A family spiraling out of control.
A child forced to grow up too fast.
Is there any room left for a young girl to find herself?


Chapter 3 – Seeds of Destruction

 

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Author's Note: To his dismay Carl is growing into the young man his parents are proud of. But the first cracks in the family’s foundations are appearing. As ever please be tolerant of my failings, and forthright with your criticism. ~Persephone
 
Photo by  Christopher Campbell on Unsplash
© Persephone 2019

~o~O~o~

There was a family tradition in the McCarrick household to welcome the start of the summer vacation. The Friday after everyone finished school Dad came home early and started up the barbecue. Then, throughout the afternoon, they’d chuck a football or frisbee around the yard, talk about their plans for the summer, and generally relax. At regular intervals each would get called into the house, where they had to present their grade cards to their parents. The order they went was decided by lots, although they were free to swap amongst themselves if they chose.

Mom and Dad had always made it a point that grades were between them and the child, and not a matter for public praise or censure, unless they chose to share. As a result the rest of the siblings usually made a game out of guessing until their own turn came.

Kath was the first who bounded out of the house with a grin on her face.

“So, who guessed what?” She stared expectantly at her brothers. “Jimmy?”

“Three point oh.”

“Sean?”

“Two point seven.” He smirked.

She pouted at that. “Carl?”

“Three point four.”

“Yay! Carl wins. On the nose!”

“Jimmy, your turn.” Mom called out from the kitchen.

“Luck Bro’.”

By the end of the afternoon Carl had called three for three as he waited his own turn to be summoned.

“How do you do it li’l bro?” Jimmy sprawled on the grass next to him.

“It’s the same as you all got last year. Well except Sean, but guessing he’d drop a couple of grades wasn’t exactly rocket science.”

Jimmy chuckled. “Go on, you may as well start heading for the door before they…”

“Carl, your turn.” Mom called out, leaving Jimmy rolling on the lawn in laughter.

Carl was almost hopping as he waited for his parents to finish reading his card. His first clue was the slow smile that spread across his father’s face. “Well son, I think you’ve made us both proud this year.”

“So, how did I do? Where did I drop?”

“Well, your French score suggests that you may not be looking for a job in the State Department…”

Mom interrupted, “Brian stop teasing! Honey, you got a three point seven. All A minuses, with a B plus in French and, as usual, an A plus in Math. So, unless you’re planning on going to France we couldn’t be happier.”

“You’ve grown up a lot this year son. It took guts to get on the swimming team, especially in grade six, and you’ve also demonstrated a lot of maturity in setting up and running your own business and… well, dealing with other things.” Dad trailed off, looking to his wife to rescue him.

“What we’re saying is, if you keep this up, we think things are looking bright for you, and we are so very proud of what you have achieved,” Mom came round the table to give Carl a gentle hug. “So, what are your plans for the summer?”

“Well, once my rib’s better, swimming and self defense classes obviously. Uh, I also want to try and grow the business, try out some new ideas, whilst I’ve got time you know? It’s fun and I think it’s a useful thing to learn. It also feels good to make my own money without mooching off you guys.”

“You do not mooch off us honey!”

Carl grimaced. “I think that sorta came out wrong Mom. It’s like I’m learning to stand on my own two feet and paying my way. Makes me feel, more adult I guess. Dad, you know what I mean.” Carl appealed to his father.

“Yeah, I get it. And that’s what I meant about being mature. But don’t forget to have fun too. You’re still only twelve. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to grow up son.”

When Carl got back out in the yard it was Kath who won the guessing game this time; to the derisive whoops of his brothers. Then Dad came out to start searing large chunks of cow for everyone, and the family settled down to enjoy the warm summer evening together. It wasn’t until Carl eventually crawled into bed late that night that he thought about the third part of his plans for the summer. He was almost ready.

