Page 20 of Evading Exodus
As the tenth and final plague drew closer, I grew apprehensive. My family always recited it solemnly and followed it with a personal prayer. After the ninth sign—Anybody got a match?— for darkness, I closed my eyes.
Together we recited, “Makat B’chorot, slaying of the firstborn.” I lowered my head, silently sending my thoughts heavenward when I was snapped back by a wail from Melody. “JJ!” This was followed by Jake clutching his throat and slumping heavily onto the table.
Ace leaned hard against me before he slipped out of his chair, falling flat on the floor. He reached a hand up to me and whispered, “C’mon you have to die, too. First born.”
I drew in a quick breath, feeling like I’d been gut-punched. “But I’m not.” I frowned down at him.
Ace’s brow furrowed. “You’re not?”
“No, I had an older brother.”
“Had?” Ace asked as his father apologized.
“I’m sorry, Darren. How did he…”
He was silenced by a hand on his arm. Seth’s hand. Poppa Lark looked down at it, and he must have realized what he’d been about to say because he changed his question.
“Um, is there anything special that your family does to remember him duringSeder?” he asked instead.
I shrugged. “We usually just take this opportunity to pray silently. Send him our love.”
“That’s a lovely gesture,” Momma Lark said, placing her hand on my arm, “and a very good idea. My own older brother passed away a few years ago.” She smiled indulgently at her husband.
“Let’s join hands then,” Poppa Lark said, extending his hands to Seth and Melody. My right hand was taken by Momma Lark, my left by Ace. His thumb slid back and forth along the back of my hand, and I bowed my head once again, letting my thoughts drift.
I’d only been seven when my brother passed away, my memory of him now mostly impressions. Still, I mourned for what was lost and murmured my thanks for what time we did have, that I loved him still and missed the sound of his laughter.
“Amen” echoed around the table, and I added my own. As I leaned back and glanced to my left, Seth caught my eye. I mouthed “Thank you,” and he dipped his head before looking away. Perhaps there was a chance for peace between us.
Chapter 11: Exodus
More so than any other holiday, I loved the food we ate at Passover: matzah ball soup, gefilte fish with horseradish,charosetwith its chunky apples and nuts. Momma Lark’s brisket was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the flourless desserts that Terry and Mrs. B. made were divine. Jake’s procurement of an assortment of kosher wines complemented the meal. By the end, I was thoroughly stuffed.
Ace and I continued to sit at the table nursing cups of coffee while the women gathered in the kitchen, doing the dishes and gossiping. JJ and Bunny were already down for the count when I overheard Seth say that he should see to getting Owen to bed. As he and Owen passed by, Seth slapped his hand down onto Ace’s shoulder and squeezed. Ace tilted back to look at him and patted his hand.
There’d been lots of friendly banter over dinner between the two of them. Most of it recalling the antics of their youth. Jake and Finn had accompanied the Lark family on several occasions when the family visited north. How the Lark parents had any hair left after trips with four or five young, rambunctious boys was beyond me.
Seth’s gaze slid to me, and he quickly dropped his hand, before moving past to continue down the hallway with Owen. Somehow, I’d have to find a way to let go of my anger towards him if I wanted my relationship with Ace to continue. Seth and Ace had been friends far too long for Ace to lose him. As Poppa Lark had pointed out, “old friends are like stars; not always seen, but always there.” I’d need to pack up my emotional baggage and have it make an exodus of its own.
Ace laid his hand on my thigh. “Everything alright?”
I covered his hand and slid it up close to my groin. Then I squeezed. Ace’s eyes opened wide. “Yes,” I breathed. “I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you so much for letting me spend it with your family.”
“Not all of it was wonderful.”
“True, but for the most part.” I sighed. “Look, I’m not going to let you give up your friendship with Seth because of me. I can see how much he means to you and your family, extended and all. Seth’s like a cousin; he’s family.”
Ace’s warm smile stoked the fire growing in my belly. His gaze suddenly shifted upwards, and I realized Seth was standing behind me.
“Yes, he is,” Ace said.
“Thank you, Darren,” Seth replied, touching my shoulder.
I froze. Words were okay, touching was not. I pinched my lips together and saw Ace frowning as I growled out a warning, “Remove your hand.” I’d said it discreetly, only loud enough for Seth and Ace to hear. The pressure of his hand disappeared from my body. My gaze never left Ace, who was staring at Seth with apprehension, his face a little pale.
“Seth,” I continued, my tone harsher than I’ve ever used, “my words may be sweet to Ace, but if you ever lay a hand on me again, be prepared to lose it. You understand me?”
“Yes,” he said quietly, and then in a louder voice, “I’m heading to bed, so I’ll say goodnight now.”
