Page 58 of Home Body
“Mom,” Zach said, turning to her, “congratulations to you, too.”
Llayne stood up and threw her arms around both men.
Kenyon felt left out, unable to catch up. It didn’t escape her notice that no one had mentioned what she’d be doing because no one knew. Not even her. All she could think of to say was, “Wait! What?” But somehow the appropriate words came out. “Gee, Mom, Dad, that’s great.” She hoisted herself up out of her chair to join the huddle of hugs.
When they unraveled themselves, Zach, once again having morphed into an adult, said, “I have news, too, and would like you all to sit down while I explain.”
Kenyon’s first thought was he got a girl pregnant after all. She’d bet her last dollar her parents had that same thought.
They all sat down, this time on the edges of the seats with this unexpected turn of events.
Zach, his spine straight, his voice strong, announced, “I won’t be going to college at the University of Michigan this fall. Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I’ll be doing something I’ve been wanting for a long time, something I’m sure I’m going to love.”
“Honey,” Llayne said, “your soccer scholarship is for this college year. You’ll lose it if you travel around for a year or something.”
“No, Mom, that isn’t it.”
Kenyon watched their dad’s expression go from surprise to knowing. That was when it struck her. Their mom was the one who couldn’t catch up this time.
“What?” Llayne croaked as if afraid to ask.
“I’ve joined the Air Force. I don’t want to play soccer in college. I want to be a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist. A mechanic. And eventually, I want to learn to fly.”
No one spoke until their mother said something that made Kenyon want to laugh. She didn’t dare, though, lest she hurt her mom’s feelings.
“Up in the air?” Befuddled, Llayne pointed up as if trying to figure out where the air lived.
Zach went to his mom, bending to take her hands in his. “Yes, Mom. Airplanes in the air,” he gently explained. “I’ve always loved fixing things.” He straightened up and looked at his dad. “You taught me that, teaching me how to tinker with cars ever since I can remember. The first thing I remember is you teaching me the difference between a wrench and a ratchet. Now I can’t think of anything more exciting than fixing giant machines that fly through the air. I didn’t say anything because it’s hard to get into the Air Force. I was afraid I wouldn’t make it. I took the Aptitude Battery Test and passed.”
“With flying colors, no doubt,” Mack noted.
Zach grinned. “Yes, sir. And last week I passed the physical exam.”
“Huh. With flying colors, no doubt,” Llayne groaned helplessly, wiggling a finger at her son’s strong, young body.
“Yes. That, too. I leave next week for basic training in San Antonio.” Relaxing now that he got it out, Zach sat back down.
Llayne gasped, “San Antonio! That’s so far away. Why, that’s inTexas.”
“Not so far, Mom, when I’ll be working onairplanesand can get home. You know airplanes, the ones that fly up in the air.” His gentle tease hit its mark.
Llayne grinned. “Okay, give me a break. This has all been a shock. But Zach, I’m so proud of you.”
“Are you sure, Mom?”
“Well, I will be once it all sinks in. This is such a huge change.”
“Son,” Mack said, “seeing our boy transition into a man who makes his own decisions is an exciting rite of passage. I am so proud of you. But don’t forget, we will always be here for you. You will always be our boy.”
“I know Dad.”
They all stood up and the hugging ceremony commenced again. And once again Kenyon felt like the ne’er-do-well looser tagalong, the spinster daughter that townsfolk would gossip about and shake their heads at in pity.
She decided not to tell her family where she was going that day. First of all, she didn’t want to steal anybody’s thunder after all their spectacular announcements. Secondly, her baby brother was a man now, and he would no doubt be fantastic at that job. She was thrilled about his spectacular new adventure that would lead him into real adulthood. This had been his moment to shine. She had to give him that.
Besides, what would she say about her paltry plans? “Hey fam, I’m on my way to see a crazy old lady about the remote possibility she knows something that’ll help me solve a cold case. Oh, by the way, I very well may end up in jail. Again. ’Bye!”
When her mother asked where she was going, she hedged. “Ah, Dalia and I are going to drive around to see if I can come upwith a story to write. See ya!” She trotted to her car and got the hell out of there.
