns near where they had lived. Bobby told him the night before that he didn’t recognize any of the players on the Texas team.
+++
Ennis thought the Texas team stacked the team with the biggest players possible. Even though Bobby was now six-one, he looked like a child next to most of them. It was an all out battle. There was no finesse; it was all about the hitting. Bobby hit four for five, including a home run, but it wasn’t enough.
They went back to the hotel because the hotel was holding their luggage. Ennis was handed a note from Bobby telling them that he wanted to go home with them because Coach Smyth was bonding with the other coaches. They waited on one of the lobby couches. They didn’t sit close together and they didn’t talk. He watched the other parents getting their luggage and some of them meeting up with their kids. He watched the greetings and wondered how Bobby would behave. He wondered if Bobby would just stand in front of them and then they would walk out. That happened a lot. Bobby didn’t hide them, but he usually hid being affectionate. He thought of all the times Jenny would appear after her show and jump into his arms. She didn’t feel like she needed to hide anything, but she was a girl and it wasn’t a sporting event.
It didn’t take long for Bobby to appear in front of him. He watched Jack stand up. He knew Jack wouldn’t move toward Bobby. Jack knew the rules. Ennis was surprised when Bobby stepped forward and gave his father a hug. He guessed since they were done, he didn’t give a shit. He could hear Jack telling Bobby how well he played and how proud he was.
He got up as they were hugging. He didn’t think Bobby was going to hug him, too. But, when Bobby was done hugging Jack, he moved towards him. Ennis was sure that they were being watched, but he didn’t look around. As they walked out of the lobby, he noticed that they got some looks. He noticed that Bobby nodded at a teenager who nodded back. As they got in the truck, Bobby said that was his roommate.
He felt bad that Bobby didn’t introduce his roommate to Jack. After Bobby complained for ten minutes about them not bringing the station wagon, he told him that his roommate was fine, but he didn’t think his parents were very nice and they were right there. He thought his roommate wanted to meet the two of them, but with his parents right there, it wouldn’t have been good.
“I was trying to figure out how to find time to introduce you, but the only time I could’ve done it was have him come your room. I was afraid that it would be too real for him; I was worried that it was cause problems. I’m sorry I was such a wimp.”
“I understand, Bobby,” Jack replied.
“It made sense when it was happening, but now I feel like an asshole.”
“Bobby, I really do understand. I’m not mad or hurt. I understand that you have to protect yourself at times. I wish it wasn’t true, but I get it.”
“I know you understand…Doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“Don’t worry about it, Pup. So how come you hugged us in the lobby?”
“I just didn’t give a shit, anymore…Got tired of playing by their rules.”
Ennis watched Jack smile at Bobby’s response. Jack glanced over at him when he reached the entrance to the highway. Ennis turned to the bench behind him and watched Bobby trying to curl up to take a nap.
“I’m too tall to be back here. Can I stick my legs out the window?”
“No.” Jack replied.
Ennis pushed down the middle area of the front bench. “Do your feet stink?”
“They shouldn’t.”
“Take off your shoes and see if you can figure out how to stick a leg through here and not bother your father while he drives.”
Ennis watched Bobby move around until he figured out a position. Bobby turned to his side and stuck his legs through the opening. He then bent his legs at his knees and rested his lower legs and feet on him. He rubbed Bobby’s sock covered feet and heard Bobby sigh.
“Thanks, Ma.”
Bobby was out cold a few minutes later. When he was sure, he squeezed Jack’s thigh and then put his hand on top of Bobby’s leg.
He woke when they were almost home. He heard Jack ask if Bobby wanted him to pick up some food, but Bobby wanted to go home. When they got into the house, Bobby hugged Jack again and apologized again. Jack hugged him back and kissed Bobby’s cheek and told him it was fine.
Bobby stated he was going to call Joan from the office and then he mentioned he wouldn’t mind French toast for dinner.
When Bobby left the room and they heard the office door shut, Jack looked over at him. “I win best kid this week, too.”
Tbc
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