As usual, Sunday morning had Mom rousting out the troops and running the inspection line so that they all arrived at church looking respectable, respectful and suitably devout. For a change Carl actually paid attention throughout the service and found himself in silent prayer, giving thanks for his blessings. He still daren’t pray for his special wish; the scars from his grandfather’s sermon, and the congregations’ responses, were still too tender. Instead he remembered his promise to a young marine and bowed his head.

After the service, and with the thoughts of Michael Braybrooke still on his mind, he spotted Charlie. Without thinking Carl grabbed Kath’s hand and headed over.

“Hi Charlie!”

“Oh hi, Carl isn’t it?” Charlie asked cautiously.

“Yeah,” Carl grinned, ”and this is my little sis, Kath.”

“Hi Charlie.”

“Charlie, we were wondering, would it be okay to write to Michael? Kath thought it’d be nice to send him some cookies or something.” Carl plowed on, ignoring the strange looks he was getting from his sister. “So, do you have an address we can write him if that’s alright?”

“Huh? Oh, sure. He’d appreciate that. Just don’t send chocolate chip, they melt in the heat he tells me. Let me go and get the address from the ‘rents.” Charlie headed off to find his parents, still looking slightly puzzled.

“Carl, why did you say it was my idea?”

“Well, if you’d thought of it you’d want to do it right?”

“I guess.”

“And you wouldn’t want our marines overseas to miss out on cookies right?”

“Umm, no.”

“And of course, if we are in the nice air conditioned kitchen all this afternoon, we’re not getting hot, dirty and sticky doing the chores in the yard that dad has planned right?”

Kath began to grin. “I like your thinking big bro.”

“And finally, I’m too old to lick out the cookie dough bowl, so you’d have to struggle with it alone.”

Kath bounced in excitement before letting loose an unladylike bellow around the hall.

“MOM, CARL AND ME ARE MAKING COOKIES FOR CHARLIE’S MARINE BIG BRO THIS AFTERNOON. OKAY?”

Carl winced. “Why did you have to shout? We could have asked later.” He hissed.

“Yeah, but after everyone heard me, how could Mom dare say no?” She replied cheekily.

Carl burst out laughing. “You are one seriously devious munchkin Sis. I’m proud of you!”

It was no surprise that both Kath and Carl got a serious telling off for Kath’s outburst. It was also no surprise that the family stopped at Walmart for baking supplies on the way home. After lunch Carl and Kath set up in the kitchen under their mother’s supervision.

“Have you decided what type of cookies you’re going to make?”

“Walnut and Coffee,” decided Kath. “They won’t melt in the heat, and they’ll be good for staying awake during the night.”

“Carl?”

“I’m going for gingerbread men.” He smirked as Dad came in to grab a glass of water.

“Go on.” Mom prodded. “You know you really want to tell me why.”

“Well, I figured Michael isn’t an officer or sergeant yet. So he and his guys probably get bossed around a lot. So I kinda thought I could use those food dyes to paint on ranks like a gunny sergeant or a captain. Then, when he’s hacked off with being bossed around too much, he can bite their leg off.”

At the sink there was a snort and sudden spray of water all over the side.

“I’m not sure that’s wise Carl.” Mom started to suggest, looking askance at her husband curled up in hysterics. Eventually Dad managed to get a word out.

“Honey, it’s great! When I was in the Guard we’d have killed to get cookies like that. I promise, you will really make Michael’s day with those,” as he spoke, Brian noted the pout forming on his daughters lips, “and cookies to help stay awake when on sentry duty at night? Another great idea. Now that’s the sort of care package guys wish they got. Well done both of you.” Then he quickly slipped out of the kitchen before his mouth got him into even more trouble.

So it was that after dinner two dozen of each were finally baked, decorated, packed and addressed; along with a letter from Carl and Kath.

Dad took charge of the parcel. “I’ll drop it off at the post office on my way to work tomorrow guys. You did real good today and I know he’ll appreciate them. Now, it’s time for you to get ready for bed. Night night.”

