Chapter 16
I slipped back into my assigned seat,
picking up my heavy silver spoon,
and diving into the warm lobster bisque,
as if nothing terrible had just happened.
Diane turned to me with a bright smile,
her eyes sparkling in the chandelier light,
and she placed her hand gently over mine.
Are you feeling alright,
she asked with genuine concern,
you look a little pale,
and your hands are completely freezing.
I am perfectly fine,
I lied smoothly,
taking a slow sip of the rich soup,
the hotel air conditioning is just a bit strong,
that is all.
She accepted my simple excuse,
and returning her attention to the stage,
where a local band had started playing soft jazz,
filling the room with a pleasant,
and relaxing melody.
I ate my expensive meal in total silence,
my stomach churning with intense anxiety,
and my mind constantly replaying the encounter,
with my broken,
and desperate son.
I had seen the deep pain in his eyes,
and the absolute terror when I threatened him,
but I refused to let it soften my hard heart,
reminding myself of the immense destruction,
he had caused our family five years ago.
I kept a watchful eye on the kitchen doors,
for the rest of the long evening,
half expecting him to burst into the room,
and cause a massive public scandal,
but the doors remained firmly closed,
and he did not reappear.
Another waiter took over his assigned section,
serving the main courses,
and pouring the red wine,
and Diane never noticed the sudden change,
in the catering staff.
When the gala finally ended near midnight,
we walked out into the cool night air,
waiting for the valet to bring our luxury car,
while the city lights glittered around us.
I scanned the dark shadows of the parking lot,
looking for any sign of a lingering figure,
but the streets were completely empty,
and the night was peaceful,
and remarkably quiet.
We drove home in a comfortable silence,
Diane resting her tired head against the window,
and I gripping the steering wheel tightly,
my knuckles turning completely white.
I had protected her tonight,
I had successfully defended our fragile peace,
but the victory felt strangely hollow,
and a bitter taste lingered in my dry mouth.
I parked the car in our secure garage,
and we walked into the dark,
and silent house,
the security system beeping softly to greet us.
I locked the heavy front door,
engaging the deadbolts,
and setting the complex alarm,
building my protective fortress,
higher and stronger than ever before.
Diane went upstairs to remove her beautiful makeup,
while I stayed down in the dark kitchen,
pouring myself a very large glass of scotch,
and drinking it quickly,
letting the strong alcohol burn my throat,
and numb my racing thoughts.
I had won the battle tonight,
but I knew deep down in my weary soul,
that the terrible war was far from over,
May you like
and Aaron would not disappear,
so easily.
