Page 47 of The Leaves In Autumn
Aurora attempts to make everyone happy. “That’s fine, Brianna. You can take some pictures!”
The girl doesn’t agree or disagree. A weak, fake grin tells us just how entertained she is by the family. Gaston is a dog with a stick.
“I’m just saying you’d love it. Somebody usually ends up mad or crying. It’s a great time!”
She looks at him like he is crazy to think she would choose to be part of such a plebeian activity.
Gaston has no patience with prissy women. Even young ones that his grandson is goo-goo over. Scarlett tries to prevent him from saying more. If in doubt, change the direction of the conversation.
“What about you, Jillian? Are you going to play?”
“Oh yeah! Just point me in the right direction. I’m going to love annihilating the other teams! Does anyone have a clip or rubber band to put my hair back?”
“That’s the spirit!”
“And I already know Kyle is in. Teddy told me your family likes games too.”
“We do! Teddy is always beating my dad at cards. It’s so funny.”
Now the patriarch is happy again. He has identified the girls most likely to fit in with the family’s idea of fun. Tyler has a self-satisfied look on his face. He pleased the pride’s leader. David is well aware he chose the wrong date. Teddy and Kyle are looking at their phones and showing each other something that makes them laugh. And Sam? Every time I look at him, he’s looking at Chloe. Goo goo ga ga.
Aurora gives final instructions.
“The Heftys are on the porch in the big wicker basket by the door. There are holes for your arms and head. The water pistols are in the box next to the steps. I know a few have brought yours. For the others, take one and get in place with your team member. We make a circle on the lawn. Nobel will tell you.”
Aargon speaks up.
“Barbra and I brought ours too. I’ll get them out of the car.”
He rises and gives a pointed look to his father. “And don’t even say it. Van and Layla brought their favorites.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything! Good for you! You’re going to need any advantage you can find.”
“Good, Dad. Keep thinking you have a chance.”
The war begins. Gauntlets are laid.
“Aurora, make sure we get the green ones!”
“Already done, love. I took them out of the pile this morning.”
He takes her in his arms and gives her a thank you smackeroo and spanks her ass.
Dove gives a final instruction. “Make sure no one lets the dog out!”
“Let’s go!”
Aargon leads the way as we pile out of the house. To the person, we are holding Margo back. Sometimes it takes two of us. Nobel makes sure all the outdoor lights are on, and the music is set to start. Every year since Layla and I have been around, the music is the same. The holiday’s patriotic playlist replaced by songs fromApocalypseNow. It always starts with the most dramatic,TheRideofTheValkyrieswhich segues into Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Suzie Q.”
The newbies have no idea to what depth this family plays. Without hesitation, Aurora loses her skirt, revealing bike shorts. Tennis shoes that wait under her chair are donned. The bracelets come off and are placed on a window ledge. Gaston peels off the jeans and has the same black shorts. Ridding himself of the shirt, he goes commando up top.
The rest of us are prepared. We layered, chose wisely, and limited extras we couldn’t take off. We prepare for battle. Gaston beats his chest. Aargon returns with our old school weapons, hands one over, then strikes a pose, Super Soaker in air.
“I love the smell of water in the night!”
All participants ready themselves with the Heftys. We look like idiots. Happy idiots. All but Brianna that is. She has taken a seat and takes a posting selfie with her phone.
Aurora leads the way off the porch, and onto the wide lawn. We follow and make a big circle of our bodies. I look at Aargon.