“Night Dad.”

“Night Daddy.”

Unexpectedly Brian received two tired hugs. He’d thought Carl was getting too old for that sort of thing but there he was, right next to his sister. Ahh, that was it. Brian decided with some relief. He was giving his sister a hug too. Not typical for teen boys, but not something to worry about.

~o~O~o~

For the first three weeks of the vacation Carl chafed against his enforced idleness whilst his rib mended. Being stuck ‘confined to quarters’ as Dad called it, sucked. There was only so much work he could do on his comics business, and as yet he hadn’t come up with an idea for something new. Worse, being round the house all day meant that Mom saw him as a source of free labor. He’d become an unwilling expert in vacuuming, ironing and swabbing out the toilets. The only bright spot was when he received a long email from L/Cpl M. Braybrooke.

When he opened it the first thing he saw was a picture of Michael and four of his squad, all biting the heads off gingerbread men with hash marks all up their arms. The caption had Carl letting out a guffaw.

‘Revenge is sweet.’

The guys in the squad had all thought his idea was brilliant and begged for more. Michael went on. ‘We were caught chowing down on them by the Master Sergeant, who immediately confiscated the company and battalion commander cookies. He also said that in future parcels, he expected to see a couple of full bird colonels and at least one one star general with his name on them. So, from all the guys here in Second Squad, Third Platoon, A Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion USMC, you and Kath did real good. Thank you.’ He also included a bunch more pictures, mainly of guys goofing off or playing with a stray pup they’d sort of been adopted by, nicknamed ‘Hoover’, ‘After the vacuum, not J.Edgar. The mutt eats anything!’

With a warm glow Carl printed off a copy and took it downstairs to show Mom. He found her sitting in the kitchen, staring at a pile of ironing waiting to be done. “Hey mom. You’ll never guess. I got a reply from Michael!” He handed it over with a grin.

“That’s nice dear. He didn’t get into any trouble with the cookies did he?”

“Nah, they all thought it was great!”

Marie smiled tiredly at her son, envious of his energy. “We’ll pin it up so everyone can see it later. And I guess we need to do some more baking then?”

“Please Mom.” Carl agreed with a grin, then bounced back upstairs to his room.

After weeks of racking his brain for ideas, it was only when he caught a story on the local news channel, that Carl finally spotted an opportunity for his business empire. Then he pretty much vanished for the next few days into his work room. Finally Dad came down to roust him out. “Hey kiddo, I know you’re healing up, but don’t you think you ought to be getting out in the fresh air rather than stuck inside playing computer games? You turning into a hobbit down here?”

“I wish Dad. I’ve been doing research. Here, look.” Carl twisted his laptop so Brian could see the screen.

“Umm, what am I looking at?”

“You remember on Thursday there was that story on the news? The one about all the college students getting ready for the new semester?” Carl asked. “Did you know that there are over a quarter of million college students here in LA County? Anyway, I got to thinking, thousands of them would be away from home for the first time, living on their own without their mom and dad.”

“Okay, I see that. So how does this turn into a business opportunity?”

“That’s what I’ve been doing for the last few days Dad. There’s all sorts of stuff we take for granted living at home. Like first aid kits, torches, cleaning stuff, pens, envelopes, stamps, toilet paper, blank CDs, notebooks and all sorts of stuff. So I’ve been researching what the most commonly missed items new students forget to bring with them are.”

“As I said, how does this turn into a business opportunity son?”

“We make up kits with the most common items and ship them out. Most of the students end up sending back home for stuff. This way their parents can beat them to the punch and make sure little Johnny or Janey are all ready and focussing on their classes.” Carl paused as his dad chewed over his idea. “Anyway, we buy in bulk, put the kits together in a nice case, ship them direct and mark them the heck up. What do you think?”

“It’ll cost to buy the stuff first, and there’s no guarantees you’ll make your money back. And how are you going to let customers know about the kits?”

