Page 123 of The Leaves In Autumn
“I’m going.”
“I’ll keep the table.”
I get up, take a sip of the vino, and head for the Donner Party. As I approach, they come to a stop, waiting for reinforcements. Van bounces his screaming, red-faced son. Mom tries to help with a wave of his stuffed animal, while Layla kisses Zane’s little hand. He isn’t having any of it. Dad wants to be somewhere quiet. I can tell. That’s how bad it is. When grandparents have had it, things are on another level. Glad my days of dealing with babies is over.
“So, it was a good trip, I take it? Hello, everyone!”
We exchange kisses and hugs. They are too exhausted to put their heart into it.
“I want to burn down the car rental place,” Van says.
“Let me take him,” I say, lifting Zane from his arms.
The kid’s sobs come to a stop. The fact that a virtual stranger is holding him stunned him quiet. He stares at me like if I make a wrong move, he will cut me. I see my brother all over his face.
“What the hell?” Dad says. “What did you do? We have been trying to get him to stop for an hour.”
“I have the touch. What happened at the rental?”
Layla answers.
“Our “van” is a small sedan. No seatbelts. That’s what.”
“Try getting luggage, a car seat, and four and a half people to fit.”
“Four and a half? He counts for two people.”
Dad’s comment starts to ease bad moods.
“Well, you’re here now. What do you think? It’s awesome, right?”
“Gorgeous.”
“It’s beautiful, son. I need to pee.Beforewe go to your new place. Head me in the right direction.”
“After that let’s get going. Okay? I need to change the baby and Mom has to take her pills.”
“That’s fine. A few of you can come with us. We brought our car, in case.”
“Thank the traveling gods in heaven,” Van says. “Zane was in danger of being left with strangers. The little shit.”
“Van!”
Fifteen minutes later, we are locked and loaded. Layla and Van follow us in the clown car. I don’t see an out-of-control Zane making trouble. He’s probably sleeping now. In his shitty diapers. They were not kidding. The car looks like it is about to die any minute. I go slow, to make sure it has kept up.
“You know, sometimes being the old folk has its advantages.”
Dad raises his hand out the car window and feels the breeze.
“Doesn’t this remind you of your grandparents, Gaston?” Mom asks. “The men in the front seat, the women in the back.”
“Why did that change? We are more important and should have preferential treatment.”
“I’ll give you preferential treatment. Bend over.”
He was poking for that and laughs. She chuckles too.
“Don’t be an ass, darling.”