“I figure it would only cost about eleven hundred bucks to get started and I’ve got that in the account, even after taking out my college fund. I’d advertise on Facebook, Twitter and stuff. Yeah, it’s risky, but you gotta ‘speculate to accumulate’ right?”

Dad frowned, unconvinced. “I’ll think about it son.”

But Carl wasn’t going to back down so easily. “Dad, it’s my money. I’m not asking for a handout.” He pressed on. “If I’m wrong I’m still nearly two thousand up on my college fund, and we won’t have to buy band aids or bathroom wipes for years.”

“And if it takes off and you get swamped with orders?”

Carl shrugged. “It’s the vacation. It won’t affect my grades. And if it gets too busy I’ll hire Kath to help put the kits together. That’ll also stop her pestering you for a raise in her allowance.”

“It still seems risky. Okay, I’ll let you do it, but no complaints if it all goes wrong understand?”

By the end of the first month Kath was making forty dollars a week, and taking immense pleasure in rubbing her eldest brothers’ noses in it. Right up until Mom stepped in and decreed she could only have ten dollars and the rest would go into a savings account. Carl just grinned and started thinking about how to squirrel more away from his dad’s notice.

Carl’s six week sentence finally came to an end, so he and Mom headed for the local hospital to get the all clear.

“No pain when breathing deeply? Okay. Now twist to your right… now the left. Now try to touch your toes without bending your knees, now reach up on tippy toes to the ceiling. Good.” Doctor Alderson nodded. “It looks like you are all set Carl. So what have you got planned for the rest of the summer?”

“Uh, back to swimming I guess. I’m also going to start self defense lessons with my little sister.”

“Take it carefully with that young man. I don’t want to see you back here in a couple of weeks, understand?”

“Yes sir.”

“Okay, you’re good to go.”

Carl had pulled his tee back over his head and stood to go before his mom spoke up. “Doctor Alderson? If you have a moment or two could I speak to you about something else?” She asked nervously.

“Certainly Mrs. McCarrick. Carl, why don’t you take a seat in the waiting room for a minute?”

It was more like thirty minutes than ‘a moment or two’ when Mom finally came out of Doctor Alderson’s office. “I’ll have the results rushed through and will give you a call before the end of the week Mrs. McCarrick. In the meantime try to get some rest.”

Carl followed his mom out to the parking lot and settled himself in the van. “Is everything okay Mom?” He asked tentatively.

“Umm? Oh! Of course it is sweetie. I’ve just been a bit tired lately. There’s nothing to worry about.” Then she lapsed into silence for the rest of the ride home, leaving Carl feeling unnerved and unsure. However, by that evening Carl’s earlier concerns lifted as he saw that Mom was once again smiling and cheerful whilst she put out dinner for her family.

Finally Saturday afternoon rolled around and it was time for Carl’s first self defense lesson. “Right guys, into the…” Dad stopped as he spotted Kath and Carl already in their seats and belted in. He chuckled, “I guess you guys are eager to get started then? Alright, let’s get this show on the road.”

Ten minutes later they were walking into the school, or ‘Dojo’, according to Dad.

“Wow!” Kath whispered as she gaped at the gold and scarlet carvings and the banners hanging from the ceilings, and Carl couldn’t help but agree; it was like stepping inside the set of an ancient Kung Fu movie.

“Welcome to the Shaolin temple Kung Fu school.” A voice kindly interrupted their sightseeing from behind. The family turned to see a lithe young man dressed in a simple black tunic and pants. “As you can see we take our heritage very seriously. You must be the McCarrick family?” He smiled when Dad nodded. “I am Master Torrence, but while you are here you two will address me as Sifu,” he added, looking straight at Kath and Carl.

“Uh, yes sir, I mean Sifu.” Carl ducked a bow like he’d seen on TV.

Master Torrence’s smile grew wider. “A good try young man. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to do it properly, and a lot more, over the coming months. Shall we take a tour? Feel free to ask any questions you want as we go round.”

Two hours later Dad carefully bundled two tired and sweaty children back into the van. “So, what do you guys think?”

Carl had a grin from ear to ear. “It was brilliant Dad! Did you see the speed some of those guys moved?”

“So you want to come again?”

“He..ck yeah!”

“And what do you think sweetheart?” He turned to his daughter.

“It was really cool. Some of the moves were like stuff we do in ballet. It’s a bit like dancing isn’t it?”

Dad chuckled. “I’d never thought of ballet as a martial art before. But what about you? Do you want to do this?”

She glanced across at her brother. “As long as Carl’s going to come too.”

“I’ll take that as a yes then. Now let’s get you two home. If we’re late for dinner your mom will have my hide.” As he said it, Carl noticed the small frown that flickered momentarily across Dad’s face.

“Is everything okay Dad? Is something wrong?”

“What? Oh, no. I just remembered a chore for later. Now, do you think you’ve done enough to earn ice cream tonight?”

“Yay! Chocolate chip!” Kath, the little mercenary, cheered.

Over the rest of the summer Carl barely saw his elder brothers outside of meal times. Jimmy seemed to spend all his time round at the homes of other members of the junior varsity squad, or at school taking part in the pre-season conditioning program. When he did get home it was to slump exhausted in front of the TV playing wall to wall ESPN.

In contrast, Sean had been ‘volunteered’ as the unpaid assistant of Reverend Fuller. At the dinner table getting details of his day was like getting blood from a stone, but seemed to revolve around helping out at the church’s food bank and with various community groups. As soon as dinner was over he would vanish upstairs and the sounds of electronic carnage would filter back down to the living room. As yet no had mentioned anything to Carl about moving back in with Sean, so he kept his mouth shut and hoped everyone had forgotten about it.

~o~O~o~

In truth, Carl was so busy that he didn’t have time to worry too much about what the rest of his family were doing. With all the swimming practice and studying Kung Fu, his body, whilst still not bulking up, was definitely more toned; whilst the constant repetition of the training katas were slowly changing the typically gawky tweens’ movements into something more graceful and fluid. He made a point of dragging Kath out into the yard every morning, where together they spent half an hour working through their katas, much to the ribald amusement of their brothers. He didn’t bother reminding Sean that he was the reason that Carl was training so hard.

When he wasn’t off swimming or training, his family quickly realized that if they needed him, Carl would be in his underground lair. Dad had been shocked at how quickly Carl’s business had taken off. Then, after he’d spent some time with his son, was equally shocked when he realized how much of it was down to solid hard graft and a natural business talent.

“I’m going to start calling you ‘the Carl’”. He joked. “So why is the business called ‘Sassy’. Sounds a bit girly to me son.”

“Most of our customers are girls Dad. That, or the parents of girls who worry about their daughters.” Carl explained. “A fair bit of the stuff in the kits usually can only be found in big hardware stores, like those spare fuses and the insulating tape. Not exactly teen girl friendly. It stands for ‘Students At college Sensible Survival Equipment’.”

“Uh, that doesn’t spell ‘Sassy’.”

“It doesn’t have to Dad, that’s why its called Marketing. ” Carl snickered.

“I swear honey, that kid is going to be a millionaire before he graduates from college the way he’s going.” Brian told his wife as they settled down in bed that night. “I never would have thought it, but it’s like he’s got the golden touch or something.”

“So, how much has our budding Warren Buffet made so far?” She cuddled in to his shoulder.

“Let’s see if I can remember it all. We’ve put five thousand into his college fund. There’s another fifteen hundred in inventory. Three thousand or so in cash; he says we need that for his next idea and taxes. Oh, and he insisted on buying the outfits and paying the tuition for his and Kath’s Kung Fu lessons for the year, that’s another thirteen fifty. All up? I guess about twelve thou.”

Marie turned and looked at her husband in shock. “Twelve thousand dollars? In five months? You are keeping a close eye on this aren’t you? How much has he taken for himself?”

Brian chuckled. “You won’t believe me.”

“Go on.”

“In the last five months he’s drawn a hundred and eighty dollars.”

“A hundred and eighty a month? That’s way too much!”

“No honey, that’s a hundred and eighty in total. He’s paid his sister more than that in the last six weeks. When I asked if he wanted more, you know what he said? He told me that he hasn’t got time to spend money, he’s too busy having fun making it!” Brian snickered.

“Well it sounds like he’s already got a good head on his shoulders. I just wish his brothers were as sensible. Especially with…” She lapsed into silence and hugged her husband tighter.

Brian lay back and gently stroked his wife’s hair for several long moments. “Do you think we should tell the kids honey?” He waited, listening to Marie’s breathing.

At length Marie let out a long sigh. “Not yet dear. I’m not ready to tell them yet,” then she turned her face away and turned out the light.

The following afternoon Kath and Carl were busy down in the cellar putting kits together.

“Do we have more of the memory sticks?”

“Third shelf, second box on the left Sis.” Carl didn’t bother looking up from his laptop.

She grabbed a handful from the box and continued neatly putting the kits together.

“Carl?”

“Uh huh.”

“Can we talk for a bit?”

“Sure.”

“No, I mean like really talk, talk?”

Carl glanced up, and seeing the look on his sister’s face, saved his work and pushed the laptop to one side. “What’s up Sis?”

Kathleen continued fussing with the boxes she had in front of her for a few moments. Straightening and smoothing their already neat contents. “Have you looked at Mom recently? I mean really looked at her?”

He was about to make a flippant comeback, then stopped himself. “You mean, like looking tired?”

“She’s lost weight too. I know she is smiling and stuff at dinner, but … it’s like she’s trying too hard you know?”

“I’m sure if something was wrong Mom and Dad would tell us wouldn’t they? I mean, we’re family. We look out for each other. That’s what Dad always tells us.”

“I guess.” Kath didn’t sound convinced.

“Listen, it’s probably having all of us home over the summer. And then there was all the stress and stuff with Dog breath. I bet she’s just tired.“ Carl thought for a moment. “I’ll tell you what. Let’s both not say anything just yet. But we’ll keep an eye on her, and try and help out more around the house okay? Sound like a plan?”

Kath gave a small smile. “Yeah, sounds like a plan Bee Bee Bee.”

“Uh, what? Bee Bee Bee?”

“Or three-bee,” She grinned at the look of confusion on his face. “Best big bro silly!”

The other thing that drew Kath and Carl together were the care and cookie packages they put together for L/Cpl Braybrooke and his squad. Kath even had a go at making special doggie cookies for Hoover. The return email had a video attached with the mutt performing tricks just for her, while the guys goofed around, doing Scooby Doo impersonations off camera. Carl also managed to slip in some bits and pieces he thought might be useful, or that Michael had mentioned. One of the most popular was a small diamond edged sharpening stone, which Michael assured him was something the Corps hadn’t got round to issuing but damn well ought to.

It was rare that a week went by without the two of them exchanging letters or emails. Carl even got Michael and the squad to advise him on stuff to put in the kits. Some of the suggestions were sensible. The rest were… well, not something to share with Mom.

By the end of the summer Carl had decided that Michael was becoming like another big brother to Kath and he, without the annoying bits like hogging the remote, and told him so. Michael’s reply was merely to tell him the dates he would be home on R&R, with a request that the two of them join the Braybrooke family for the welcome home party.

As the new school year approached Carl had another sit down with his dad. “Everything’s going great at the moment Dad, but I’m a bit worried for when we are all at school during the day. You remember there have been a couple of times when we almost missed deliveries because everyone was out?”

“Oh, yeah, that wouldn’t be good.”

“If it’s okay with you, I want to ask Mr Barnes at the Seven Eleven if he’d be willing to act as the delivery address? We’ve known him for years through church, and Carol used to baby sit us remember? Well, I thought I could pay him a few dollars for every delivery. That way we’d know we got everything, no matter what time the courier turned up. Unlike that guy who got you out of bed at six thirty on a Saturday morning.” Carl snickered.

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense. But make sure he understands that it’s a business deal. He’s got to make a living too.”

“Got it Dad. I’ll call in on him tomorrow.”

The other changes Carl made would definitely not have been agreed by Dad, and if he was found out it would raise an unholy row that would make Sean’s idiocy look like a kindergarten spat. Regardless, he decided to press ahead anyway. If necessary he was sure he could come up with a cover story that might ‘sorta’ work.

Carl knew that Dad didn’t really get how PayPal worked and he just took notice of the money Carl pushed through to his checking account. So that weekend Carl changed both the password and email notification address on the account. A week later Dad still hadn’t noticed anything, so Carl took the next step and ordered a pre-pay Credit/Debit card with the name ‘Ms C McCarrick’ to be delivered to the Seven Eleven. As soon as it arrived Carl hid it with his other treasures, then linked it to the PayPal account.

For the next few months small transfers started appearing on the account. Fifteen or twenty dollars here and there, for stamps or service fees or something similar, steadily siphoned off the three thousand dollars he’d left sitting with PayPal rather than sending it to his Dad’s bank.

What did the ‘C’ on the card stand for?

Cassandra.

Whatever happened next, she was committed.

~o~O~o~

With the start of the new school year came the start of seventh grade and, for Carl, some unexpected changes. Over the summer the school and police had completed their investigations into Carls attack. They didn’t have enough to press criminal charges against the three boys directly responsible, but the staff had strong enough suspicions about who had been involved. As a result all four (including Sean) were split up into different home rooms and their schedules adjusted so they never shared a class. They were also told in no uncertain terms that the teachers would be watching them like hawks.

A second change was his welcome back onto the swimming squad. His regular training over the summer, when some of the others had taken it easy, had paid dividends. At the first squad session back Coach Andrews had put them all through their paces, leaving more than a few team members red faced and exhausted when he finally called a halt and sent them all to the showers. It took Carl a serious effort of will to even haul himself out of the pool as Coach approached.

“Well I was going to ask if you were fully recovered, but by the performance you just put in that’s a bit pointless really isn’t it? Good to see you back McCarrick.” Mister Andrews clapped him on the shoulder.

“Uh… thanks… uh….Coach.” He managed to gasp out.

“So what did you do that helped you improve so much? You looked like an eel out there.”

“Uh… apart from… the stuff you set. I, uh… took up Kung Fu Coach. They worked on my balance and… stuff a lot.”

“Interesting. It’s made a difference. I might need to look into it. Go on, get yourself off to the showers son.”

So Carl found himself promoted from the squad onto the full team to represent the school in Butterfly and Backstroke.

The last change left Carl unsure about how to handle it. Whilst previously, he had either been avoided as ‘one of those McCarricks’, or ignored as a gawky nerd, the changes over the summer suddenly made him a target for a fair number of his years female students, who now decided that his dark looks and reserved demeanor made him something of a mysterious dark horse; especially when rumors about the success of his online business began to spread. In the end he turned to two unlikely advisers to help him navigate his way through the reefs and shoals of talking to girls.

“… so what should I do?” He plaintively asked his little sister.

“How should I know? It’s going to be years before Mom and Dad even think about letting me have a boyfriend.”

“But you must talk about boys. Don’t you? I thought all girls did.”

“Only to warn each other which ones are the creeps. Nah, we’ve got better things to do.” She snorted. “Do we need any more of the ‘Guy’ kits or are all the rest for girls? We’re running out of those mini shaving cream cans.”

In desperation Carl sent an email to Michael.

He got a reply the next night.

Carl,

Been there, done that, got the tee. I’m honored you asked me, so I’ll take my duties as honorary big bro seriously. I’ll make it simple, and keep to stuff I wish I’d known at your age. Ready? Here goes.

Rule One. Keep your hands to yourself and your eyes off her tits.
Rule Two. Be respectful. Listen to her. Treat her as a person.
Rule Three. Make her laugh. Pay her compliments. Be honest with her.
Rule Four. You’re equals but different. Don’t be bossed around. Don’t boss her around.

I had a couple of the more mature guys I trust check this over. They agree with me.

Now go and knock ‘em dead!

The really big news wasn’t in East Side Middle School though; it was at Oak Vale High. Jimmy came home bursting with news only a week into the semester.

“You’re not going to believe this Dad!” He exclaimed at dinner.

“What am I not going to believe?”

“You know Charlie Braybrooke? The brother of the guy Carl and Kath have been writing to?”

“I’ve seen him in church with his family. Doesn’t he help out with the youth group?”

“Not for much longer. He got outed to the whole school as a queer!”

“You sure son? That’s a pretty nasty accusation to make.”

“Yeah I’m sure. He even admitted it! The school started shoving all that equality and diversity crap down our throats immediately after.” Jimmy scowled.

“Jimmy!”

“Uh, sorry Mom.”

“There’s no need for that sort of language, despite the provocation.” Mom reminded him before continuing, “I feel so sorry for his mother. Karen must be mortified. And what must his brother think? Carl, do you think Michael knows?”

“Me Mom? Uh, No idea. We don’t write about that sort of stuff. He hasn’t said anything.”

“Well then don’t mention it. The last thing he needs is that sort of family disgrace hanging over him while he’s serving his country. Promise me Carl! And you too Kathleen.”

“Uh, promise Mom.”

“Me too Mom.”

“Thank you dears.” Mom gave a strained smile. “I wonder if we’ll see them at church anymore? I always liked Karen. Such a shame.” She mused.

The conversation dragged on through dinner. Mainly from Sean and Jimmy making off color jokes, while Kath and Carl kept quiet. They were both closer to Michael and, on the few occasions he had mentioned Charlie in his letters, he’d always sounded so proud of his brother. As soon as the table was cleared Carl headed down into his work room. Not to work, as he had told Dad, but to get away as he sorted out his feelings and thoughts.

He stared blankly at the computer screen.

Nothing had changed in three years. His family would still hate him if he told, just as they now despised Charlie. Yeah, Mom and Dad had said nice things about him at the start of the summer, but only because they didn’t know the truth. Did he have the courage to do what Charlie had done? God, Charlie was brave. Did his family hate him too? Did Michael?

Carl couldn’t see Michael being as nasty as Sean would be, but would he be disappointed in his little brother? Carl had always liked Charlie. At the social club he’d always been nice, even when he was trying to keep control over a dozen noisy kids.

His mind pin-balled off in a new direction. What will Michael think about me? What will Kath think? Dare I go on, or should I stop now and try to hide what I’ve already started? Carl chewed on that for a few minutes. Could he wait until he was eighteen when he could escape? Could he cope with the testosterone poison seeping into his body and soul, all the whilst smiling for Mom and Dad, being the dutiful son? Or was the siren song of Cassandra already so strong that he had no choice but to allow himself to be pulled to his, no her, fate, regardless of the consequences? Could he keep the deception going long enough to allow her to escape?

He’d already taken so many chances. What else could he do? Get a girlfriend? Gail Johnson was sort of coming on strong and making all sorts of hints he recalled. That would please Mom and Dad, and Dog breath would have to choke himself on his nasty comments. She’d be great camouflage.

Carl closed down his laptop and headed upstairs to get ready for bed. Yeah, he’d talk to Gail tomorrow. Spend some time and get to know her better. Introduce her to Mom and Dad eventually.

But was he being fair to Gail?